The Bull Run

We have survived, (barely), another San Miguel Pampelona – running of the bulls. Some 30,000 visitors managed to kill one bull, send 53 kids to emergency wards, shoot one person in a gang-style affair, urinate on almost everything and leave enough goodies lying around this morning to satisfy even the Gregster. Indeed, a fine weekend was had by all.

This weekend, which is the largest of the September fiestas in SMA, makes the national day celebrations of last weekend pale by comparison if noise and public displays of almost everything are the gage. This particularly so given that last weekend was a soggy one with very heavy rains on Friday night for the “grita” or shout of independence, given this year from Delores-Hidalgo, the cradle of Mx independence, by President Fox. This solved two problems: one it was the last chance for Fox to do it from Delores and it would have gone against a long-standing tradition had he not been there at least once in his six year term; secondly it got Fox out of Mx City where he was going to have to compete with the leftist Obrador who still does not accept the election results of July 2 in spite of their confirmation by the Federal Election Tribunal earlier this month. (The good news here is that his popularity seems to have peaked along with his money - although we should not discount Sr. Chavez interest in being even stupider in this respect.)

Hoteliers in SMA will not rent to most of the youngsters that arrive for the Pamplona in private vehicles and by the busload from big cities around Mx, particularly Monterey, Guadelahara, and Mx City. As a result, the morning after, they are to be found asleep on the grass around the parks and in every type of conveyance imaginable. One woman was seen trying to remove two young (very large) fellows form her car in front of her house this morning. They were not moving however – not until they had fully slept it off at least. How they got in her car is anyone’s guess.

Greg considers sleeping kids on his grass in his park fair game. He goes up and licks their faces and barks a little. Most are a bit concerned he may be fixing do other things on them so they normally show signs of life and wave him off. He is content to pick up whatever is edible around them and certainly this weekend is the most productive in that respect.

Back to the beginning of the NFL season and some good university ball. The Mx futbol season is in half season. I found a hat at the local Tuesday market that explains it all for those wondering what the excitment is all about. Pic attached.