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Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: Odd hot air balloons

From left, “Little Pirate,” “Shopping Bag” and “Woodrow.”  (Pongmanat Tasiri / EPA)

In 1783, a sheep, rooster and duck became the world’s first hot air balloon passengers, sent up by brothers Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier in Versailles, France. The world of hot air ballooning has come a long way since then. Nowadays, thousands of balloons -- most carrying people -- take flight each year at festivals worldwide. Paying homage to hot air ballooning’s odd early years, here are unusual balloons from recent festivals around the world.

-- Jason La, Los Angeles Times

"Cake." This year's Chiang Mai International Balloon Fiesta, held in January, featured more than 20 balloons from countries all over the world, including Belgium, Japan, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, United States of America and Vietnam. More info: chiangmaiballoon.com

“Cake.”

This year’s Chiang Mai International Balloon Fiesta, held in January, featured more than 20 balloons from countries all over the world, including Belgium, Japan, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, United States of America and Vietnam. More info: chiangmaiballoon.com  (Pongmanat Tasiri / EPA)

Hot air balloons prepare to depart at the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival held in Château-d'Oex, Switzerland.

Hot air balloons prepare to depart at the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival held in Château-d’Oex, Switzerland.  (Yuri Kadobnov / AFP/Getty Images)

Next year's festival will take place from Jan. 26 to Feb. 3. More info: www.chateau-doex.ch/en/chateaudoex_en/events_chax/festivalinternationaldeballon

Next year’s festival will take place from Jan. 26 to Feb. 3. More info: www.chateau-doex.ch/en/chateaudoex_en/events_chax/festivalinternationaldeballon  (Yuri Kadobnov / AFP/Getty Images)

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A cat balloon flies over Arnsberger Forest National Park at the Warsteiner International Hot Air Balloon Show.

A cat balloon flies over Arnsberger Forest National Park at the Warsteiner International Hot Air Balloon Show.  (Mathis Wienand / Getty Images)

"Action Man" prepares for departure.

“Action Man” prepares for departure.  (Mathis Wienand / Getty Images)

The "Orient Express." The Warsteiner International Hot Air Balloon Show is sponsored by Warsteiner Brewery in Germany.

The “Orient Express.” The Warsteiner International Hot Air Balloon Show is sponsored by Warsteiner Brewery in Germany.  (Mathis Wienand / Getty Images)

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