Andrew and Ayako Watson from Tokyo realised a dream when they marked their fourth wedding anniversary at 3000ft up in a Virgin balloon during a flying visit to England.
The couple, both 29, have lived together in Tokyo for five years and were visiting Andrew’s family in Richmond, North Yorkshire, when they took the chance to go ballooning.
Andrew, 29, said: “Ayako has always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon. When we decided to go back to the UK this summer, this was the one thing she really wanted to do. The gods must have been smiling on us because the weather was perfect for ballooning.
“It was amazing. We hadn't expected to travel so far and see so much. The fact that you are sometimes high up, then sometimes low down, gives you a really different perspective.
“Being able to see the world from a completely different point of view was our favourite part. It was so unexpectedly quiet … we were lucky enough to see a herd of deer running through an open field, which was probably the highlight. The air was very clear so you could see even as far as the North Sea over towards Hull.”
It was the first time in a hot air balloon for the pair who said they hope to do it again in the future after the great experience on their Virgin Balloon Flights in Yorkshire thanks to their pilot and crew.
“Martin our pilot and the crew clearly love what they do. They made us feel welcome, and we were made to feel part of the team by helping to inflate the balloon, look for the recovery vehicles and pack away the equipment once we landed,” added Andrew.
Congratulations on your 4th wedding anniversary Andrew and Akayo, we hope to see you in the sky again on your next visit to the UK.
Further information about flying with Virgin Balloon Flights is available here.