Loco. Unhinged. Insanity. That seemed to be the theme of my interview with Hannah Murray on Travel Talk.
If you don’t recall, Talk Radio Europe interviewed me last Friday on live radio. They are the largest English language radio station in Spain and somehow caught wind of my scheme to run with the bulls this July.
She asked some thoughtful questions from what would possess me to to do this, to calling me crazy and claiming admiration for me in the same breath. I also offer some tips on where to run on the course if you’re a beginner.
I downloaded the interview and scraped it together into this visual montage to San Fermin. At 10 minutes, this is the kind of recording that requires a long sit, cookies and a strong cup of coffee (spiked if you prefer). Before you listen, I need to make a correction. I say the bull run is 860 m, that’s incorrect, it’s 825 m. I was nervous and messed up!
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you are completely awesome! Of course it’s crazy, but also an amazing, life changing experience–as I can attest, because I’ve done it. So glad I happened across you 5 girls, and I’ll be following your adventure.
@Sara – Ha! There’s no need to ever say that unless you mean it. :) Thanks for listening!
What a great interview! I can’t say I’m brave enough to say, “Wish I were joining you ladies!” but I’ll be definitely enjoy reading along for the ride! (Or the run, as the case may be…)
I have been wanting to do this since I read Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. I know all the arguments for and against but that is not my concern. Fulfilling a dream is! Sometimes you just have to quit analyzing and go with your heart. Better a life of not regretting the things you didn’t do. Congratulations!
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@Kristina – Oh dear, my deepest apologies in presenting a defensive stance… I was projecting my own thoughts onto your first comment. As I’ve been going through this process and building up to running, that’s the sentiment I hear frequently: the image of a dumb, misinformed tourist who as you aptly wrote “does it on a whim”. I fear being portrayed as one and at the same time, agree with the opinion of many (not just you) that outsiders run without the information and sometimes suffer for it. Thank you for sharing your story, because all sides should be presented! :D
@Nomadic Chick –
I used the word “tourist” because that’s what he was and that’s what we were. None of us were locals participating in time honored local tradition. No battery acid, simply the truth.
Also the truth is “the implication is that some tourists don’t educate themselves and do an encierro without thought on the consequences. ” Many, many people do exactly that. They do it on a whim or because they think it will be a cool story to tell later.
I am not at all implying you are doing this without thought and research because clearly you have given it a lot of consideration. I’m only sharing my personal experience. Had I known then what I know now, I would have never participated.
My latest kick ass post is..Travel Logistics and Resources for Naples, Paestum and Rome
@HIPTRAVELER – There’s stil time ya know. :)
@Reg of The Spain Scoop – Haha.. and I’m kinda slow. They’ll breeze right past me. :)
@Ava Apollo – Grrrl power!
@Kristina – Thank you for your story. Yes, I do know this is a common event in many towns and villages of Spain. Usually the result is the bull also ends up in the bullring facing off against a torero. The fact is we’re beginners and the chances of us getting even remotely close to a bull’s horns is highly unlikely. I’m a slow runner and a small woman, so to be frank, it’s not necessarily my goal. You use the word “tourist” like it’s battery acid in your mouth — the implication is that some tourists don’t educate themselves and do an encierro without thought on the consequences. When I decide to do something of this magnitude, I read about it, try to understand the angles and outcomes. So, I hope you understand I don’t do this lightly or stupidly. Cheers!
@Rachel – This isn’t really a bucket list thing for me, but a variety of things.. running as safe and smart as you possibly can is the best strategy. For one, we aren’t running the first 2 days of the fiesta, cause they’ll be too many people and that’s when most tourists (the supposedly idiot ones) usually run. We are going to watch and see how it goes first, then plan to run later.
@Loz in Transit – Thank you for the thoughtful comment!
@Andrea – Clearly you don’t agree and at least understand the roots in their culture.
I know that some people think that this was a cruel and terrible game, but it has got its roots in Spain. It is a significant part of their culture and tradition, and we have to respect it – I think. Although I couldn’t picture myself that I would be a part of a disgusting celebration of killing and torturing bulls like they do. But I don’t judge them.
It was a great interview. I imagine people get the idea that its all about empowering women but what they don’t understand is why ‘Running with the Bulls’ is chosen to express that.
Its clear you’re very thoughtful and have savoir faire to handle any situation. Good luck with this and all your other adventures.
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Woh! My husband and I traveled to Costa Rica for our honeymoon and went to a Running with the Bulls event. We saw a guy get really injured! Then there was an American guy who jumped in in a suit on, ran with the bulls, and jumped out and said – that’s off my bucket list! Hope it’s worth it!
I wish I could say “you go girl!” but I can’t. I may be the lone voice of dissent here…
Did you know there are other bull runs in Spain besides the one in Pamploma? Some of the smaller villages and towns put on their own bull run with a just a few bulls or even a single bull.
About 20 years ago I was living in Madrid and we drove down to Andalusia for Semana Santa (Easter Week) with some friends. We ended up in the town of Arcos de la Frontera on the day they were doing their corrida. Of course my friends (mostly guys) wanted to do it and somehow I found myself out in the middle of a small plaza, waiting for the bull, camera in hand. I was young and clueless. As soon as the bull appeared, I (the only woman dumb enough to be out there) was basically grabbed and pulled back over the barricades by some of the local villagers who admonished me severely in rapid fire Spanish.
The bull came through the plaza, and proceeded to pick up a man with his horns, goring him in the stomach and groin, and tossing him in the air like a doll. The man, who we later found out was also a tourist, was severely injured, bleeding profusely, and most likely died. My friends were all ok, and no one was injured, though one did end up covered in the injured man’s blood. Needless to say, we were all badly shaken.
You’re not young and dumb (like I was) and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why anyone wants to do this. I know you’ve made up your mind so I do hope that you take care and have a safe and exciting experience.
My latest kick ass post is..Travel Logistics and Resources for Naples, Paestum and Rome
Go girl!
You’re a little crazy! Those bulls are fast.
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Woohoo!! GOOD LUCK ladies! I enjoyed your radio interview. Really wish I were joining y’all.
~cheers,
Kelly