The announcements have been made, the countdown is on, and the anticipation is mounting.
Unless you’ve been under a rock lately, you know that our plucky group of female travellers will be taking Pamplona by storm this July. In all the planning and arrangements, amidst the controversy about the ethics of bull running, and amongst the promoting of our endeavour, the excitement is real: we will be running with the bulls!
But you know what? The trepidation is real, too. Because, well… we will be running with the bulls. I mean, have you seen a bull up close lately?!
Source
GULP.
While adventure is our middle name, safety is our top priority. Because while we may be a teensy bit crazy, we ain’t (that) stupid. With people getting injured during San Fermin every year, we don’t take the potential risks lightly. Being informed is our best defense. As such, we are busily arming ourselves with resources so that we can run happily, responsibly, and most importantly, intelligently.
The closest I've ever been to a bull, in Yangshuo, China
Here’s what we’re reading and viewing in preparation for our run with the toros:
1. Pamplona: Running the Bulls, Bars and Barrios in Fiesta de San Fermin, by Ray Mouton- Recommended by a fan on our Facebook page, this novel gives an extensive history and overview of all things Pamplona and San Fermin. A great read for the 3+ hour train ride to the city from Madrid!
2. SanFermin.com and the City of Pamplona.com - What better resource for the event than the official websites of Pamplona and the San Fermin fiestas? Both websites give practical information on everything from maps and accomodation to where to eat and where to party. Most appreciated, however? The section on San Fermin’s website on how to behave at the bull run. Because crossing the line and getting drunk, disorderly, and disrespectful of the host culture just ain’t cute.
3. These tips for running with the bulls from About.com have a particular focus on safety, which gets the thumbs up from us. One of the best pieces of advice the article proffers: don’t run on the first day. Getting the lay of the land is necessary- running without checking out how everything works first would just be silly.
4. Looking for a more personalized account of the experience? Acclaimed travel blogger Michael Hodson recounts how he ran with the bulls with such vivid detail that we feel we are right there with him!
5. Finally, for more visual learners, a video: we are treated to the sights and sounds of Pamplona through the lens of traveller extraordinaire Rick Steves. If this doesn’t make you want to jump on a plane to Spain, nothing will!
We don’t know about you, but we are amped about our bull run! Do you have any tips or resources on how we can prepare to run with the bulls?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s cool right up until the matador gets involved.
Actually, up to the picador and bandarillo.
Jaime recently posted..The Stunning Clouds of Yao Noi, Thailand
Bullfighting has been present for centuries – however we can empathize with your opinion on the matter. And hope to address that on this site! Thanks for commenting and hope you follow along.
Yep, these should come in handy
Jarmo recently posted..London Marathon – it’s Total Mayhem out There!
Ha! Always prepare!
Sigh…Why did I skip Spain? Rick Steves, another sigh. I love that man. His videos are always spot on. What impacted me the most is his special on Iran a bit ago.
Kurt recently posted..Remembering the Homeless of Ireland
Haven’t seen that one – will now that you mention it. And shame on you – never skip Spain!
I think you are crazy but go for it. Looking forward to reading all about it.
Natalie recently posted..Horse Racing in Turkey – How NOT To Blend In With the Locals
As Forrest said of stupidity, I will say the same of crazy: “Crazy is as crazy does.” Glad you’re following along!
Not sure if I could ever do the running of the bulls given how small and slow I am, lol
But these are certainly useful links for those daring enough to give the run a go!
Wanderplex recently posted..Portable luggage scales are worth their weight in the fees you’ll save
I’m actually very small and kinda slow myself The key to the run is picking a course that you stick to, have exits and it usually lasts about 4 minutes.
Jeannie recently posted..The Danger of Rock Stardom in China
I’d heard about this a while ago, but it never occurred to me to actual do it…until now! I’m excited to hear about your preparations and experience of the run. And if I can gather the courage to do it, maybe I’ll be running in 2013.
Estrella recently posted..Photo Album
We hope you learn from our wins (and mistakes) – thanks for the awesome comment!
Jeannie recently posted..Yangzhou, China: Photo Essay
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