I loved Tanzania – we flew over hungry lions in a national park
I
can still remember my first flight, in 2002. It was magical. I was working as a tour guide in Myanmar. I met a British balloon pilot called Phil, who had a spare place on a flight. He offered to take me, too.
I don’t particularly enjoy flying in planes, but this was different. We floated gently with the wind, out in the open air. There was no turbulence. It was so serene and picturesque as we flew over temples. I immediately fell in love with ballooning.
I never dreamed that I’d become a pilot myself. Growing up in Germany, I thought I might become a doctor, but a backpacking trip through China after high school sparked my passion for travel. After university, I led tours and hiking trips through Asia and around the UK. It was hard work, but I loved it.
