the boys feeling nervous at 7am
It was an early start; we had aimed to get into Pamplona town from our hotel at the airport by 7am, and we made it right on time, an hour before the running of the bulls. We really had no idea what we were doing, as we hadn’t researched the event and just turned up on the day hoping all would become clear. Whilst the boys nervously went in search of the start line, I found a much safer position at the bottom of the spectator-laden wooden barriers, right next to a bunch of stretchers and medical staff, which really didn’t do much for my nerves. I can’t imagine how nervous the boys were, as I was almost shaking with fear for them, but at 8am the bulls were released and a blur of white, red and brown whizzed past me:
I really wish I’d used a faster shutter speed!
Everyone then rushed to the bullring so I followed, unsure what to expect, and was greeted with the following spectacular sight:
the bullring in Pamplona
All of the people who had run with the bulls were now trapped in the ring with one of the bulls, which was now understandably very agitated. I have absolutely no idea what the point of this exercise was, but it seemed people were trying to be hit by the bull, and many were succeeding.
who can spot the boys?! They’re in there – it’s like Where’s Wally (or Waldo, for North American readers!)
don’t mess with the bull
really…don’t mess!
Eventually I just felt too sorry for the poor taunted bull and left, waiting for the boys who weren’t far behind me. We then re-enacted the running at the town’s running of the bulls statue:
almost an exact account of what really happened
my Pamplona look: t-shirt: Primark, trousers: H&M, shoes: a grocery store in Pamplona, sash & scarf: a store in Pamplona, watch: gift from Brendan (Toy), earrings: gift
From there it was straight back to the hotel where we once again climbed into the car and left Spain for the quaint beauty of the French Pyrénées, where we stopped at the small town of Luz-Saint-Sauveur to watch the Tour de France riders pass through on their way to the finish line. They were cycling stage 12, from Cugnaux (near Toulouse) to the peak of Luz-Ardiden, passing the infamous Col du Tourmalet on the way.
the riders were coming from a long descent off the Col du Tourmalet
Mark Cavendish rolling around the corner
We really didn’t stay for long to watch the cyclists, as we still had a way to drive, ending our day in Lourdes, where we were hoping to catch some Bastille Day celebrations. Unfortunately, nothing of the sort was taking place (more on our experience of Lourdes later), but we were pretty shattered by the evening (this is becoming a theme!), so an early night was warmly welcomed!
It sounds like you are having a great time over there, I am jealous!