Jul 9, 2012 - Pamplona

We took a night train from Lisbon into Pamplona. it was a 13 hr train ride which was not fun. And unfortuantely Crystal didnt sleep as well as Sarah did. We arrived at a train station an hour outside of Pamplona at 4:45am, and had to wait 3 hrs until 7:50am for our next train. That was a terrible wait. We finally got to Pamplona and found our hostel. When we got there, I kid you not, everyone and I mean everyone, was wearing all white and red. So we promptly bought our white and red, to blend in. We went to the opening ceremony for the San...

Nov 23, 2011 - Pamplona

Pamplona.... the city famous worldwide for the San Fermín festival, from July 6 to 14, in which the running of the bulls is one of the main attractions. Everywhere you turn there are pictures, merchandise, signs and countdowns to the next festival. It also has other historic sites but this is definitely the most popular event. This is a short stop over - only one night before we head to our final destination, but we still managed to find time to walk the famous route where the bulls run and the brave get chased. Tomorrow - Barcelona.

Jul 11, 2011 - Does anyone here EVER sleep or sober up?

Wow. Pamplona during the Festival of San Fermin is what I would seriously call (family members and those who don´t believe I curse, shield your eyes) a SHIT SHOW. But, in a good way. We got to our hotel, which was SUPER nice... too bad we literally spent 4 hours total in it. And only 2 of those were for sleeping. Our night started out with putting on our San Fermin best (white v-neck complete with red waist sash and bandana around our necks) and grabbing a big cup of Kalimotxo which is half Coke and half red wine. We ate and drank while...

Jul 8, 2011 - Running of the Bulls

That night we left on a 6 hour bus ride to Pamplona, I took some dramine beforehand so I didn’t get sick. It worked! When we arrived in Pamplona for Running of the Bulls the city was going crazy! It was about 1AM and we need to find the luggage hall that held onto my suitcase and bags, then we found a place that sold white shirts and pants and red bandanas. I already had white capris, so I just bought a shirt. Then we found the rest of the group and starting drinking and having a great time! There was so much energy in the city that you...

Nov 5, 2010 - Pamplona

@@@@@@@ Background Navarra is the region that sits astride the Pyrenees and was historically comprised of both French and Spanish territory. The Romans once called the city Pompaelo, as a tribute to Pompey the Great. Over the centuries, warring factions and business-minded traders left their mark on the city’s buildings, culture and politics. Today Pamplona is the capital of the extremely independent Kingdom of Navarra and political tension still exists amongst its Basque citizens and the rest of Spain. However, it’s the festival of...

Oct 6, 2010 - Pamplona, Spain

Drove through some varied countyside, small towns and views of the high mountains. Saw some unusual mounds and forests on the way to Pamplona. Went to old city so Gary could retrace the route of the running of the bulls that he ran in 1969.Lot of construction going on right now in the old city, got lost couple of times walking around trying to find the route.The weather still hot and clear. The Bull ring was open for a some kind of Celebration of seafoods. Lots of stalls selling all types of seafoods, had lunch there. That made a second...

Jul 8, 2010 - Pamplona, Spain

I got to Pamplona on the 8th for a 4 tour of the Running of the Bulls. This whole trip was based around this event and I wanted to make sure I experienced it all so I went with a tour group that specialized on this festival. The San Fermin festival runs every year from July 7th - 14th. People usually only do about 3-4 days of the festival because it is just one big crazy ridiculous party. I did not meet one person who planning on being the entire time. I went for the midweek party and after 4 nights I was almost dead. I can't really...

Mar 20, 2010 - Running of the Bulls

I am so excited about my upcoming trip to Europe. I have never done a full backpacking trip before. I have been to Pamplona, Spain for the San Fermin festival or Running of the Bulls. When I went I had the time of my life. What I really enjoyed was sittinf on balconies with friends I jsut meet, drinking sangria and watching thousands of people enjoy themselves. Besindes the actual Ruannig of the Bulls which I thought I would never do, but I had to since I was there anway. This year I discovered Pamplona Balconies. They are a really cool...

Oct 25, 2009 - Soria, Pamplona, San Sebastian and to Royan

Soria, Pamplona, San Sebastian and to Royan We were very very sad little kids when we had to leave our beautiful Spanish home. Barbie didn’t even put the camera around her neck for the 800km ride to Soria; the little town where we had booked a backpackers for the night. Later we were really sad that we had no pictures. Spain is just so beautiful. South of Madrid, we drove past olive groves for what seemed like forever. Olive trees, for as far as the eye could see. It was unreal. After Madrid, we rode northeast into rolling hills and...

Aug 15, 2009 - Spain

Driving into San Sabastien memories flood back to me of this vibrant city with its sun drenched beaches, lively Tapas bars and sultry vibe. I can’t wait to drink it all in all over again. With our hostel booking form in hand Naomi and I leave Will to circle the streets in the car whilst we check-in. Parking in this compact, yet busy, metropolitan, is a luxury we quite literally can’t afford. When we finally find the street of the hostel Naomi and I are laughing hysterically wondering whether or not to tell Will that we have been wondering...

Aug 1, 2009 - Walled In

I had procured a new pair of boots well before leaving Australia and had broken them in over several day walks. They had conquered tracks in the Warrumbungles and the occasional two hour walk to a nice lunch – both the walk and lunch being valid preparation for the Camino walk. The boots had taken me up and back down the Col de Romme for about 24 km and had given me no problems. They were the goods or so I believed. After three days of hot hard track or road walking a rest day in the impressive walled city of Pamplona was just what the...

Jul 14, 2008 - San Fermin, Pamplona, Spain

Hello All, The most recent traveling adventures have seen a weekend trip to one of the more crazier festivals over here - San Fermin, Pamplona, otherwise known as the Running of the Bulls (and those humans who dare). Nathan, you might as well dismiss this entry, having 'been there, done that'! We (Narisa, Simon, Simon's bro - James, Simon's friend - Jimmy, and me) arrived in Bilbao (in the Basque region of Spain, up north) on Saturday morning, after a 3:30am rise and a 7am flight. That was crazy in itself. Unfortunately, the day just got...