Nancys avatarI could think of many ways to have fun and a few of those would be considered dangerous, but running with the bulls in Pomplona, Spain has never been something I would ever think of trying.  Can someone please tell me why these crazy thrill-seekers want to put themselves in a situation where they could be gored, damaged for life or killed by these bulls and steer.

If you don’t get trampled on by these huge beasts who can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, you have a good chance of ending up under a pile of other humans who trip and fall, and of course, become targets for these bulls. 

The runs, totaling 8, are the highlight of a 9-day festival to honor Pomplona’s patron saint, San Fermin.  It had to be a bunch of nuts who came up with this ridiculous event.  In New York City, the Feast of San Gennaro is celebrated by street vendors setting up colorful tents preparing and selling tons of Italian foods and desserts.  That’s more my style.  Certainly fattening, but not dangerous!

Getting back to these crazies, this year 23 people were seriously injured.  We’re not talking a broken arm or lacerations needing stitches.  No!  These injuries are life threatening.  But need I also say that alcohol plays an important role in this sport.  The fiesta attracts tens of thousands of young people, many from abroad, eager to mix alcohol with the adrenaline of running alongside the massive bulls at 8 o’clock every morning.  

Ok, you thrill-seekers, you can save money by not flying off to Spain.  Plan to shop on Black Friday.  You can run with other shoppers, possibly get trampled on by ill-mannered deal seekers.  And by the end of the day, you can get all your holiday shopping done.
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