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Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 125
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 11:07 pm: |     |
I need some recommendations for the first week of July during the Encierro.
Master_Plvmber
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jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 313
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 11:43 am: | |
If your intent is to run with the bulls , watch it in different sections for two days . DO NOT be hungover on the morning you are going to run, the people around you are more peligroso then the bulls , it's more about keeping your wits about you then speed . You can get F#$%ed up pretty good , & then you got a Spanish parametic stitching your ass up . Know the route , stay to the sides & know were the escapes are. Run with a buddy , someone who can carry you , if need be . Best of luck . |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 127
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 7:33 am: | |
We have reserved a balcony overlooking the encierro for the first day. I'll make a decision about running then.
I've been in a Barcelona street parade where I feared for the lives of my wife and myself (people shooting fireworks at each other), is the crowd dangerous like that, or just in a pickpocket kind of way?
Master_Plvmber
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pstob1126
Citizen
Username: Pstob1126
Post Number: 31
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2003 - 6:44 am: | |
Need a slightly used digital camera for your trip? I am still hospitalized from my last Encierro visit. Here's a sample of the pictures it takes.
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Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 130
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2003 - 8:48 am: | |
Someone else emailed that photo to me last week. Kind of makes me rethink the whole thing.
Master_Plvmber
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Liz
Citizen
Username: Mschiquita
Post Number: 61
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 - 9:52 am: | |
Just go and party! I grew up in Spain and they are the supreme partiers (Barcelona is only the tip of the iceberg, it gets more festive as you progress south and west). Regarding pickpockets...unfortunately, the gypsies they are aplenty. Wear your money/documents in a belt or purse inside your clothes and well-secured and you'll be fine. No need to be nervous, just smart in advance. Speaking of smart, enjoy from the balcony, please, we M-SO home owners need you to come back in one piece, Master Plumber!  If you have time to take a drive out into the country, do that - the Ribera del Duero wines are great...and try the Pamplona salami (you could have a bocadillo or sandwich of it) they are famous for... |
Wooly Bugger
Citizen
Username: Wooly_bugger
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 - 12:58 pm: | |
Hike up your damn skirt and run. Jeesh. You only live once.
I assume you've done your homework, but a few tips before you go.
The first day is the best to run as there are fewer runners on the course. (No need to watch the thing twice, just walk the course a couple of times before hand and pick your spot)(Also, if you watch it in person you may not run, and this party isn't worth the trip unless you run) The ESPN trailer hasn't arrived on day 1, and the crowds are not QUITE as drunk. The other runners are your biggest danger, not the bulls. Other runners may keep you from getting out of the way, or trip you, or steal your safe spot when you need it.
Bring some change with you to buy a paper at the newstand near the bull pens. That morning paper lists all the bulls to be running each day: names, weight, breed, and a nice headshot for each. Kind of like getting the license plate number on the truck BEFORE it hits you. Then, roll that paper up and use it to smack the bulls if you get close enough.
There are some cameras set up on the course by the locals and they sell pictures after each run. If you want a picture of yourself running, find these spots and run there. About your spot, the bulls are REALLY fast at the beginning of the course, then they slow down a bit (not much) past the turn. The turn can be really tricky, as the bulls fall and can get turned around. Run at telefonica if you want to run into the bull ring. The ring can be scary as a LOT of people crowd in, and you may not be able to see the bull coming or get out of the way.
As world parties go, this one is pretty lame. A lot of rude drunk euro kids drinking a mix of coca-cola and red wine. A lot of puke and trash in the streets. These kids sleep in the streets, on the lawns, or where ever. Mardi Gras was cleaner than this place - if you can believe that.
Remember two things, after the bulls pass by, the steers may still be coming. And most importantly, if you fall, stay down. Most serious injuries occur when fallen runners have tried to get up. Better to get trampled, than skewered.
Feel free to email me with any questions. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 139
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 - 11:33 pm: | |
Like I said, we're no strangers to the psychosis exhibited on the streets at a Barcelona saint's day festival or a rave on Ibiza or Formentera.
Nothing in NYC comes close to what goes on there.
On the other hand, we've never gone anywhere where someone didn't warn us that that it was too dangerous.
"You're going to Sicily? Don't bring a camera. They'll KILL you and take it!"
"You're going to Puerto Rico? Don't bring any money. They'll KILL you and take it!"
"You're going to Madrid? Gypsies will throw a baby at you and when you go to catch it, gypsy children will surround you, rifle through your pockets, and then KILL you!"
I'd like to think I'm going to run, but my wife will be pissed if I get killed (insert new "skirt" joke here).
We just need some info on the hotel La Perla and maybe some alternates.
Master_Plvmber
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Wooly Bugger
Citizen
Username: Wooly_bugger
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 4, 2003 - 9:37 am: | |
IMHO Pamplona is not very dangerous. We got a few "Go home Yank" kinda comments from the Euro kids, but that was about it. And the run is ok too, if you are smart enough to do it right - not hungover, not drunk, not trying to tape it while you run, if you fall down stay down, etc. Now the fountain diving after the run, THAT looked dangerous.
We stayed at the Tres Reyes. STUPID expensive, but decent. Close to the "old city".
La Perla is great for the location (right on the run), but not a great hotel. Reports of theft from rooms abound on the net, but what else is new. As good, or better than most.
Like I said before, this party ain't worth the trip unless you run. So, please run.
btw - there is a carnival going on in the park during the festival. Lots of cheap carny food. Also don't miss the bullfights. Try and buy tix NOW, cause the scaplers want big money. |
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