Hot-air festival takes off globally

Hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off, marking the start of an annual fiesta that has drawn tens of thousands of spectators from across the globe to New Mexico for 50 years now.

As one of the most photographed events in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offering a rare opportunity for enthusiasts.

More than 20 countries are represented this year, including a cadre of European ballooning professionals.

Three of the original pilots who participated in the first fiesta in 1972 were present.

Pilot Gene Dennis, 78, remembers the snow storm that almost caused him to miss that first fiesta. "Ballooning is infectious," Dennis said, describing being aloft like drifting in a dream.

Roman Muller is flying in the fiesta for the first time. He's piloting a special-shaped balloon that he hopes to fly over the Rio Grande.

Matt Wiederkehr, was one of the first 10 hot air balloon pilots in the US who held numerous world records.