Jared and I spent our last few days in Spain hanging out in Albecete and driving along the Mediterranean back to Barcelona. Jared really wanted to see a bull fight and Albecete was the place to do that. We spent the day wandering around the city and spending time at Albecete’s annual city festival (just like the State Fair).
The bull fight in Albacete started at 6:00 p.m. It wasn’t a true bull fight, because the matador wasn’t really involved. Men on horses with spears in hand went through the whole process instead. The best thing I can say about that bull fight is that it was a cultural experience. We were packed into the city’s old bull ring like stinky sardines. If you don’t like close contact with large herds of people, this wouldn’t be the place for you. The bull fight commenced with a little horse show, which was cool. The horses were very beautiful and pranced around like no other. Things made a turn for the worse when the bull came out. I just couldn’t stand to watch the poor bull get jabbed in his back with spears to weaken his muscles, and then get delivered with a fatal blow. Hemingway, a true bull fight connoisseur said it best when he called the bull fight a tragedy. The heavens opened and rain came pouring down on us just as the first bull was dragged out of the ring and the second bull came out to meet his fate.
Dripping wet and icy cold, we decided to leave the bull fight early. I am glad we went, just for the cultural experience. Similar to a NASCAR race - it is neat to go once to sit through it live and in-person, but you’d have to pay me good money to consider doing it again. I am probably not being completely fair. Jared certainly enjoyed the bull fight (and the NASCAR race) more than I did, but I think he also found it to be a little unsettling. Maybe one of these days he can tell you about it from his perspective.
After the bull fight, we made our way to Valencia to spend the night. We got there late and had dinner, but didn’t really experience much of the city. Early the next morning we hopped in the car and made our way back to Barcelona. We were so happy that our route took us right along the Mediterranean. It was a gorgeous drive and we were able to take our time and enjoy the scenery.
Jared wore that green shirt on purpose to coordinate with the color of the Mediterranean.
We spent one last night in Barcelona, and early the next day we took a flight back to California. I don’t even want to talk about the journey home. I will just say I am still trying to recover from the whole ordeal. Now it’s back to life as usual, I guess. Jared starts his job on Monday. I am a little nervous for that, but very thankful he has a job! I will be trying to figure out what to do with myself and how I fit in to this new place. It will be strange for me to not be hunkering down for the good old nine to five. I suspect I will keep busy, though.
Jared and I spent our last few days in Spain hanging out in Albecete and driving along the Mediterranean back to Barcelona. Jared really wanted to see a bull fight and Albecete was the place to do that. We spent the day wandering around the city and spending time at Albecete’s annual city festival (just like the State Fair).
The bull fight in Albacete started at 6:00 p.m. It wasn’t a true bull fight, because the matador wasn’t really involved. Men on horses with spears in hand went through the whole process instead. The best thing I can say about that bull fight is that it was a cultural experience. We were packed into the city’s old bull ring like stinky sardines. If you don’t like close contact with large herds of people, this wouldn’t be the place for you. The bull fight commenced with a little horse show, which was cool. The horses were very beautiful and pranced around like no other. Things made a turn for the worse when the bull came out. I just couldn’t stand to watch the poor bull get jabbed in his back with spears to weaken his muscles, and then get delivered with a fatal blow. Hemingway, a true bull fight connoisseur said it best when he called the bull fight a tragedy. The heavens opened and rain came pouring down on us just as the first bull was dragged out of the ring and the second bull came out to meet his fate. 
Dripping wet and icy cold, we decided to leave the bull fight early. I am glad we went, just for the cultural experience. Similar to a NASCAR race - it is neat to go once to sit through it live and in-person, but you’d have to pay me good money to consider doing it again. I am probably not being completely fair. Jared certainly enjoyed the bull fight (and the NASCAR race) more than I did, but I think he also found it to be a little unsettling. Maybe one of these days he can tell you about it from his perspective.
Jared wore that green shirt on purpose to coordinate with the color of the Mediterranean.
We spent one last night in Barcelona, and early the next day we took a flight back to California. I don’t even want to talk about the journey home. I will just say I am still trying to recover from the whole ordeal. Now it’s back to life as usual, I guess. Jared starts his job on Monday. I am a little nervous for that, but very thankful he has a job! I will be trying to figure out what to do with myself and how I fit in to this new place. It will be strange for me to not be hunkering down for the good old nine to five. I suspect I will keep busy, though. 
3 comments:
The Mediterranean is so pretty! Wow how would that be to see it in person. You guys have had quite the diva summer - too bad it has to come to an end.
Love the pics Jamie. I am sure you will find your place in Cali and love it!
I think you should work on a book! The pictures are great. I'm glad you got to have a diva summer. You sure deserved one.
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