Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Roma
12th The question on everyones lips was 'will you run with the bulls'? So i spent the bus trip sussing out the event and gathering all information, from how many bulls to how far do you run, and where do you start and finish. With all my questions answered i decided that i was definatly going to do it.
We arrived in San-Sab about 3pm and had enough time to wonder around and get my bearings. The weather was bad, 20 degrees ah cold. Con not remember the last time i needed to wear a jumper. That night it was the 'Running with the bulls closing weekend' crew welcome drinks where we got our white t-shirt with RUN on the back and our neck cheif. We had a few to many half priced sangrias, but knowing that id made the decision to run the next day i dragged myself home at 11pm. With 3 and a half hours sleep we were on the bus.
13th 1hr bus ride into Pampolna, the morning was so cold. We hoped off the bus to see the carnage of the saturday nights festival. People and rubbish littered the streets. We were given a little orrientation before the people who were running were required to meet in the town square (the start of the run). We spent 1 and half hours cold and scared, jumping on the spot trying to keep walm and settle the nerves. We were surrounded by people, mostly Spanish, Aussies, Canadians and Irish men and Aussie girls. No Spanish females run, probally due to tradition or that fact that Aussie girls are mad. Before we knew it the whole crowd began to push forward, I grab the people next to me. At this point i was wondering why on earth i was doing this. We scurried past 'dead mans corner' (yes thats why its called this) and headed up the main stretch about 100m. (the full distance was about 1km) The first cracker went off this was it indicate that the first bulls had been relised. This is when my heart skipped, I have never been so scared in my life. I was buy myself at this stage, and was unsure when to start running, but like i was informed when the crowed starts to run then so do you. A few seconds later a sea of people were coming towards me and I, like them began to run. At first it was a quick jog, making sure i was looking forward more than backwards. This was because if people fall over in from of you, then you can jump over them. Then it was a run, i was dodging people like crazy every man for their own. Then before I knew it the bulls were running past me on my left side. I saw a guy in the middle of the track on the floor getting trampled by the bulls ouch. By this stage it was a sprint, i knew that their was another pack of 6 bulls and so i ran for my life, the aim was to get through the entrance and into the stadium before the second lot of bulls. I sprinted the last section of and once inside the area found myself gasping for air. I think i forgot to breath for at least a minute. My heart was racing a million beast per second it an amasing feeling. I jumped the barrier to finally find Elyse. Crazy. Somewhere only the run i must of clipped the was as i found a small craze on my elbow. Yes a wall wound. Once inside the ring, everyone was high five-ing and cheering. Then before they knew it they had realised the little bulls. These smalls bulls where obivioulsy touched because they came out bucking. Elyse and myself were safely perched on the outer ring as a spectator. It was a fantastic specitical, after six little bulls tried to charge people who dear get in its way it was all over. What a morning. We headed back to San-sab for rest until 4pm then it was time to party with the Spanairds. A great night drinking sangria in the streets while dancing to live street bands.
14th with a few hours sleep under our belts we were on the bus again. Dressed in our white stained clothes we decided to run again, Yes maybe made but so much fun. This time there were less people by at least half. This made it less stressful as i did'nt feel like i was going to get trampled or push in front of a bull. i ran with Elyse this time and there were no injuries. It was an incredible sensation, fear, excitement, and joy all mixed into one. After our run we climbed up out of the bull ring and up into the stands. It was great to watch it from another perspective. I found myself cheering when the little bull tossed people around. After the spectical we caught the bus home to catch up on much needed sleep so we were ready for the closing ceremony. Located in town square lit candles and drank sangeria singing 'goodbye to San Fermin'. There were musical band and fire crackers what an amazing way to finish such a memoriable few days. At the end of the night we were exhausted, covered in sangria and down a camera. yes another camera has been stolen, but all our newly made friends will add photos up for us.
15th Another sleepless night thanks to the snoring competition that the boys were having in our dorm. We spent most of the day at the police station and shopping for a new camera. Armed with an new camera and a homemade funky straw hats as it was a hat party we joined the crew for goodbye drinks. Great night with many laughs but it was so nice to get into bed. As we changed rooms we were able to sleep and ready for the bus the next day
- comments