Want China Times
Date: 2015-10-05
By: CNA

A hot air balloon from Taitung, bearing a Republic of China flag, took to the air at the

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Saturday, an event that drew balloon enthusiasts from around the world.

Taitung magistrate Justin Huang was aboard the balloon for a 50-minute flight, the first by a hot air balloon from Taiwan in the United States, according to Huang.

Huang told visitors on the ground that Taitung has hosted several hot air balloon events over the past five years and that county government personnel have visited four continents to invite balloonists to take part in what has become an annual extravaganza in the southeastern Taiwan county.

About 750 balloons from 16 countries took part in the world’s largest balloon fiesta in the New Mexico city. The fiesta will run through Oct. 11.

The Taitung hot air balloon, which is sponsored by the county government, has visited 10 countries over the past three years.

Huang also exchanged city governance experience with officials from Bernalillo County, of which Albuquerque is the county seat.     [FULL  STORY]