FUN-travel: Northern Spain – Pamplona – Running of the Bulls – last day
July 15, 2012 by Susan Clarke
Day 5 – Saturday, July 14 – Pamplona, Spain – Running of the Bulls – last day
Dead Man’s Curve
What I LIKE
- having reserved a balcony on the corner (aka dead man’s curve) @ the beginning of the race
- all senses are fully engaged & on high alert
- being totally in the moment
- experiencing the cultural & customs of other countries
- seeing my first bull fight – the beauty & grace of the matadors
- no security or bag checks at the bull ring
- finding locals restaurant (Cafe de la Plaza)
- having nice big fresh salad and mushroom risotto – yummy!
- best meal yet & only 34 Euros including wine!
What I DON’T LIKE
- not getting my wakeup call @ 5 am
- flying out of bed at 5:50 am
- shuttle only carries 8 people – over 20 waiting
- having to pay a taxi 12 Euros
- having do not disturb sign on door & being called by front desk to see if I want my room made up when I am trying to take a nap!
- seeing my first bull fight – bull really has no chance
- Casa Manolo recommended for dinner doesn’t open until 9 pm
FF (FUN-fact) – The running of the bulls began as a way to move bulls from Pamplona’s corral to its bullfighting ring. The animals would run the roughly half-mile stretch as children and adults herded them with shouts and sticks. The practice may date back as far as the 13th century, but it is known to have continued virtually uninterrupted since 1592, when the festival was moved from September to July. People are thought to have joined the herd sometime in the 1800s.