Back in Spain

Posted for July 10, 2011
Back in Spain! And to be more specific, San Sebastian. It is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s the way of life, the food, and the wine is what I enjoy the most. If you watch Anthony Bourdain No Reservations on TV, then you’ll recognize the picture above. Haizea - the place where I’ve eaten one of the best Tapas (called Pinxtos in the Basque country) in my life, which is pictured below: A Foie Gras sandwich with the bread substituted with fried apples.

Getting Ready for Pamplona 2011

Pamplona 2011 Teaser from Wackymango on Vimeo.

I'm heading back to Pamplona for the Running Of The Bulls this year. And this time, there will be a total of 7 of us.

Ron's Experience in Pamplona

From my previous posts, Fiesta de San Fermin is a festival that's indescribable. I'm sure there are other festivals that may be just as wild, but when you've got an assortment of generations that attend this fiesta, it makes it that much more special. So last year, a couple of friends had decided to come along on my second go around. A year later, I finally found some time to put this video together.

Travel Day

I got on the bus from Pamplona to San Sebastian as planned and it went real smooth. As soon as Ant and I arrived we dropped off our bags and headed for some food. After having toast and coffee and strolling through the beach, I picked up my bag at Ant’s hotel and headed to the train station. I got there at 12:45. With my train scheduled to leave at 1:25, 45 minutes is plenty of time to settle down prior to departure. And so that was not to be the case.

As soon as I got to the train station, I wanted to validate my French Pass Train Ticket. As I waited in line I started to converse to a group of Americans from Chicago who were in front of me. They got to the ticket window and asked for a ticket into France. The person at the window directed them to the other train station. I didn’t listen to their conversation as I spoke to the one gal in their group. There are two train stations in San Sebastian. I’m not sure how much Spanish they know, but I trusted them and followed them to the other train station. It’s a 15 min walk and I wasn’t too concerned since I still had time. We left that station at 12:50 and took a lazy walk to the other station. I continued to chat with the gal the in the group as the other 3 guys looked at me like I was some punk guy trying to get at her. As a matter of fact, she was the one who approached me first. I just continued to talk to her. I tried to talk to the guys, but they kept giving me the whatever attitude. Any case, we got to the train station at 1:15 and I immediately wished them a safe journey as I headed to the monitor to see what platform my train leaves from. After finding it, I headed for the platform. As I got to the platform I noticed something different: Stalls. In order to get through the stalls to the platform area, a special ticket is required. I turned around and headed to the ticket booth and spoke to the cashier. With the group of Americans standing in the area looking confused, the cashier told me I was in the wrong station. Right then and there I looked at the 3 American guys who earlier were giving me the cold shoulder and said, “This is the wrong station. This station is for the local trains but still can get you to the border of Spain/France.” They replied with, “Shit, we just came from there (the other station).” The gal looked at me and apologized while the guys still looked confused. I replied, “It’s alright, no worries” and I rushed out the station and looked for a cab. I found a cab and told him my train leaves in 10 min. He laughed and said don’t worry, I’ll get you there in 5 min. He was true to his word and got me there in 5 min. During the 5 min ride the driver said there are two stations, one local and one that goes through the other countries. I told him that I knew that and I was originally at the correct station but I listed to some stupid Americans and followed them with out asking the ticket agent. He laughed again.

I hopped out of the cab and headed to the platform area. Looking around I approached a security guard working the station and asked him if I was in the right platform. He said yes. I then saw a group of Australians and asked them where they were headed. They were headed the same direction as I and then told me the train is late.

As I waited, there was a couple who were rushing into the platform as well. They looked at me and asked if this was the correct platform to Hendaye. I said yes. They were breathing hard and said, “we just ran from the other station.” I laughed as I told them I just went through the same thing. After conversing a bit it turned out there they were headed to the same destination as I – Bourdeaux. We then talked about the connecting Train and wondered if were going to make it. With the current train running late and the connecting train leaving 10 minutes after the scheduled arrival at the transfer point (Hendaye), things were looking a bit sketchy. The train destined for Hendaye finally arrived. I got to my seat and spoke to the rail conductor. She asked if I spoke English. I said yes. She was very helpful as I described my situation to her. She spoke to her manager and told me that I’ll have enough time to get to the train. She gave me mineral water as I relaxed in my 1st class seat.

When I arrived at Hendaye, I rushed to the ticketing area to look for the auto stamp machine to validate my French Pass ticket. There were 2 but both were not operating. I rushed to the ticket booth and the cashier was looking at me crazy. I showed her my ticket. She pointed at the train out side the window and said,n It's too late, they’re closing the door." I said, "I just need a stamp on my pass." She immediately stamped it and I ran out side and jumped in, just as the door was closing. With sweat running down my forehead, and shirt sweat forming on my back and shoulders from my back pack, I was finally relieved to be on the train as I looked for my seat; a comfortable 2 and a half hour train ride in peace.

Take It Easy

Posted for July 10
We took it easy today. I’ve got a travel day tomorrow. Ant and I will be departing the bus station for San Sebastian at 9:30 am; I then will continue my journey to Bordeaux with another stop over at Hendaye.

We went to the grocery store the other day and picked up a cooked chicken with tortilla on the side. We heated it up this morning and had it for breakfast. We then used the left over bones and chicken meat to make chicken soup. A substance I’m sure my body will greatly appreciate.

Idiot

Posted for July 9
When I got up this morning, I called my self an idiot!
Flash Back two weeks ago
I got a phone call a week prior to my trip from a Euro Rail Agent. I originally had purchased a train ticket from Pamplona to Bordeaux which has a stop over/transfer point at Hendaye, France. The Agent informed me that first part of the train ride (Pamplona to Hendaye) was no longer available due to construction and the best way to get to Bordeaux was to reroute to San Sebastian then to Hendaye then to Bordeaux. With out thinking I agreed and paid for the additional fees.

This morning
I got up this morning and thought about my train ride to Bordeaux. Looking at my ticket I didn’t realize the train ride to San Sebastian was an 1 hour 45 min. A bus ride to San Sebastian is an hour and would only cost 7 Euro. At that point, the hamster wheel in my head started to turn in which the light bulb promptly clicked. I said out loud, “Sh*T, Mother F*CKER! I’m a freaking idiot!” Ant looked at me and said what. I replied, “The taxi to the train station would be about 7 Euro and the bus ticket to San Sebastian is 7 Euro! The bus station is walking distance and the Charter Bus Ride would be faster.” So basically, I’m going to eat the first part of my train ride to Bordeaux which is fine because I get to enjoy San Sebastian for a few hours.

So it looks like I’ve thrown quite of bit of money away:
- Lost a little bit over a hundred euro when it fell out of my pocket
- Eating the additional fees on my train ride
Above all this, I’m ok with it. I’ve alive and having a great time. It’s just one of those little hiccups that happen along the way.

Night time activities
Ant and I hit the square at 11:30 pm. Like the other night and nights to follow, the square is filled with people. We found an open area to settle down in and opened our drinks - Absolute Vodka and Naranja (Orange Soda). After about an hour of drinking and enjoying the free open air concert, we met a group of Americans. We gave them a box of wine that we brought along to give away. We had so much alcohol left over in our apartment from previous nights, between 2 people and the previous night of drinking, we had to give it away. As our conversation died with the group of Americans, Anthony pointed out two gals. I walked of to them and offered them some vodka. They’re names were Hannah (Australian) and Meghan (American from Chicago). They were both traveling together and went to school together at Northwestern University. As were about to leave, 2 other guys introduced themselves and wanted to come along. We all went to a couple bars.

The last bar we went to had 2 floors. On the second floor was a large window with a ledge to stand in - enough to fit 3 comfortably. While standing outside, I started to dance a bit. As I did, I took out my video camera and a group of guys approached me and asked if I was Japon (Japaneese). I said no and told them I was Filipino. I pointed the camera over to the second floor ledge and a group of guys were cheering. They then told me to come up. I entered the bar and got to the second floor ledge and we all started chanting. Anthony then came up as well in which we stayed for about 5 min then decided to head back outside. Ant and I then decided to head back home. We were both tired and drunk.

Going away party

Posted for July 8
We watched fireworks last night, hung out at the square, and killed two bottles of Vodka. It was the last night before Janice, Preston, and Ron headed back to the States. I don’t think I need to get into the details, because even if I did, it would matter - I was too wasted to remember. 2 bottles of Vodka between 4 people in two hours (actually 3 people because Ant, Ron, and I had extra-extra helpings).

The only thing I do remember is:
1. Bugging the guys to get the apt keys from Janice. We didn’t want to disturb her conversation with a man friend. After waiting for an hour, it turned out the keys were in my pocket. I’m such a loser!!
2. Getting a late night Bocadillo (sandwich) from a street vendor on the way back to the apt. It had bacon, Chorizo, and tortilla (egg & potato omelet). YUMMY!!!

It’s fantastic that Pamplona has a nightly 15 minute firework display that starts at 11 and a nightly 2 hour concert that starts at midnight. This occurs for 7 days straight.

The Run Part II

I made it and I'm alive!

Bull Fight

Posted for July 6
We got up at about 10 and got ready for the opening ceremony which started at 12 noon. When we arrived at the area where the opening ceremony was conducted it was already filled with people chanting. We found an area to hang out 50 yards away and just kitty corner to the main area. As noon came closer, each street and alley way can be described as a sea of people.

Bull Fight
The Bull Fight was an experience that I prefer not to attend to again. It’s a great cultural experience, but the events the bulls endure made me understand why people and organizations protest these events. It’s like a cat and mouse game where a man on a horse toys with the bulls. They’re judged on technique and moves on how to avoid getting gored by the bull. In the process, the man on the horse spears the bulls on the top of his neck. Because the cat and mouse game is a process, the bulls are speared and die in a very slow manner. They endure about 8 spears prior to taking one final spear that puts them to rest. There were a total of 6 bouts. After watching the first bout, I had a sudden feel of sympathy for the rest of the bulls.

San Sebastian

Dated for July 2
Our room at Sebastian is pretty nice. We’ve got a Jr Suite and it’s located on the top floor with a balcony that overlooks San Sebastian.

With last night being the first night in town, we got crazy. We went pitxos (tapas) bar hopping and followed it up with a night of bar hopping. We got back to our hotel at about 6 am. Tired from our flights and a heavy night of drinking, we were all passed out till 5 pm in which we did it all again but instead of Tapas bar hopping we opted for paella. It’s really amazing how the sun doesn’t go down till 10pm. So getting up at 5 isn’t so bad.

Donde Esta (where are you)

Dated for July 3
My Spanish is terrible, but I try as hard as I can. I seriously am going to try to learn the language and use the program I have at home. I took Spanish in High School, but cheated my way through. Boy am I regretting that now; along with History. With the amount of traveling I’ve been doing the past few years, the history classes would of came in handy; and I really like Spain.

We were at a bar and I tried to talk to a gal who was on her way out of the bar with her group of gals. As she walked passed me I went up to her and asked, “Excuse me, donde esta?” She looked at me all weird and must of thought I was an idiot. What I should of said was, “donde va?” (where are you going).

Finaly in San Sebastian

After a 20 hour Travel day, I'm finally in San Sebastian. This city is AWESOME!!! It's super chill with a great beach. We found a wine shop and picked up a bottle of wine. In the process, the owner let us try a slice of some Prime Jamon fresh off the cured leg. Although it's over cast, we shared the bottle of wine on the beach promenade.