" All my life, I have loved balloons – all balloons – the heavy English sort, immense and round, that have to be pushed about, and the gay, light, gas-filled French ones that soar into the air the moment you let go of them. "
- Elizabeth Bibesco

In this quotation, Elizabeth Bibesco expresses her lifelong admiration for balloons of all kinds, emphasizing both their physical characteristics and the emotions they evoke. She describes two distinct types: heavy English balloons that need to be physically moved around because of their weight, and light French gas-filled balloons that rise effortlessly into the sky when released.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote delves into a broader appreciation for diversity and beauty in different forms. Bibesco's fondness for both kinds of balloons illustrates her acceptance and enjoyment of contrasts—something heavy and cumbersome versus something light and free. This sentiment can be seen as a reflection on life’s varied experiences: some are demanding and require effort to manage, while others are liberating and uplifting when embraced. The quote also touches upon the joy derived from simple pleasures and the beauty found in both common and extraordinary objects.

Elizabeth Bibesco was a Romanian writer, diplomat's wife, and aristocrat who lived from 1895 to 1945. Her life spanned significant historical periods, including World War I and II, which deeply influenced her work. Known for her diaries, novels, and poetry, she wrote extensively about love, politics, and society, often blending personal experiences with broader cultural observations.