Valcencia to Bunol - la Tomatina
Trip Start
May 09, 2005
1
44
63
Trip End
Ongoing
Valencia,
Spain
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Ok, the day started at 6.15, packed up headed to the train station to find a storage locker for our luggage for the day, success. Then caught the 8.09 train to Bunol. The train was packed, as you can imagine, there were over 40 000 people at the festival. We put our change of clothes into storage... this was hilarious, taking in mind that it is a ritual/tradition to have your clothes torn off, so the guy who took our bags stapled our receipt number to our underwear... he said ´you shouldn't loose these´. So we proceeded down to the street were the fight took place. The locals where giving away food and sangria, fantastic, as we hadn´t had time for any breakfast. We found our possy by 9.30-10ish and were set for the day ahead. And the water fight began, and lots of excitement and anticipation watching the activities ahead. Because the tomatoes aren't bought out until someone, who is crazy enough, has climbed up this 20 foot greased pole to release a ham that has been fastened to the top. It fell early at 10.30, so people were all cheering thinking the tomatoes were going to be bought out early but no, they waited till 11.00, no worries they had water and beer throwing to do and of course t-shirt ripping to keep the crazies busy.
The fight kicked off with a loud bang and trucks brought in the tomatoes. It was the fastest 1 hour 15 mins ever. We got in amongst it all, and managed to avoid losing each other and being hurt by something other than tomatoes.
After the fight the locals bought out their hoses and cleaned up the village and the people.... Stew and I changed quickly without really showering, just a little hose to get the tomato out of our hair. Hopped on the train back to Valencia. People where not allowed on the train without a t-shirt and if they had too much tomato on them. Nevertheless, the train and the path from the train station to burger king down the road had tell tail signs of la tomatina visitors. Ewwww it STUNK!
Our train to Madrid..... yes another lovely little Jem. A 3 and a 1/2 hour train trip turned into 8 hours as the train broke down, this time it was much more fun and less stressful as we were able to have the announcements translated by eager Spaniards.
Later
Debbie and Stew
