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31 October 2013

La Tomatina and Pamplona's Bull Run


     Spain is a fabulous holiday destination and the fact that a few years back it was the second most visited country in the world after France gives you an indication of its popularity. Its mild climate, its sandy beaches, its entertainment hot spots, nightlife and festivals ensure Spain remains a sparkling gem in the tourism crown.

La Tomatina - Bunol
     Spain really has some world renowned festivals. One of those is La Tomatina, held in Bunol, near Valencia. This festivals involves people throwing tomato at each other! But by far the biggest and best festival is the San Fermin, which is held in Pamplona every July. The San Fermin is best known for its crazy Running of the Bulls held every morning of the festival. 

     I love risk and a challenge and the thought of running in front of snorting, angry and frenzied bulls that have been let loose on a sectioned-off course spelled excitement and daring. It is something that I've always watched on TV with deep fascination. This year I made sure that I had booked my turn for the Pamplona Running of the Bulls and July 6 to July 14 had been firmly circled on my calendar for me to get to the renowned San Fermin Festival.
     There are bull run events in plenty of towns and cities across Spain, but it is the running of the bulls in Pamplona during the San Fermin Festival that is most famous around the world. I fortunately did my homework and discovered that during the Pamplona Bull Run, hotels in Pamplona can be expensive. As an alternative you can camp and there are companies that do Pamplona tours where they plan everything for you, including transport, tent and breakfast. I was booked into a hotel known as Gran Hotel La Perla which was a perfect choice for me simply because it had a balcony and looked down on the very road where the bulls would come thundering by. 
     The first time I watched the Pamplona Bull Run from my balcony I was totally blown away. Like I am thinking? "Are you insane?". I had thoughts about whether or not I wanted to actually go through with it and run with the bulls the next morning. I agonised all day. One of the my friends said "Do it!". The other one said "What are you, Stupid or something?" So....did I???
     I know Im keeping you guessing on the bull run, but I have to tell you there is plenty to do in Pamplona during San Fermin other than the Bull Run. The parties start early and go long into the night. There are so many little bars we went to and ate some really tasty food at some cool local restaurants. Quite often though we would just go to a tapas bar and have some snacks. Tapas is perfect to keep you going during San Fermin's not stop party. The bars and restaurants open late, but remember, in Spain they have a siesta in the afternoon so Pamplona, even during San Fermin, is like a ghost town. There is still plenty happening throughout the day and night with parades and what not, as well as the fireworks that happen around 11pm each night. 
Pamplona's Bull Run
     When it finally came time for me to run with the bulls, well lets just say that I sort of chickened out! However, I must say I was appalled to see people simply pounding over others who had tripped or fallen in front of them and opted to just be a spectator. I mean people have died in these runs you know. My friends and I stayed for the full seven days, which ended with everyone gathering at the City Hall and singing a song called "Pobre de Mi" or "Poor Me", indicating that the San Fermin Festival was over for another year. 
     I have briefly visited Pamplona outside of San Fermin and it is a completely different place. You really need to be in Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls to appreciate the atmosphere and experience what is pretty much a uniquely Spanish experience.

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28 October 2013

Mongolian Tours - The Adventure Of A Lifetime‏

    

Burkhan Khaldun mountain

      Eating in Mongolia can be interesting, though there are restaurants in the capital, anywhere else one is likely to have access only to mutton and a number of dairy products produced from their animals. Owing to their genetic makeup and the lack of arable land, vegetables are rarely eaten. Although they are quite creative in the products they can make from their herds, meat is dominant. When people think of Mongolia, aside from the name Ghengis Kahn, few have any real idea what the place is like. The last century has seen it as an isolated nation where few westerners ever went, especially during the Russian occupation. Mongolian tours can open an exotic, fascinating window in the past one will always remember.

Nomads from Mongolia
    The location of Mongolia, a land locked nation nestled between Russia and China, resulted in a history of conflict and many occupations by both neighbors. Mongolia as a nation began with the rule of Genghis Kahn and represented a period when Mongolians ruled. One key to his power and success was getting the many separate clans united for the first time, not always peacefully.

     Traditionally the people of Mongolia live in Gers, a felt lined circular tent which can be dismantled or reassembled within a few hours. The climate is extremely dry, with humidity in the single digits most of the time, and experiences more than 250 sunny days each year. The extreme continental climate means the winters are brutally cold with the capital of Ulaan Bataar being the coldest capital in the world.

     There are cities throughout the country with the capital, Ulaan Baatar, being by far the largest and most significant. It was given its current name, which means Red Hero, following the communist triumph in 1924. This began the Soviet influence, square buildings and heat infrastructure transmitting steam for heat quiet inefficiently in exposed over-ground pipes.
Mongolian landscapes
     Historically the people who practiced religion were free to choose from many, including Islam and      Christianity, but by the 12th century Tibetan Buddhist had become predominant, with ornate monasteries scattered throughout the land. During the Russian occupation religion was actively and brutally suppressed. Tens of thousands lost their lives in the purges and most of the beautiful golden artifacts were looted and taken back to Russia.
Mongolia Map
      The nation and its culture have rebounded since the soviet breakup, and with freedom of religion in place, Tibetan Buddhism returned as the majority practice. Festivals are held throughout the year, with the largest in Summer. Archery, horse racing and wrestling competitions are held with the national title at stake.
It is a rare opportunity to visit a nearly unspoiled culture that lives the same today as it has for generations. No country is completely without an impact from the industrial revolution, and the capital city of Mongolia is testament to that, but taking Mongolian tours provides an insight few have gained and the trip will be a memory for a lifetime.
 
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