10. New Years Dive – Siberia, Russia

In Russia on New Year’s Day, divers from all over take the plunge into the world’s deepest lake, as well as freshwater reserve, Baikal. The lake reaches about 5,390 ft until you reach the bottom. On this day, dives cut a hole into the ice that covers the top of the lake, and then dive 40 meters down. One specified diver carries the New Year tree to the lake’s bottom. Once the tree is planted, the divers dance around it. This tradition has been carried out since 1982, and though it doesn’t sound too dangerous, keep in mind that this lake is the deepest lake in the world and that divers have to swim with over 100 kg of equipment.

9. Polar Bear Plunge

Polar Bear Plunge takes place at many locations around the country, and there is definitely never a shortage of participants. It involves jumping into cold water during the winter season for a charity organization. The biggest plunge takes place in Sandy Point State Park, Maryland, and raises money for the Special Olympics. Though it seems like nothing but harmless charity, the plunge can be dangerous. In some locations, participants have to sign a document consenting to the fact that they know the plunge can cause serious injury such as paralysis, hypothermia, and possibly even death. Thankfully, no one has died from taking the plunge.

8. Firework Battle – Chios, Greece

Churches are boring right? Wrong! At least not the ones in Chios, Greece. On the small island of Chios, every Easter Sunday is sure to be a spectacle. On this day, two rival parishes, so to speak, light up their fireworks and shoot them at the other church. The purpose is for one of the churches to hit the bell of the other church. All of this goes on while a service is in session. It’s said that over 25,000 rockets are used and 150 help to fire them off. In the past the rockets have caused fires, damages to homes, and even deaths, but the tradition carries on still. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3619425.stm

7. Baby Dropping Ritual – Solapur, India

Muslims in the western Indian town of Solapur line up to drop their babies off a 15 meter tower in a shrine, catching them in a white sheet. The ritual, which has taken place for more than half a millennium, is believed to make the children grow up healthy and strong. The faithful claim there have never been any injuries during this ritual which has lasted over 500 years. How much different is this from the lullaby “…and down will come baby, cradle and all.”

6. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling – Gloucester, England

Probably one of the oddest traditions, Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling involves a round piece of Double Gloucester, a steep hill, and daring people. It is said that the tradition is about 200 years old. A piece of cheese is rolled down the hill and the first person to get down the hill first takes the cheese! It’s really supposed to be about catching the cheese, but since the cheese is rolled about a second earlier than the race itself, it can go as fast as 70mph. Though no one has ever died from chasing a roll of cheese down a hill, plenty have sprained an ankle, injured their back, broken a bone, or gotten a concussion.

5. Onbashira – Tokyo, Japan

A festival in Tokyo that only takes place once every six years, Onbashira is a tradition that many in the region claim has gone one for over 1200 years. When translated, the name literally means “the honored pillars.” There are two parts to the festival: Yamadashi and Satobiki, the first which takes place in May, and the second in April. Yamadashi is the more dangerous part of the festival. Men go into the forest and cut down trees and then ropes are attached to them and they are dragged down the mountain by the men. Many say this is a sign of bravery, but many have come out with injuries, and others have died while carrying out the traditions.

4. Christmas Trees

Many people around the world know the tradition of either buying a live tree or putting up an artificial tree within their home and then decorating it just in time for Christmas. The tree serves as a great place to put presents, as well as to celebrate the festivities throughout the month of December. However during 2003-2006, 240 homes fires per year took place, all of which started due to a Christmas tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average 16 people died because of the fire, and 25 were injured each year. Christmas tree fires are rare, but when they do happen, they are usually catastrophic.

3. Female circumcision

Though frowned upon and seen as extremely abusive and dangerous, tribes in places such as Egypt, Sudan, Mali, and Ethiopia still hold onto the tradition of female circumcision for religious and sometimes just cultural reasons. It is said that over 130 million women worldwide are affected by this procedure, and over 2 million occur each year. Because the procedure is done without any sort of anesthesia or medication, many women can die of shock or from excessive bleeding. Others sometimes contract infections due to non- sterilized tools. While no specific numbers exist, it is said that at least 1/3 of the women who undergo female circumcision die due to various complications.

2. Running of the Bulls – Pamplona, Spain

Even though bull fighting is very popular in many South American countries as well as others, the Running of the Bulls is one “encierro” that anyone can join. The most popular and well-known is the nine-day festival that takes place in San Fermín, Pamplona in Spain, which has taken place since 1910. The running involves penning up the bulls, and then letting them run through the street while people crowd in as well and run in front of the bulls. Since its start, 15 people have been killed, the most recent being at the latest run in 2009. It is said that 200-300 people are hurt each year during the run, and most are susceptible to being gored or trampled. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8143744.stm

1. College Hazing

It is said that out of all of the new students going into college each year, about 47% of them will undergo what is known as “hazing.” Despite the fact that hazing is banned and disproved of on every college campus, it’s safe to say that most social, cultural, and academic clubs haze the newcomers. Even laws such as Matt’s Law have been put into motion to try to stop hazing. It is said that hazing is the highest among those clubs that deal with athletics. Most hazing involves using alcohol, but there are plenty of other methods. Since 1970, at least one person has died on a college campus due to hazing.

Greetings from Spain! I tried to make my update a bit “cooler” this time.  I had a friend test the first version across the old and new Microsoft Word barriers and we had just a bit of trouble.  After some tinkering, we seemed to get it all straightened out.  That said, there might still be some kinks.  Click below to open it, and let me know if you have any trouble.  Thanks so much guys!

December update from Spain

This is one of the most famous race in the world: bulls and people running together.
The festival of San Fermín or Sanfermines in the city of Pamplona district of Navarra.
Days: July 7th-14th
San Fermín History

View Larger Map

Board,acrilc,spraypaint 90/90 cm 2009

Forgive me, dear reader, for not writing quite as prolifically as I do on our Dutch blog. In fact, we have a loyal but obviously very small audience here, and on many days, the statistics show zero page hits… I don’t mean to say: read more often, what I mean is: this is why I don’t write as often as you might expect me to. If ever I was in doubt about the question: would I write if I knew that nobody reads what I write?, I now know the answer

Now, where were we? Ah yes, in southern France, gazing upon the Pyrenees, wondering whether it would be hard to cross them, secretly afraid that yes, it would be hard. After all, we come from a flat country, and although we were practically born on bicycles, our idea of a steep climb has traditionally been the viaducts that we always seemed to find between where we were and where we wanted to go.

But the mountains you are aware of are not mountains to be feared. We took our time climbing to the pass, we knew that we were going to climb to over a thousand meters, and in the end, the road ended up levelling and going into a gentle descent. Our first night in Spain had been well prepared and we enjoyed the change of scenery and surroundings. On the following day, we were in Pamplona.

A perfect curve to end hours of climbing and ease into a welcome descent

Now, Pamplona is well known for the folly of young men who, once a year, try to outrun bulls that are let loose in the streets, mistaking their brazen stupidity for stunning bravery. Prices of accomodation rise up to five times compared to rates in low season during the one week in which this event takes place. Whoever claims that they come to watch this for other reasons than to see blood being shed is probably not being totally honest.

The Pamplona we saw was wet. On the city’s patron saint’s day, the traditional dance of the giants could not take place because of a steadily falling drizzle, and on the next day, big snow flakes made us wonder how it was possible that only days before, we had been riding in t-shirts. We looked at the weather forecast for the west and Portugal, where we had intended to go. Not good. Cold, rain, exactly the kind of weather our so-called water-resistant, breathable Patagonia jackets had already had trouble coping with. Any other ideas? The Spanish east coast looked better, the south-east looked perfect. Right. No, not right, we’re turning left, not to Portugal but to southeastern Spain.

Foz de Lumbier: a former railway, converted into cycle path

Having made this decision, even the weather seemed to agree. Cool but clear days made cycling a real pleasure, the country opened up and the short distances we covered in the two following days were largely made up for by the sheer beauty of the sights we saw. Rolling plains, bounded by snow-covered hills. A canyon that was cut by a river and is accessible only by pedestrians and cyclists via a path that was made from a disused railway. Flocks of a hundred vultures that circle to gain height, then cross the plains to find new thermals, and circle again. Medieval villages, steeped in history and dormant at this time of the year, ours to discover.

Like Sos del Rey Católico. Liberated in the tenth century from the occupying Arabs, it remained a fortified outpost of the catholic world for centuries. In 1452, Ferdinand II was born here, and when he became known as Ferdinand the Catholic, his birthplace changed its name from mere ‘Sos’ into the longer version that we know today. It is a beautiful, well-preserved medieval village, and a joy to stroll through. Here, dear reader, is where we leave you, because this is how far we have come so far, and it is time to get some sleep. Come visit again some time, we may have more to tell…

Charlotte admiring the medieval town of Sos del Rey Católico

Pamplona has a long history, founded in the first century by the Romans as a camp on which to keep their eyes on the nearby Basque settlement of Iruna. Situated in the basin of the River Arga in the shadow of the Pyrenees, Pamplona is an eclectic mix of old and new. The town is the capital of the province of Navarre and renowned throughout the World for its Fiesta of San Fermin which features the annual ‘running with the bulls’ spectacular.

The Fiesta is famous for supplying two things in abundance: bulls and alcohol. However, it is very important that you never mix the two! Brought to the world’s attention by Ernest Hemingway and latterly featured in the popular 1991 Hollywood film City Slickers; the highlight of the Fiesta of San Fermin is most definitely the Bull Run.

The Encierro, as it is known, takes place each morning at 8.00 a.m. from 7th to 14th July every year. Bulls that will be used in the bullfights later that evening are released into the street. There are no application forms or waiting lists for those who want to run with the Bulls in Pamplona; anyone can take part. Just pick your spot on the 830 metre course, approx half a mile in length, well in advance. Wooden fencing marks the course and on the dot of 8.00 a.m. each morning a rocket is released to alert everyone to the letting out of the bulls. Once all the bulls have been released a second rocket is set off. Then the fun begins.

Anyone who has ever attended an Encierro will put running with the bulls as one of the most exciting things they have ever done. If you decide to run with the bulls in Pamplona the most important thing to remember however is that, even if you are an Olympic sprinter, you cannot outrun them. The best bet is to be at least 50 metres ahead of the rampaging beasts and be ready to jump over the fence when you start to run out of breath and they get closer!

Getting accommodation in Pamplona around festival time can be challenging! Most people book up at least a year in advance, or opt to camp, sleep in their car or merely stay up all night making the most of the festivities!

Getting there is not a problem with regular low-cost flights available to Bilbao, 70 miles away or San Sebastian, within 40 miles. They are better options than flying directly to Pamplona as only Iberia actually flies there and the cost of those flights often outweighs the convenience of landing in the town.

Other than the Fiesta and the bull run there are two other sites of note in Pamplona; the Plaza del Castillo, and the 17th century fortress, the Ciudadela.

Whether you are going for the thrills of the Fiesta, to experience the sights and sounds of Pamplona or both, you won’t be disappointed. This part of Spain offers man-made and natural beauty in equal amounts and extends all visitors a warm welcome.

Vanuit Pamplona kun je verschillende kanten op. O jaha? Ja. Nou, om te beginnen komen er verschillende Santiago-routes samen, dus je kunt er langs komen als je naar of van Santiago op weg bent. Hebben we even over gedacht, hier rechtsaf gaan naar Santiago.

Je kunt ook richting Valladolid, en dan door naar Midden-Portugal, en dat was een variant die ons een poosje erg aantrekkelijk leek. Als je dan doorgaat langs de Portugese kust en op een gegeven moment linksaf gaat en langs de Spaanse oostkust omhoog, krijg je een lijn die het erg goed doet op de kaart van het Iberische schiereiland. Esthetisch verantwoord, en dus best wel voor de hand liggend. Alleen. De komende maanden zijn, als het klimaat nog steeds ongeveer doet wat het tot nu toe gedaan heeft, nogal nat en koel aan de Portugese kust. Nat is niet zo’n bezwaar. Koel al helemaal niet. Maar nat èn koel? Nadat onze waterdichte, ademende Patagonia jacks een paar keer in de war zijn geraakt en de regen begonnen door te laten terwijl het zweet binnen bleef, zijn we wat terughoudend geworden met de combinatie nat/koel.

Wat bijdraagt aan de discussie is de wat plotselinge overgang van fietsen in t-shirt ten noorden van de Pyreneeën tot de sneeuw die vandaag in Pamplona viel. Wacht even – sneeuw? We waren toch juist naar het zuiden gefietst om mooier weer te vinden? Nou was zowel het warme weer van een paar dagen geleden als de kou van nu ietwat uitzonderlijk, maar toch.

Een blik op het weerbericht voor verschillende Spaanse plaatsen leerde dat het binnenland voorlopig waarschijnlijk droog en koud is, en de zuidoostkust droog en warm. Heee… dat klinkt aardig. Dus… we gaan wat anders doen dan we van plan waren. We gaan in Pamplona niet rechtsaf, maar linksaf. En dan zien we wel weer verder.

Intussen zijn er wat kleine dingen waar we tegenaan lopen. Openingstijden van winkels en restaurants. Winkels zijn overwegend op maandagochtend gesloten, en gaan dus pas open om… vijf uur ’s middags! Vlak nadat de restaurants ophouden met het serveren van lunches. Het avondeten is op zijn vroegst te krijgen om half negen. Waarom deze aparte tijden? Oh, omdat het zo warm is overdag en een pauze van een paar uur tussen de middag dus een goed idee is. Aha. Zal ik het nog een keer zeggen? Het sneeuwde vandaag. Ik snap het niet zo.

Spaanse keuken… Hm. Ik heb me in het verleden wel eens laten ontvallen dat de ramp die de Filipijnse keuken is, vast wel verklaard kan worden uit de Spaanse en Amerikaanse invloeden waaraan deze heeft blootgestaan. Maar zo goed ken ik de Spaanse keuken eerlijk gezegd niet, dus dat was een slecht onderbouwde conclusie. Tijd om opnieuw te gaan kennismaken.

Het lijkt wel alsof alles wat je eet ergens in drijft. Kleurloos is. Smaakt naar zout. Niet altijd, toegegeven. Charlotte koos op goed geluk iets uit de menukaart, we wisten geen van beiden wat het was. Het dreef, dat wel. Maar kleurloos, nee, dat niet. In een helder rood vocht dreef allerlei wits waarvan de smaak moeilijk thuis te brengen was. Niet zo vreemd, want we kenden het inderdaad geen van beiden. Callos a la Madrileña: pens met bloedworst, een Madrileens gerecht dat wel vaker op menukaarten voorkomt. Wie komt op het idee zoiets klaar te maken, laat staan aan zijn gasten aan te bieden? Nou was het niet echt onsmakelijk, maar dit hoort in de categorie ‘moet je een keer gedaan hebben. Eén keer, meer niet’. Wordt ongetwijfeld vervolgd.

Parece que algo se está moviendo en el mundo del cine, o mejor dicho, parece que algunas entidades están haciendo un esfuerzo para que las personas con discapacidad tengan la posibilidad de disfrutar de una de las expresiones artísticas, y a la vez de entretenimiento, más importante de nuestro tiempo. Con esta idea ha nacido el proyecto Cine Accesible de la Fundación Orange  y Navarra de Cine, con la colaboración de la Asociación Retina Navarra y de la distribuidora Hispano Fox, materializado ayer jueves 26 de noviembre en el estreno en Pamplona de la última película de Alejandro Amenábar en proyección accesible para personas sordas y ciegas. AGORA, la película de producción española más taquillera de las últimas semanas, se presentó a las 19:30h en los Cines Saide Carlos III. Esta misma versión se proyectará también el próximo lunes 30 a las 18:00h en los Cines Lys de Valencia, gracias a la colaboración del Ayuntamiento de Valencia y Caja Mediterráneo.

EL CINE ACCESIBLE LLEGA A CANARIAS
Por primera vez, se va a celebrar junto con la Filmoteca Canaria y el Gobierno de Canarias un ciclo de Cine Accesible en Las Palmas de Gran Canaria y en Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Las tres películas que formarán parte de este ciclo son AGORA de Alejandro Amenábar, PAGAFANTAS de Borja Cobeaga y ÁNGELES Y DEMONIOS de Ron Howard. Las sesiones en Las Palmas tendrán lugar  en los Multicines Monopol, este sábado 28 de noviembre a las 16:00h (AGORA), el domingo 29 a las 16.00h (PAGAFANTAS) y el lunes 30 a las 20:30h (ÁNGELES Y DEMONIOS). En Santa Cruz de Tenerife, será en la Casa de Cultura de la Biblioteca Pública del Estado los 2, 3 y 4 de diciembre a las 17:30h con las películas mencionadas anteriormente. Estas proyecciones cuentan con el apoyo de Metropolitano de Tenerife, S.A., Sinpromi (Cabildo Insular de Tenerife), el Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria y la Dirección General del Libro.

PROYECCIÓN ACCESIBLE EN LA II MUESTRA DE CINE Y DISCAPACIDAD DE VITORIA-GASTEIZ
El lunes 30 de noviembre empieza la II Muestra de Cine y Discapacidad, una mirada a las distintas discapacidades, organizada por la Fundación Zuzenak. Cine Accesible participa en el evento inaugural de las Jornadas, con la proyección de la película ganadora de 8 Oscar este año, SLUMDOG MILLONAIRE.

Cantona se mete en la tv

Se rebaja drásticamente la ayuda a los medios en euskera

Wifi en la antigua estación de autobuses de Pamplona

Unas cañas después de hacer deporte

Escándalo en las presidenciales rumanas por la supuesta agresión de Basescu a un niño

Kürzlich wurde bekannt, dass bei den Dreharbeiten zu dem Kinofilm „Knight and Day“ mit Tom Cruise in der Hauptrolle Szenen des grausamen Stierrennens in der nordspanischen Stadt Pamplona nachgestellt wurden. PETA USA hat sich nun mit einem Brief an den Schauspieler gewandt und gefordert, sich für die Stiere einzusetzen und seinen Einfluss auf die Produzenten zu nutzen, damit diese die Szenen über die Stierhatz aus der Actionkomödie streichen.

Graumsamkeit der Stierhatz und der Stierkämpfe angeprangert

Stierhatz

Die Tierrechtsorganisation weist auf die Grausamkeiten der Stierhatz in Pamplona und den anschließenden Stierkämpfen hin:

Vor dem Stierrennen werden die Tiere mit Elektroschocks und spitzen Stöcken aufgestachelt und dann in der Stierkampfarena gequält und abgeschlachtet. An jedem Tag des einwöchigen Festivals finden Stierkämpfe statt. Schon vor Beginn werden die Stiere oft mit Beruhigungsmitteln geschwächt und geschlagen. Während des „Kampfes“ sticht man den Tieren mit spitzen Banderillas in die Schultern, was zu großem Blutverlust führt.

Interesse an Stierkämpfen geht zurück

In Spanien selbst sprechen sich immer mehr Menschen gegen den Stierkampf aus. 72 Prozent der Spanier haben heute kein Interesse am Stierkampf – im Gegensatz zu noch 54 Prozent in den 1980er Jahren. Auch 80 Prozent der Franzosen sind gegen Stierkämpfe. „Tiere im Namen der Unterhaltung zu quälen und abzuschlachten, stammt direkt aus dem tiefsten Mittelalter“, so Tanja Wiemann von PETA Deutschland e.V. „Sowohl die Stierhatz, wie auch der Stierkampf gehören ein für alle Mal abgeschafft und in die Geschichtsbücher verbannt.“

Los Gigantes de Pamplona, originalmente cargada por Rufino Lasaosa.

Una foto para un día: Los Gigantes de Pamplona. (Homenaje particular)

Más fotos de los Gigantes y Cabezudos

Como buen fan, el que tuvo retuvo, y aunque pasen los años y uno ya esté mas cerca de la treintena que un suspirico, dentro de mi sigue habiendo resquicios del adolescente fanático que antaño fuí.

Mi casa está encasillada en rojo, negro y blanco. Algún resquicio se escapa del circulo vicioso en el que yo mismo me he metido, pero es complicado salirse de los tonos. Pero a partir de poco (cuando consiga agenciarme un super taladro) mis paredes van a estar adornadas por lo que hace unos doce años decoraron éstas mismas paredes.

Individuo las Vegas, allá por diciembre de 2007, tras asistir al concierto que siempre deseé asistir y nunca pude, aparecio con un super poster que me había comprado para que recordara ese día. El concierto era de Spice Girls. Después de diez años esperando el concierto, pude ir a Madrid y ver de nuevo juntas y probablemente por última vez (quien sabe), a las que en su día hicieron que empapelara mi habitación. Dentro de poco, un nuevo “cuadro” colgará de nuevo en la que en aquel entonces era mi habitación. El poster ahora está customizado, metido bajo un cristal, con la entrada de aquel día, y con los recuerdos de aquel fin de semana. Por cierto, gracias Las Vegas.

Años después y siguiendo la racha de conciertos, hice las maletas y me fuí a París a otro concierto, y ésta vez por partida doble. Madonna aterrizaba en París, e Individuo Castro y yo tambien. Ésta vez fui yo mismo el que como recuerdo de aquellas dos noches increibles y acordandome de mi pared vacía, me compré un nuevo poster de aquella gira. La cosa no quedó solo en esos dos conciertos, ya que al año siguiente, Las Vegas y un menda, nos liamos la manta a la cabeza y terminamos en Zaragoza viendo de nuevo ese mismo concierto. Tres conciertos, tres entradas y un poster que después de haber sufrido alguna modificación, pasará a formar parte de esa pared de mi cuarto rojo.

Una pared que me recuerda que he estado horas y horas haciendo colas en las puertas de estadios de futbol, plazas de toros, etc. Horas de sufrimiento hasta casi el desmayo y hacerme pis encima en el concierto de Spice Girls en Madrid debido a la mala organización en la entrada. Horas de risas y nuevas amistades en la cola de París mientras Castro volvía al hotel porque se olvidó la entrada en la habitación.

De estos dos tengo recuerdos a modo de nueva decoración. De otros como el de Christina Aguilera en Barcelona, o el de Shakira en Pamplona, solo quedan recuerdos en mi cabeza. Igual de horas esperando, y con la misma ilusión en cada uno de ellos.

Bueno, no, por supuesto muchísimo mas en Spice. Siempre seré un Spice Boy. Soy así, el que me conoce lo sabe, y creo que a estas alturas ya no cambiaré. El niño-chico-adolescente-joven-casi treintañero, sigue siendo un fan, y ahora tengo cosas en casa que lo atestiguan.

Pamplona, Sanfermines 2009, originalmente cargada por Rufino Lasaosa.

Una foto para un día. Llegando a los toros.

Más fotos de Sanfermines

Más retratos callejeros

Saturday 21^st November, Labrit, Pamplona

GONZALEZ beat RETEGI BI 22-12

This weekend was a tense affair for at least three of the pelotaris involved in the Cuatro y Medio semi finals, for the two tickets to the final depended on a series of outcomes. Sebastian Gonzalez, having lost to Titin III last week, had to beat Retegi Bi at Labrit on Saturday to progress. However, even victory there was not a guarantee, for if Titin were to beat Martinez de Irujo a day later, the cause would be lost. Retegi Bi, for his part, had a mathematical chance of qualification but it would have taken the miracle of a 22-2 victory for this to come to pass. Realistically he knew this was a task beyond the herculean, but he was understandably determined to have at least one victory to show for his time in the semi finals.

Gonzalez delivered on his side of the bargain and there was nothing Julen Retegi could do to stop the rot. Within two minutes, Gonzalez had raced to a 3-0 lead and condemned his young opponent to a winless exit. The result was never in serious doubt as the man from Donibane struck cleanly and dominated with his well practised combination of deep serve followed by hook winner. The match suffered from predictability and only seriously caught fire when a collision between the two players sparked a three way protest between the two players and Julen’s father and botillero, Julian Retegi, leading to a replay of the point. But this was of transient importance as Gonzalez took the victory 22-12.

Gonzalez therefore was left in limbo, having done all he could. An Irujo victory on Sunday would put him through to the coveted final but a win for Titin would send him packing. Retegi must surely be disappointed at his performance in the semi finals but must take heart from the way he got there, beating a bafflingly off colour Aimar Olaizola with play worthy of his eventual position. There is surely more to come from the promising son of the famous father.

Scoring sequence: 3-0, 3-2, 8-2, 8-4, 11-4, 11-5, 14-5, 14-7, 16-7, 16-9, 19-9, 19-12 and 22-12.

Written with the partial help of Noticias de Alava

Gonzalez won but was forced to wait

Image from Diario Vasco

Nuestra nueva campaña para el Gobierno de Navarra, con motivo del Día de Navarra, tiene como protagonista a Sandalio, Sandalio Monreal; navarro de 78 años, emigró a Argentina a la edad de dos años con su familia en búsqueda de fortuna, como tantos otros en aquellos años, y que hoy, aparte de ser una excelente persona, es el jefe del Centro Navarro de Rosario, donde ha construido unas magníficas instalaciones. Por supuesto, visita Navarra siempre que puede y acaba de regresar a Argentina después de haber pasado 15 días con nosotros. Y no sólo eso, sino que se ha destapado como un magnífico actor y comunicador. Un pucho por Sandalio.

Vuelta del Castillo, Pamplona, originalmente cargada por Rufino Lasaosa.

Una foto para un día: otoño en la Vuelta del Castillo, Pamplona

Más fotos de Pamplona

Más fotos de árboles y bosques

These are las ganaderías de MIURA, D.JOSÉ CEBADA GAGO, FUENTE YMBRO, JANDILLA, EL VENTORRILLO, DOLORES AGUIRRE YBARRA, EL PILAR and VICTORIANO DEL RíO.

You can run the encierro without knowing the breeds, or even run without knowing that the bulls come from different ranches.

However, knowledge of the breed contributes to personal and group safety. 

For instance, the breed NUÑEZ DEL CUVILLO had become famously vicious in the morning runs, and were left out of the encierro for more than a few years.  Then, when they were permitted to run in 2008 and 2009 they gored no one, and actually appeared indifferent toward the runners.  They are not being welcomed back in 2010. 

Or, the D.JOSÉ CEBADA GAGO breed run notoriously fast, and on crowded days, and seem to always manage to gore someone.

Or, as to the swift FUENTE YMBRO breed, these bulls only started running in Pamplona in 2005.  In 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2005, no one was gored.  In 2006, there was only a single goring. 

Knowing the breeds also enhances the running experience by placing the breed into historical context.

For instance, the iconic MIURA are “toro de real.”  These regal bulls from Seville first appeared in bull rings in Spain in 1849, and have been appearing on Sundays in Pamplona for decades.

In Death in the Afternoon, Hemingway takes pains to emphasize that these bulls come from “old fighting stock” and appear to have an ability to learn from their experience.  Like a velociraptor, when a Miura looks at you, you can tell he’s working things out.

Most famously, a Miura (named Islero) killed the beloved matador Manolete in August 1947.

They are legendary in size, difficult to kill, and considered – rightfully so – as noble in nature.  They are that magnificent.  In our experience, they usually stay together and avoid runners.  However, in 2009, the Miura were involved in a gruesome five (5) minute run with an attendant 5 horn wounds in the callejón.

Miura in 2009

In comparison, EL VENTORRILLO first appeared in Pamplona in 2008 and will be making only their third appearance in 2010. 

For 2010, it appears that the JANDILLA will again be permitted to run, notwithstanding the fatality of Daniel Jimeno Romero on July 10, 2009, caused by the toro “Capuchino.”  The Jandilla seem to be involved in increasingly frightening incidents every summer.  With these, great care is necessary.

El próximo 28 de noviembre estaremos en el Hotel Husa Noain de Pamplona impartiendo el curso Miedo a conducir: comrpender y ayudar a superar la amaxofobia. Si estás interesado en asisitir como profesor de formación vial o como amaxofóbico puedes oconocer los detalles visitando: http://miedoaconducir.wordpress.com

No Bull, Hey!

San Fermin Festival

 San Fermin Bull Festival – Pamplona, Spain.

July 7-14, 2009, 4 Days – 3 Nights, 

 From only $1229.00*

The exhilarating Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona, Navarra, in north central Spain dates back to the 14th Century. This huge week-long celebration, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, honors the city’s patron saint, San Fermín and includes fireworks, parades, music, dances, bullfights, religious ceremonies and the exciting Running of the Bulls or “encierro” each morning, where brave men and women run with the bulls through the narrow streets of this charming town.

San Fermin Festival

Who says Spain is nothing but crowded beaches, Culture, Culture, Culture, Spain has lot’s of that too!  

We can quote excellent airfares to Madrid from your local airport.

*Prices in USD, double occupancy, land only

Año 2001: Yo estaba en la Playa de Compostela en Villagarcía cuando atacaron las Torres, la gente aún votaba a Izquierda Unida y llegaron los Strokes

12. Carlos Berlanga: Lady Dilema

Un año antes de morir, a Carlos Berlanga le dio tiempo de inaugurar la década firmando su mejor disco en solitario. La obra de un hombre con talento

 Apareció en 2001 en Impermeable (Elefant)

13. Deluxe: Autumn Afternoon

Escondida tras I’ll See You in London, que le convirtió en la primera celebridad local del siglo, Xoel López colocó esta descripción de una tarde cualquiera en ¿Coruña? Discreta y contundente

 http://open.spotify.com/track/4Daug7Tw4NTHhB0aoY0RGH

Apareció en 2001 en Not What You Had Thought (Mushroom Pillow)

14. Ellos: Mi Remedio

Haberse dejado arrastrar por el hype de este grupo y su ‘Diferentes’ aún hace sonrojar a más de uno, pero lo cierto es que no se trataba más que de pasarlo bien durante unos meses con alguna buena canción como ésta

Apareció en 2001 en Lo Tuyo no tiene Nombre (Subterfuge)

15. La Habitación Roja: Un Día Perfecto

Perdieron con Los Planetas los más parecido a una Batalla de Bandas que tuvimos en el indie español (salvando la confrontación Sidonie – Deluxe, en ese orden de ataque) pero igualaron su emoción en este tema

Apareció en 2001 en Radio (Grabaciones en el Mar)

16. Manic Street Preachers: So Why So Sad

Sí, yo también me había olvidado de lo buenos que eran

Apareció en 2001 en Know Your Enemy (Virgin)

17. Pulp: Bad Cover Version

Scott Walker supo sobreproducir un corte precioso que nos recordó los tiempos en los que a Jarvis Cocker le salía todo. Inspiradísimo final, comparando al nuevo novio de su ex con un recitado de sucedáneos: La serie de TV de El Planeta de los Simios, los Stones a partir de los 80 o una caja de cereales de marca blanca

Apareció en 2001 en We Love Life (Island)

18. REM: Imitation of Life

Como suele suceder con REM, nadie se sabe ni un pedazo de la letra, pero este estribillo lleva años coreándose en bares/pubs/clubes, y Michael Stipe y sus serios compañeros volvieron a tender puentes entre las legendarias ‘zonas de marcha’ y los reductos alternativos

Apareció en 2001 en Reveal (Warner)

19. Souvenir: Rien de Nouveau

Souvenir son de Pamplona, cantan en francés, componen piezas de country pop como ésta y el resultado es perfecto. El año anterior habían firmado Ne Dis Pas, una versión del Girl Don’t Tell Me de los Beach Boys igualable a la original

http://www.lastfm.es/music/Souvenir/_/Rien+De+Nouveau?autostart

Apareció en 2001 en Points de Suspensión (Jabalina)

20. The Strokes: Is This It?

El principio del siglo XXI fue legendario por la generalización de Internet, el ataque a las Torres y la llegada de los Strokes. El corte con el que empezaba el disco del cambio lo condensa todo: voz subterránea, sonido 4 pistas y la mejor línea de bajo del año

Apareció en 2001 en Is This It? (BMG) 

21. Super Furry Animals: Juxtaposed with U

Un estribillo abaneante y una sección de irresistibles discocuerdas mantienen este tema impecable 8 años después de su estreno. Canción del verano 2002

Apareció en 2001 en Rings Around the World (Epic)

 22. TCR: Boca Extra

Es el siglo XXI, Los Fresones Rebeldes se han disuelto y el pionero Juan de Pablos busca herederos de su frescura que no reparen en tecnicismos vocales. TCR respondieron bien a la llamada y luego desaparecieron

http://open.spotify.com/track/0zNhvBDfaI79NnaAnvd3U5

Apareció en 2001 en Paro, Siesta, Días de Fiesta (Subterfuge)

23. Travis: Flowers in the Window

Se dijo en su momento que Paul McCartney había estado involucrado en la composición de este tema, un esfuerzo de alegría, optimismo y brillo por parte de un grupo vocacionalmente triste

Apareció en 2001 en The Invisible Band (Independiente)

24. Tremblin’ Blue Stars: The Ghost of an Unkissed Kiss

Un grupo indie británico de raíces indie de verdad, es decir, de los que no se conocen demasiado ni allí, llega con un alarde de guitarras surround envolviendo melodías misteriosas que merece la pena descubrir

http://open.spotify.com/track/5ajlxQ81F33IjYLEpl8lmF

Apareció en 2001 en Alive to Every Smile (Sub Pop)

25. Weezer. Don’t Let Go

No hay nada en la discografía de Weezer comparable al subidón de Buddy Holly (1994), pero con este tema dieron a su Top de Hits un digno número 2. Además el nombre del vocalista del grupo, Rivers Cuomo, sigue molando como el primer día

Apareció en 2001 en Weezer (Green Album) (Universal)