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PROVENCE, FRANCE: WINE, OLIVE OIL, CHEESE AND BULL STEAKS "I cannot believe that I am looking forward to this," I told Rich as we approached the arena to see our second bullfight of the weekend. Just two days before, I had experienced my first bullfight, and I was still trying to decide how I felt about the sport. Growing up, I saw so many portraits of the brave matador and the mean and dangerous bull. I was very excited to experience my first bullfight. It was not until the first bull was released into the ring that I learned that the bull would die...no matter what. This did not seem fair. Either did the rules of the sport. The bull comes out into the ring and is made tired by four matadors who wave their pink capes to tease the bull and make him run from side to side and end to end. Then comes these two guys mounted on horses. The bull is lured to come over to a horse where he is greeted by a man with a long spear. The spear is dug into the bull's neck area and blood comes pouring out. If the man on the horse does a good job, the crowd cheers in delight. If the man with the spear is to rough on the bull, causing too much blood to be lost, the crowd jeers at the man, as if to say, "this is cheating". Finally the men on the horses leave the ring. The small group of matadors come back out and one of them proceeds to stick the bull with colorful darts called "banderillas". Now that the bull has suffered many lashes and is tired out from all of the pain and the running, the matador comes out to do a one on one match with the bull. The fight hardly seems fair. Although, we did see two matadors kicked around by the bull. Still, the bull is teased and speared until finally, he falls to his death. By the way, Matador is Spanish for "murderer". If the bull was tough, the crowd will cheer for him while he is dragged out of the ring. From my commentary so far, you may think that I am appalled by this sport. The truth of the matter is that I am appalled, yet I am fascinated. I am fascinated by the fact that the sport is so popular in the South of France and all over Spain even during this day and age of animal rights activist groups. I am fascinated by crowds who cheer and jeer for the matador and the bull. I am fascinated by the dixie land band that plays when the fights gain momentum. I am fascinated by the beautiful costumes that the matadors wear. I am fascinated by the strength and courage that it must take to be a matador, even if the rules do seem to be in their favor. I am fascinated by the fact that I am fascinated. Do not get me wrong. I am also very disturbed by the bullfight, as are many people when they view it for the first (or second) time. However, the "corrida" is so deeply rooted in Spanish culture, that I feel it is not my place to give an opinion. I came to the "corrida" as an observer, not as a fan. I wanted to experience this fascination first hand. I refuse to criticize the sport or the people who embrace it because it is their tradition and their culture. Live and let live.
MADRID, SPAIN: A CULTURAL DELIGHT Wednesday Rich and I have spent almost the last month in Iberia (Spain and Portugal). I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with these two countries. The Spanish and Portuguese have managed to retain so much of their culture and traditions. Here are some of the finest moments of our month long stay in Iberia: Parade of the Giants for La Mercé festival in Barcelona There are actually so many great moments, so I know that I am missing a
lot. All I can say is that I am definitely coming back. |
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