Balloons symbolize our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. On September 19, 1783 Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The first beings ever to embark on a hot air balloon ride were not humans, but a sheep, rooster and a duck. This strange assortment of animals were, in 1783, chosen to man the first hot air balloon, which was set to fly high above Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in the French court of Versatile. The balloon was connected to a tether and reached heights of 1500 feet. It travelled two miles before making a safe landing for everyone. Hot air balloon rides are almost always followed by a glass or two of champagne, which most people think is just a nice way of rounding out a special event. However, the truth of the matter is much more interesting – Champagne was offered after flights in order to appease French farmers, who were none too happy about the balloons of the aristocracy landing in their fields.
