by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
Although the thrill of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta might be gone for some locals, it's quite a sight for students from other countries.
"I think this is one of the greatest events, not only for the United States, but for the whole world," exchange student Masha Sotmikova said.
Sotmikova said she had heard of the event in Russia, where she is from, and she's glad she finally got to witness it.
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"Because I'm new here, I saw this for the first time in my life," she said. "I guess I don't know if I'll ever see anything like this again."
She said the event demonstrated American values she has seen since coming here at the beginning of the semester - family, friends, food and good times.
"I think it is very typical of America to create this atmosphere," she said. "For (Americans), I feel they think it is very important."
Pictures of the balloon glow did not prepare student Fernanda Canever for the real thing
Sunday night.
"It was really cool when everybody started counting down, and then everybody started screaming," said Canever, who is from Brazil. "I had no idea what it was going to be like."
Student Rafaela Copetti, of Brazil, said she met a crew from her country at the opening ceremonies and will interpret for them throughout the week.
Copetti said nothing in Brazil compares to Albuquerque's fiesta.
"In Brazil, there is a festival, but there are only 30 balloons," she said. "Nobody actually knows about it."
Copetti said the coordination of the balloon launch was
impressive.
"A lot of balloons going up at the same time, and none of them running into each other," she said. "I thought it was very organized."
Student Felipe Montes, a New Mexico native, said he doesn't have any reason to go to the Balloon Fiesta.
"You just watch a balloon go up. You might as well just drive and watch it float," he said. "I've got better things to do at 5 in the morning than watch a balloon and freeze."
