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Captain Karen reporting from the star ship "Pinky Do Dar", the day Wednesday 6th August 2008, Location, Javea Spain, Temperature 40c, mission, to proper enjoy the last 24 days of this trip before we turn into the "working class" again. Hello everybody, how are we all on this fine Costa Blanca day?? Sorry it has been so long, the foreign people have invented a new way of ripping off tourists: by charging them stupid amounts for internet usage! Hence why we haven't reported back in such a long time. We have found a bar with free wifi…YAY… Alcohol and internet, what more could you want in life.
Whilst in Malaga we recorded the hottest tempeture of the trip, 44c, Scorchio!!!! And guess where we were when it happened???? Yes that's right, stuck in a bloody traffic jam coming out of Malaga….typical. We left that campsite and headed towards Granada, for the bull fight. The campsite we picked was spectacular; it was at the top of a dam, 1000 meters above sea level and in National Park. The views were spectacular- we wish we didn't have to leave. Anyway, Sunday 27th July, was Bull fight night and my god was it hot. Usually the temps dip at night, but not that night. We came out of the ring at 11:30 pm and it was still 40c- needless to say it was very uncomfortable. The bullfight started at 7:30pm and we were both excited to witness the biggest thing in Spanish tradition. We were both abit unsure of what to expect but decided to watch with an open mind. The bull ring was packed out, mostly with locals- these events are massive and the bull ring was huge. There were three matadors and eight bulls to fight. One of the Matadors is very famous and comes from Granada, Pedo- the crowd loved him and he got several standing ovations). The proceedings start by the bull being released into the ring and some other matadors (not the actual main matador) running the bull around for abit. Then two horses are released, each with a rider carrying a special spear and the horses covered in armor to protect it from the bull's horns. The matadors then lure the bull to the horse where the rider stabs it in the spin and everyone waits for blood to flow before the horses are led from the ring. Meanwhile the bull has its horns firmly into the horse's armor, it was amazing that the horses didn't move an inch when this was happening; obviously their eyes were covered with special blinker type things. Once the bull is bleeding the other matador people then proceed to tease the bull and stab it in the spine with other spear type things. I think these are seen as decorative, as they came in all different colors etc. Anyway, they usually put about 4 into the bull, sometimes maybe more. Then the main matador would start his show. We both agree that it was hard and difficult to watch, but accept that this is part of their culture and it was an experience being a part of it. I must admit that parts of it were amazing to watch and very dramatic. I just felt abit sorry for the bull as, its like hey Mr Bull we are going to kill you, but it will be very slow and we are going to tease the pants off you before you actually die. Obviously bulls don't wear pants but you know what I mean. It is a bit different from the quick death they may have in an abattoir. Apparently the bulls live like kings until the day they fight, and afterwards the meat is sold or made into burgers for the next fight. Once the matador senses the bull is tired, he gets his sword, which isn't a big sword, it is thin and long and he inserts it into the bulls brain/spine. The matador scores different points for the tactics it uses and for the final killing stage. You then see the bull finally die after it has been confused the hell out of by all the pink and red banner things being waffed in its face. They then bring on two giant ass's/ mules/ donkey/ alien horsey things to drag away the carcass. Whilst the bull is being tied to them, they cut off the bulls tail/ ears to give to the matador as his trophy. If he does badly, he just gets a tail, if hes done ok, then he will get one ear, even better and he gets two ears. They obviously ensure that the bull is properly dead, if it isn't then they stick another small, dagger into its brain before the giant horsey alien mules drag it out of the stadium.
We are still unsure of what to think about the whole thing, but it is Spain's history, culture and tradition, just as fox hunting is to England, however controversial it maybe. Having said that we were surprised of the amount of women and children there, it was a night out for the whole family, its nice to see a country still embracing its history & heritage. The Spanish seem very proud to be Spanish.
We have got lots of videos of the night but the file sizes are to large to upload on the crappy internet connection, so we will show you more when we get home….well only if your interested in seeing 8 bulls die.
Whilst still in Granada, we went on a walk in the Serra Nevada. We went over 2000 meters above sea level, which was higher than Mount Vesuvius! The views were utterly spectacular, and we had a pick nick right on the top of a mountain.Martin found an under ground cave on the way back down the mountain and now seems to think he's some kind of Batman and that he's discovered some secret Spanish government hideouts etc etc… he's telling me to write that obviously we was the first person to ever find it and how wonderful he is. We didn't venture into it, but we did throw several stones into it, and it seemed extremely deep.
We left Granada last Friday and came to Javea, which is just passed Benidorm. It's a really place, by the sea, which hasn't been over run with loads of tourists. There are a lot of British people living here (including Martins cousins Rosie), which is nice, as we were getting slightly fed up of hearing foreigners yelling at each other. We are just chillaxing, not doing a lot, however, this afternoon we are going to venture onto the Mini Golf course!! Were Martin's going to get his ass seriously whipped. We are going to eat out at an English restaurant tonight. Three course meal for 8.00 euros, with each person getting a free bottle of wine and a free English breakfast the morning after- how good is that!!!
So that's it, the next spot is just South of Barcelona and we leave on Friday to get there.Not long now till we are home again. We have a list of things we would like for our return( but not all at the same time). Mummy Heather, please please please, could we have a Roast Chicken dinner, with Roast potatoes and butternut squash and broccoli done in the microwave. oh and lots of GRAVEY.
Mummy Joy- please please please, I need a one of your special Bacon sandwiches, oatcakes, meat and Potatoe pie, Lasagna, and Top of the Hill chips.
Ohhh and we really need a bath now and some clean clothes. Martins beginning to smell real bad.
Just a few other things to say.
Congratulations to Mummy Heather for coming 2nd in the European Bowhunter Championships in Estonia last weekend. We are both very proud of you. Jack- better luck next time-looser.
And good luck to Jack who is competing in the London Triathlon this weekend coming. Sorry we can't be there. But hey "GO TIM"
Hope Twinkle enjoyed her holiday at Great Granny & Grandads. Thank you for taking care of her.
Lal, keep smiling and being happy. Can't wait to catch up when we get back.
Mummy & Claire have a good holiday. Claire buy me something nice. (Don't worry I will check in regularly with the old man, make sure he's eating properly and cleaning the house for your return) Love you Daddy!!!
And Sarah and Ian- sorry about Jess. Hope you are both ok. Baby bump will be worth it. Martin and I are well excited, I know what im going to buy "it" when "it" pops out!! You'll love it…..ha ha ha…
Till next time, Captain Karen & Cabin boy Martin signing out. Xx
p.s
Martin beat me at Mini Golf- cheater!! And we had our free breakfast today- yum yum.
And today we had to call the breakdown people as someone (martin) wore the car battery down till it was dead!! Ohh the fun and antics!!
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