Thursday October 4, Ubeda


Today was all about the bull fight.

Years ago one of the favourite books of the boys was Ferdinand the Bull who preferred to sit under the cork tree smelling the flowers than fighting with the other bulls, and I just about knew it off by heart. Well today we went to a bull fight in Ubeda. Unsure whether we wanted to go, but seeing we are here to experience life in Spain, a part of which is the bull fighting tradition. We were not here to make judgement but the spectacle, ceremony and atmosphere was certainly worth while. We arrived at 4.30 and the show started at 5.30, there are no lights so it was all over by 7.30. The seats are all concrete so took some cushions which we were very grateful for. While not a major bullfight, and not a huge crowd, tonight featured up and coming bull fighters and the crowd loved them. The band played great music and the crowd roared Ole, Ole when they matador made a good move. Woman love the matadors and they threw flowers to them and tossed their hats into the ring to be kissed and thrown back. Just crowd watching was fascinating.  So have crossed that experience off the list.
It’s actually been a pretty laid back sot of a day. We walked into town this morning and found the info centre, needed to inquire about how to get tickets for the bull fight. They couldn’t help us much but suggested we call into the bullring and get them there. Meandered through the streets, love the atmosphere, lots of café to choose from, and seemed a good idea to sit outside and enjoy a coffee, seemed to be that sort of a day. There is an olive oil factory next to camp which where we spotted a little shop. Popped in and spoke to the export manager who had good English. Picked up some oil and a big jar of green olives, it is all so cheap. Just over €2 for a 500ml bottle of oil and less than €3 for the olives. They are so good, will go back tomorrow and get another jar before we leave! Certainly been a good spot to spend a few days.
Part of the bullring from our seat.

The musicians

The entrance of the matadors

..and the first bull arrives



The crowd love it

The matadors are their heros.

Comments

Vicki Bright said…
I love the colours and action in the photos and who wouldn't like those handsome matadors. I also loved the Ferdinand book and recently bought a copy of it.
Hello maate great blog post