Hola amigos!

Well I arrived safely in europe. Coming off a crazy few days in vegas with JM Spain was a bit of a shock. it took a day or two to really adjust. A real change in scenery! Had no place to stay and the only spanish I know is- īīcervezaīī.

Pamplona, Spain is a beautiful town. I secured a room at a pensione which is quite nice. there is not a lot of sleeping going on during San Fermin!! I was disappointed to learn from some turkish guys last night that this is the second biggest party in the world! I asked whatīs the biggest party? Rio, Brazil! which Iīll be hitting so no problem!

Lots of celebrating and tons of cool little bars with great music! Hard techno. Partying all day and night. There is a song by Jazz Berry everyone is playing. hard drums. really good. Kids DJ in each bar. Met a cool guy in the square last night....... A writer from Dublin who thinks the whole bull fight thing is terrible. He spent quite a bit of time telling me why it is so unfair. At midnight I joined up with my friend Tommy from San Diego. (Papa Chubby) He pointed out a fight. Well, it was my friend the Irish writer who must have shared his views with the wrong guy. when in rome. he was fine.....

Hit the hay to rest up for the run at 1am. woke up at 5 am with a splitting headache. mostly from a drink they have here. Red Wine mixed with Coke. Whew! Bueno! took four tylenol and joined the party which had not stopped. hit a couple of impromtu dance sessions in some clubs and met tommy on the street for the run.

The police blocked off streets and we were forced to move. some people opened a doorway and let us hang out. The police needed us to move again....but we got the invite upstairs into an apartment overlooking the run. Great luck. Turns out it was a crew from ESPN sports and we had some cappucino and took off at 8am for the run with them! Ran into the ring, avoided the bull and had a blast! Until you have looked right at a bull who is coming at you....you really donīt understand. itīs pretty scary. I watched yesterday...which I donīt recommend. you donīt want to know what the bulls can do. ItĻs better to be ingnorant. some people have really been hurt and killed. Today I am celebrating! Staying an extra day as it is so much fun!! Iberia airlines are on strike so donīt no biggie. headed to Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza. Then off to Valencia, Seville, and Portugal!

Peace!

maitland