Pamplona, Spain

We were attempting to make it to Spain today, and what better city to start our Spain adventures in than Pamplona? It just so happened that San Fermin, also known as "The Running of the Bulls" was happening at the same time. What a coincidence...sorry to moms in advance.

We woke up early, despite wanting to stay in Biarritz forever. We were unsure how this day of travel would pan out, as we could not look up online ways to cross the border from France to Spain, nor could we pre-order tickets, and we were worried we would not make it. It turned out to be pretty easy of an ordeal. We walked down to load up the car, and Pierrick De Niro was eating breakfast with his family. He looks up and says "it is 9 o'clock already?" We explained that our train left at 9:50 and we weren't sure how long it would take to return the car and get to the train station. He told us 10 minutes, but we still wanted to be early. He finished his breakfast and before we knew it was in a car beside us on the street, gesturing that we follow him.

We did our best to stay with him through traffic and roundabouts. We got to the airport in about 8 minutes, and as we were pulling in, the two guys who work at Europcar were hopping in a car and taking off. After walking around a bit, Shay learned that he could simply leave the car in the lot, so we did. Pierrick took us to the train station, another 5 minute drive, and sent us on our way.

Look at me! I'm waiting for a train!

Look at us! We're on a train!

The train to Hendaye was easy. The ticket cost about 5.50 Euros, and was the only train that came in. We got to Hendaye in about 35 minutes. It was a little slow at one point, because a construction crew was digging a hole beside the track, very precariously. At the Hendaye station there are many signs that say "for the train to San Sebastian, go out and turn right." We walked out of the station, turned right, and at the end of the street there is a tiny station "Euskotran" with a track. We walked in and bought two tickets to San Sebastian. I think it cost about 5 Euros total. We waited for that train and it took about 20 minutes to get into Spain.

Might this be the last of the baguettes we see?

Once in Spain, we had to ask at the info station for directions to the bus station. Walked down the street to the “bus terminal”, which is just bus company store fronts and then buses lined up around the corner. We got in the Alsa line because it was busy and full of people dressed in white and red. We met a guy from Boston who was going to Pamplona too. We figured we were on the right track.

We bought our ticket and Boston’s ticket at the instant machine, as the line up was long, and he wanted to get on the 12:30 bus with us. It was 12:20. It cost about 23 euros for all three of us. I thought the trip would be way longer, as we barreled down curvy, narrow mountain roads with scenic views. They had like 10 buses to Pamplona, one leaving every half hour or hour or so. We were lucky to make it in time for the 12:30 bus. It was packed, and left as soon as we got on.

Eating a packed lunch on the ALSA bus to Pamplona

Don't look down!

We arrived in Pamplona just after 1:30. Very fast! Everyone we passed was dressed in white and red. It was really something to see.

We were helped by a man who spoke French who helped us find the taxi depot back in the bus station. This bus station had seen better days, likely before the San Fermin festival. It smelled of olives and diarrhea. We took a taxi to Hostal Acella, and didn’t think we would ever find it again as it was tucked away on these little streets.

The girl who greeted us spoke English and was very helpful. She brought us to our room, which was in Building 5, on the 4^th floor (4b). It was great. Huge. We had a full bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchen. We paid $195 for it, because it was private and during the festival, but that was the only place that would rent a room for one night. We were happy with it. We met a guy later, who said he paid about 100 a night to sleep in a room in someone's house.

Swanky place

We walked around town through the winding streets, bought some red and white clothing, The signature red Pamplona scarf, and bandana, and Shay needed white pants. I brought a white skirt and top and was fine to wear that. We passed many people sleeping on the ground decked out in their San Fermin attire. Bus stations, parks or flat out on the sidewalk was where many people crashed in between running and partying. Apparently Pamplona has a population of 200,000, that swells to about 2 million during the festival.

Found our red and whites

We looked for somewhere to eat. As we got closer to the center, there was a bigger sea of red and white. It was hard to find places to eat because the parties and parades overtook the street. Lots of street pizza and hotdog stands…we needed something more substantial.

There was a store front window selling drinks, grocery store style. I bought a 1.5 Litre bottle of sangria and 1.5 Litre bottle of beer for 6 euros to drink openly on the streets. We stopped at a restaurant that promised nachos and fried potatoes with cheese. At this point we wanted anything. The old Mccain fries with melted cheese and stale no name brand nachos with melted cheese and bacon were not so good but would have to do.

We ate, drank, walked around the party that enhanced as the night went on. There were street performers, drink vendors.

Putting a dent in my litre and a half of sangria

Rocking out with the town marching band

Street vendors selling purses and shoes, who had there knock off products on sheets tied up with string so that they could scoop them up quickly should they need to disperse. The street that was cram packed with vendors, could turn into an empty pedestrian street at the drop of a dime. We watched it happen as the police picked someone up. We didn't know who, but everyone was throwing things at the police car and screaming (and or cheering?).

There were droves of people partying with random marching bands.

We walked around some more, following the crowd to the fort for fireworks. They were insane. A good thirty minutes of epic multi explosion blasts. They sold these green lasers that locals would aim on the smoke spots.

We walked back into town for more dancing at open air bars.

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This guy scared the crap out of Shay, who thought it was just a statue.

We headed home around 2 or 3 in the morning so we could prepare for the run tomorrow. 
On our way home we walked by one of the many live concerts in the parks...at 3 in the morning...so many people still partying.

Such a fun night.