This was an amazing experience! I would do it again, and change absolutely nothing! I loved our pilot Jonathan, and the crew Rosie and Anthony. It was even so fun to watch them work, and they were fun and personable. The experience, floating a mile above the ground, the silence surrounding you, speaks for itself.
Most people worry about being crammed into a basket with strangers - but the basket is divided and we were only in sections with people we knew - they took special care to group us together which was nice, and took so much worry out of the experience. Plus, one of our group members was initially anxious and terrified about the unknown of going up in a balloon - but Jonathan made her feel so comfortable, made her laugh, and before we were off the ground she was no longer afraid!
But it takes talent and effort from the crew from start to finish to make the experience truly memorable. I'm hooked and will be seeking out Hot Air Balloon experiences everywhere I travel, and hope to ride with Jonathan again soon!