Risks at Running of the bulls.. worth it?
Jul 12th, 2011, 04:46 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Risks at Running of the bulls.. worth it?
I'm sure all those who have gotten through this unscathed will say "of course! The most exciting thing i have ever done".
But one of the fellows that got thrown to the ground on Sunday, trampled by the bulls and crowd, is now a paraplegic.
Sometimes I wonder how these events can take place when every single year inevitably someone dies, becomes a paraplegic or is seriously injured.
But one of the fellows that got thrown to the ground on Sunday, trampled by the bulls and crowd, is now a paraplegic.
Sometimes I wonder how these events can take place when every single year inevitably someone dies, becomes a paraplegic or is seriously injured.
Jul 12th, 2011, 04:54 AM
#2
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
People sky dive, play (American) football, box, and play hockey. Part of life for many is taking emotional, intellectual, financial, and physical risks.
Cautious people do not change the world. Not that running with the bulls will change other people's lives unless one gets hurt or dies, but I would imagine it can be life affirming and exilerating.
I used to play hockey and the first words out of people's mouths who did not play were, "Isn't it dangerous?" Well yes. But if you know what you are doing less so. And checking someone and getting checked is all part of the fun.
Cautious people are not as interesting as people who take calculated risks.
Cautious people do not change the world. Not that running with the bulls will change other people's lives unless one gets hurt or dies, but I would imagine it can be life affirming and exilerating.
I used to play hockey and the first words out of people's mouths who did not play were, "Isn't it dangerous?" Well yes. But if you know what you are doing less so. And checking someone and getting checked is all part of the fun.
Cautious people are not as interesting as people who take calculated risks.
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:05 AM
#3
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in Spain last October and on TV in the morning was a rather graphic programme about accidents and deaths. One guy was impaled by a bull (at Pamplona) and I suppose it's horn got caught on his rib cage inside because it shook it's head trying to dislodge him and he was tossed about on this bull's horn like a rag doll. It was horrible to watch. Though he eventually died, he seemed to have lived through much of the horrible experience.
A good sized bull can weigh 800 kg, and that is mostly muscle and bone.
50 years ago, teens used to test their bravery by playing chicken which meant driving their cars at each other and seeing who swerved first. If neither did, it was a head on collision at speed and they were often severely injured or dead.
The Chinese curse : "May you live in interesting times" explains all.
A good sized bull can weigh 800 kg, and that is mostly muscle and bone.
50 years ago, teens used to test their bravery by playing chicken which meant driving their cars at each other and seeing who swerved first. If neither did, it was a head on collision at speed and they were often severely injured or dead.
The Chinese curse : "May you live in interesting times" explains all.
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:15 AM
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Chinese curse : "May you live in interesting times" explains all.
If I am not mistaken, that saying refers to events you rarely control and is only a curse, if one wants it to be a curse. One's life is richer for having various experiences and teaches people various ways to cope, handle and move forward.
If I am not mistaken, that saying refers to events you rarely control and is only a curse, if one wants it to be a curse. One's life is richer for having various experiences and teaches people various ways to cope, handle and move forward.
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:20 AM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I must agree with aduchamp. While I would never have the nerve to do it (or really the desire!), I understand why someone would want to. The same reason why someone attempts one of the great mountain climbs, or - as previously mentioned - wants to try skydiving. I have a friend who's favorite phrase in his 20's was "you're going to be 40 eventually, might as well have stories to tell." Pamplona is probably best left to those in their 20s, but it would be a story to tell!
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:25 AM
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I once sat on the beach in Zahara de los Atunes. They were training bulls to fight down from where we were sat. One of them was twice the size our hire car.
Paella, San Miguel, "Dream like" football, sailing around Mallorca, Chorizo, fishing on the Ebro are all Spanish pastimes that I can readily enjoy.
No tengo cojones para Pamplona!
Paella, San Miguel, "Dream like" football, sailing around Mallorca, Chorizo, fishing on the Ebro are all Spanish pastimes that I can readily enjoy.
No tengo cojones para Pamplona!
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:36 AM
#11
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The main objection to the bull run is that it's so naff if you aren't a local.
Well, you would watch for at least two days to understand the technique and some people just do not look good in white.
The problem with San Fermin, as I understand it, is that too many people run these days who do not know how to run and make it dangerous for everyone.
Well, you would watch for at least two days to understand the technique and some people just do not look good in white.
The problem with San Fermin, as I understand it, is that too many people run these days who do not know how to run and make it dangerous for everyone.
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:39 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Scotland you can't use a ladder to paint a house due to "Health and Safety" but in Pamplona.....
As an American watching from the outside, there is a vast difference between a cultural/historical event and product liability. And one thing that the Spanish resent is other nations dictating their internal cultural events. I am sure other countries do as well, but I am not as familiar with them.
As an American watching from the outside, there is a vast difference between a cultural/historical event and product liability. And one thing that the Spanish resent is other nations dictating their internal cultural events. I am sure other countries do as well, but I am not as familiar with them.
Jul 12th, 2011, 06:18 AM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Adu
It isn't product liability, it is the fact that any organised activity or commercial activity in Britain (EU) seems to require a risk assessment nowadays. In our business we had to do one for washing the pots.
Would love to see the one for bull running.
It isn't product liability, it is the fact that any organised activity or commercial activity in Britain (EU) seems to require a risk assessment nowadays. In our business we had to do one for washing the pots.
Would love to see the one for bull running.
Jul 12th, 2011, 07:34 AM
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
People are free to decide whether they participate or not, huh? No one is forced to. Why do they. If they take the risk they can't complain. Everything has to feel thrilling, dangerous, risky to be ultra-cool - but if something really happens there is a lot of wailing and it is everyone else's fault but not the participants'...
Jul 12th, 2011, 10:14 AM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The mountain climb is between you and the mountain. Now let's add herds of crazy mountain goats that attack climbers and throw them off the cliff.. I mean.. what would be the point of ORGANIZING this ?
Frankly, I have been here for 41 years and am wondering how long this will be allowed, as any other public event that had deaths and paralyzations would be banned.
Frankly, I have been here for 41 years and am wondering how long this will be allowed, as any other public event that had deaths and paralyzations would be banned.
Jul 12th, 2011, 10:31 AM
#16
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What percentage of the participants are locals and what percentage are adventure-seeking tourists?
Regardless of the history, it seems the event is marketed to promote tourism and not just to watch but to take part. I saw on TV that they had some kind of laser light shows with cartoons of bulls projected on some building.
Hotel occupancy and prices probably go up when the event is held?
Regardless of the history, it seems the event is marketed to promote tourism and not just to watch but to take part. I saw on TV that they had some kind of laser light shows with cartoons of bulls projected on some building.
Hotel occupancy and prices probably go up when the event is held?
Jul 12th, 2011, 10:44 AM
#18
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"The mountain climb is between you and the mountain"
Here's a proper mountain climb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDhRvvs5Xw
Alora, Andalucia. I bottled it on my honeymoon.
Here's a proper mountain climb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDhRvvs5Xw
Alora, Andalucia. I bottled it on my honeymoon.
Jul 12th, 2011, 10:55 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
maybe i should post this in the lounge.. sorry.
Since so many people are watching the running of the bulls these days it is conversation amongst us here. I never used to feel this way, but as I watch this and see the injuries.. I have begun to question an event I was always "attracted to".
Was just sharing some personal thoughts. I have enjoyed reading everyone's opinion.
Since so many people are watching the running of the bulls these days it is conversation amongst us here. I never used to feel this way, but as I watch this and see the injuries.. I have begun to question an event I was always "attracted to".
Was just sharing some personal thoughts. I have enjoyed reading everyone's opinion.
Jul 12th, 2011, 11:26 AM
#20
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Linca
The city fathers of Pamplona would hate to see it banished. One week a year Pamplona appears in newspapers and newscasts around the world. And think of the immediate cash for the hotels, restaurants, and locals who either rent their view or their apartments.
And yes hotel prices go up and rooms are scarce and there are numerous people who sleep in the streets.
And it is good that this was not on the lounge, since the entire discussion would have shifted to the treatment of bulls.
______________
Humpty
It is curious that you resent EU intrusions and regualtions in your life but you welcome the regualtion of San Fermin.
The city fathers of Pamplona would hate to see it banished. One week a year Pamplona appears in newspapers and newscasts around the world. And think of the immediate cash for the hotels, restaurants, and locals who either rent their view or their apartments.
And yes hotel prices go up and rooms are scarce and there are numerous people who sleep in the streets.
And it is good that this was not on the lounge, since the entire discussion would have shifted to the treatment of bulls.
______________
Humpty
It is curious that you resent EU intrusions and regualtions in your life but you welcome the regualtion of San Fermin.
