Chateau d'Oex Balloon Week 2013

We bought our chalet in Chateau d'Oex in 1977 and the following year was the first year that the Balloon Week was held......... hard to believe that was 35 years ago!

Obviously there are many more balloons participating now! Each year it becomes more interesting.....
The large Scots bagpiper started many years ago but now apparently he can't fly......

His shoulders have given out......difficult to appreciate how large he is until you see people beside him!

Many balloons have come back for the past few years......

The Breitling Orbiter Balloon which successfully went round the world started in Chateau d'Oex....

We, of course, have a fantastic view from our balcony.........

 Some of the balloons almost drop on top of the local chalets....

 and,of course, it can be quite noisy when the balloons are being blown up.....

there are some really interesting/ happy faces.......

There are also a lot of paragliders.......

 These balloons look a little too close for comfort!

Honda are large sponsors each year.......

and this year they demonstrated their robot, Asimo...

Here he demonstrates walking up and down steps......

and here he was enjoying dancing!

I have to admit I was quite impressed!!  And all his commands were in English........