Ya Falta Menos!

I apologize for not posting anything for a while.  There is a fair-use policy in Spain which limited our amount of internet use per day, and well, let's face it, when you're in Pamplona during San Fermin, the last place you are is indoors in front of your computer!


So a quick update on what's been going on.  The festival was amazing, as it always is, and new friends were made as well as new memories.  Our first time San Ferminers got their taste of the festival and are now thoroughly addicted.


Here are some highlights:


On the morning of their first run, Marissa was picked out of the crowd and interviewed by a national news station.  Later that night, when we met up with our translator, she recognized her from the newscast!


Solomon had a great run and then continued on into the bullring.  Once the baby bulls were released, it wasn't long until Solomon's spidey-parkour sense started tingling.  Once he saw the opportunity, he vaulted a baby bull!  While it's super crowded in the ring as well as the stands, and it's difficult to really see anything, Solomon was on everyone's radar, and the crowd roared with approval. 


Alex had a close run-in during the encierro, with a bull right on his heels.  Being a smart runner, once he saw an opening on a post on the barricades, he jumped up and held on. Only seconds after he took hold, another runner behind him was taken out by that bull and swept right underneath him.  Talk about a close call.


We met the mayor and were taken on a tour of the Ayuntamiento, an absolutely gorgeous building both inside and out.  You could feel the incredible historical energy just walking through the halls.  We were even able to go out onto the balcony where the official start and end of the festival takes place. 


After taking my cast to their first bullfight, we were honored to score an interview with Julian Lopez, better known as "El Juli", whose story of becoming a matador is amazing in itself. Bullfighting, being one of my own personal passions, my cast was able to ask him questions to get a better grasp of this often misunderstood art.  El Juli was holding a bullfighting lesson for kids after our interview, which we were able to attend as well.  At the bullring, I spotted Paco Cano, Canito, acclaimed photographer of San Fermin.  With his white cap and camera around his neck, he was everywhere he needed to be to get the best shots.  It's incredible to think he turned 100 this year.  Watching him work, there was a calm and familiarity with his environment that you can only achieve with time.  While all the other photographers, myself included, were scrambling around and fighting for the best views of El Juli, I'm pretty sure Canito got better shots than all of us.


There is a ton more I could sit and write about, but then I'm taking time away from editing my teaser trailer!  Right now I am currently going through hours and hours of footage, narrowing it down into hopefully 30 sec!  Eek!  I've got my work cut out for me, but it's not anything I can't handle. :)


~jb

CHUPINAZO!!!

With the chupinazo under our belts, the festival has officially begun!


It was madness, as usual, but an amazing time was had by all.  Maneuvering around a city and trying to keep your group together while everyone is dressed the same proved to be quite challenging, but we did pretty well.


Alex, Solomon and Marissa had a slight idea of what to expect, but witnessing it in person was a completely different story.  The party began way before the opening ceremony even commenced and is still going at almost midnight.


Tomorrow is the first run.  The gang has decided to watch one first before getting into the barricades themselves.  Everyone has decided they will run, but after watching one, let's see what the turn out is.


Since we do have to get up early, and it's close to midnight, I will end things here.  There is tons to see and lots of walking being done, but everyone is having a fantastic time.  Pics will be posted soon, but I still have to shower all the sweat and sangria out of my hair from the festivities.  


VIVA SAN FERMIN!
GORA SAN FERMIN!


~jb