Ballooning

### The Ivan Kristoff's Flying Experience with Hot Air Balloons Now, however, we shift from the sports theme to something connected to people who love to travel and explore tourism. If they happen to be in Rila over the weekend, they will witness something unique. The upcoming event features seven hot air balloons soaring over the Seven Rila Lakes. The idea for this flight came from Ivan Kristoff, who proposed it to Plamen Miryanov, while a small team of passionate air enthusiasts made it a reality. Two of them were met by Velina Kasheva and Ivan Kristov. Flying—one of humanity’s oldest dreams—can now be fulfilled in so many ways. Ivan Kristoff shares firsthand experiences of many of them. Known to the world as the "Spider-Man," he has conquered numerous locations, from the deepest cave in Bulgaria to the tallest tower in the world. He has saved many lives in mid-air. At some point, you reach the level where beyond the highest towers, only the sky remains. Our sky, our limit. But to me, the sky has no limits. That’s why my passion for flight, along with that of my friends, unites us in this endeavor. Ivan says that in the air, his heart beats more calmly, and that all problems come from the ground. Having lived abroad for many years, he is now returning to show everyone how beautiful Bulgaria is from above. "We need to elevate ourselves even more. You see what is happening around us. I was recently abroad, and just as I was returning—these terrorism stories... I’m happy that Bulgaria is a small paradise that we must preserve, but also elevate to a much higher level. A whole new level—doing something unique, something that will captivate the world." The project of a group of friends and their ballooning dreams starts from Sofia, passing through Bansko, Bistritsa, and Belogradchik, and now reaching the Rila Lakes. As you know, this area is a protected zone. One of the goals of the event, aside from showcasing Bulgaria's natural beauty and unique landscapes, is to capture them from an extraordinary aerial perspective—one of the most breathtaking vantage points. We also want to promote this area as a protected region, raising awareness about its rich biodiversity and, most importantly, the need to preserve it. Visitors should be mindful of their impact and adopt a responsible ecological approach. The hot air balloons will be delivered to the field by helicopter to minimize environmental impact. We aim to popularize this sport further, introducing larger balloons to accommodate more people and even host airborne parties. However, the greatest joy lies in the serenity of the experience. A balloon is guided by warm air that fills it, yet it remains dependent on weather conditions. This is why we chose to fly at sunrise or sunset when thermal activity is most stable and the view is simply breathtaking. Imagine—your heart lifting with the rising sun, or bidding it farewell. It’s something truly incredible! I strongly believe that this will be a magnificent experience—for those involved in the event, for those participating, and even for those watching from the ground. With your support, we will give everyone the chance to see this spectacle from a new perspective. What is it like to fly above the heart of Bulgaria? Watch at the beginning of the week in "The Day Begins." Летателното изживяване на Иван Кристоф с въздушни балони....