Rhod and Anna's World Adventure

Budget backpackers would be happy to take a photo of a hot air balloon out of the window of their 24 share dorm room.

Luxury Backpackers like us would not be content with this so we book ourselves a 1 hour sunrise balloon flight across the outback ending with a champagne breakfast. We actually booked a half hour flight but got a free upgrade to the 1 hour trip. We are still not sure why or how but we are pleased.

We are now in Alice Springs in the centre of Australia and according to the sign in the centre of town we are 15,030Km from London. So being so far away from home we thought we deserved a little treat. For those thinking that a 10 month holiday is a treat enough let me tell you it's not all lie-ins and ice-cream. Sometimes we can't find an ice cream parlour! In China and Japan we couldn't even get Cadbury's chocolate. It really is tough-going.

The morning started early and we drive off down the dusty roads of the outback to find an appropriate launch site. After some wind reviews, using helium balloons with lights inside, by the pilots we are ready to set up.

The balloon takes a long time to inflate and it's pretty cold standing in the middle of nowhere in the dark. Like a true Finn, I came unprepared for the cold, despite complaining daily about the space that my coat and jumpers take up in my rucksack. Luckily when the burners are going it's warm enough.

12 intrepid tourists gracefully climbed aboard the wicker basket for their maiden flights. Ballooning is very serene. Take off is a smooth event and you just drift on the wind across the outback and spot 1 lone kangaroo bouncing through the scrub.

Landing is slightly less serene and involves a squatting style landing position. It was bumpy and for a while looked like we might end up lying down in the dirt but the pilot held it together and we stayed upright.

After packing up we sat down for a champagne breakfast. All very pleasant. I made sure I got my money's worth when it came to the free champagne despite the fact that it was only half 8 in the morning. Every time the guy came round to refill our glasses I made damn sure mine was empty. I couldn't quite hold it together though and ended up giggling ridiculously to myself (full-bladdered) all the way home, much to Rhod's amusement.

As we had been up since 4am we got back to the hostel drunk and full up and went straight to sleep. Woke 2 hours later with mild hangover symptoms; mouth like Gandi's flipflop, slight headache, desire for Coke etc. Have made full recovery now though.

We only need to spend 4 more hours in a balloon and we will qualify for our licences. Watch out Branson and Fossett. I fancy a crack at that round the world record.