Residents launch a hot air balloon during a competition in Taunggyi, the capital of the southern Shan State of Myanmar, October 30, 2009. During the annual Tazaungdaing Festival in Taunggyi, hot air balloons handmade out of traditional Shan paper and pieces of cloth are released into the air. The balloons are judged on beauty, altitude achieved, and the amount of time they can spend in the air.
REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun (MYANMAR SOCIETY)