I survived the running of the bulls with DD

[anna7602]

Hi all! I am back in Paris for one day before leaving town again for a business trip. After the ILs cancelled their plans to watch DD while we went to Pamplona, we decided to brave it anyway with DD in tow. It wasn't so awful. Yes, it was crowded and a little rowdy, and the streets were plastered with beer, food and piss by day 2, but there were lots of Spanish families out with kids and plenty for DD to see, like the parades with giant puppets. And everyone was really nice and accomodating. DD kept talking about the big party on the streets, so I think she found it kind of exciting. And certainly unlike anything she had ever seen before.

I got up early on my own Saturday to see the running of the bulls, leaving DD asleep with DH in the hotel room, and that was really fun. I'm glad I've now done this at least once in my life.

We managed to find some quiet, nice restaurants where only the locals ate. I saved my drinking for some good wine with meals since the thought of tumbling through the streets drunk as everyone else with DD tugging at my hand did NOT appeal to me.

After 2 days, we headed up to the beach at San Sebastian and that was really lovely. And so ends my contribution to the Spanish economy, part III this year. I have to wonder if Pamplona recoups as much money from tourism as it spends on everything relating to the festivities, especially after I heard some old people kvetching about the cuts the city government had made this year regarding clean-up, etc.

[crimsonandclover]

Sounds like quite a trip! I'm glad you had fun and everyone made it back safe and sound :- )

[travelingturtle]

I was wondering where you've been! Glad to hear that it worked out. I love good traveling with kid stories.

[Wanderista]

That sounds great! I do wonder what the food was like. I'm not very familiar with that region but would love to see it someday.

[americaninoz]

Wow sounds like a fab trip !

[potatopie]

Hehe. The title of this thread had me picturing you clutching your DD to your chest while running frantically from angry bulls.

Glad it was a fun trip. Without having to be chased by bulls or drunk Spaniards.

[popcorn]

Sounds fun!

I wouldn't brave Pamplona during the running of the bulls without a child, so hats off to you for doing it with one! I don't know why, but I've just never had much interest in seeing that, but my SIL tells me it's amazingly fun so I'm probably missing out.

[azure]

That's awesome!!!
You will have to share some pics!

[tricolore]

Sombreros off to you!! We bailed on the running bc we had the dog in tow; so totally impressed with you guys for going w a kid!! Glad it was fun! Love SS too, great town!