Hello Everyone!
Sooo... we made it to the bullfight, barely!
We arrived in Ales at 1615. We decided it may be better to take a cab to the hotel instead of trying to find a map and navigate our way around the city. However, there was only one cab sitting outside of the train station, and the driver was missing. When he finally appeared, he told us that he could not drive us to the hotel because the street was closed and then tried to give us directions. We finally found the hotel around 1630, and it was CLOSED!! until 6pm. Go figure. So we ran to the main street, tried to find another cab that would take us to the arena for the bullfight and there were none in sight. No cabs and no pay phones. We finally found one, who happened to be the same one as before, and arrived to the arena at 5pm (starting time). We then realize that the place only takes cash, in which we were short of. We ran around trying to find a bank, without any luck - then try to see if the arena will either take our visa, or let us in with what cash we have - which doesn't work. So we try again and LUCKILY come across a bank. We run back to the arena, pay, and finally are able to sit down. This has all occured with our backpakcs on by the way. WE are panting and sweating as we sit down. Woohoo!
The bullfight was pretty spectacular. It was a four day festival that was occuring in Arles, and so there were 3 matadors and 6 bulls at this fight (a big show). It was a pretty neat experience, seeing how the matador teases the bull, jabs him a little bit with a sword to slow him down, and then when he decides its time to kill the bull, he changes swords and jabs it into the bull just behind his neck. As the bull staggers from side to side and finally collapses on the ground, the jab him again behind the neck - to put him out of his misery. Then they have two horses come out, attach chains to the bull, and drag the dead bull out of the arena behind the horses. If the bull puts up a good fight throughout the match, the horses drag the bull around the arena twice. We were told (jokingly) that they then bring the bulls to the butcher. Who knows?
AFter that, we stumbled upon a mom and pop run pizzeria which was delicious. We both agreed that it was probably one of the best meals we have had on this trip.
The next morning we travelled back to Avignon, took a train from Avignon to nice, and then an overnight train from Nice to Florence. We arrived in Florence this morning at 7 am. We decided to take the cheap route, and bought tickets for two seats instead of doing the sleeper cars like we did last time. it was horrible. Neither of us slept at all. There were 6 people packed into one car, which made it practically impossible to fall asleep.
We arrived at the hostel around 8 am, checked in, checked out the place and then were finally able to get our room around 1030 am. WE took a quick siesta and then headed back out around 3 pm and just wondered throughout florence. We did some window shopping, had some delicious meatball pizza, poked our head in some cathedrals/museums, and then headed back to the hostel. We plan on getting up bright and early to do our sight seeing tomorrow. Tonight we are doing laundry! FUuuun!
WE are staying in Florence for 3 nights and then are going to rome and are staying there for3 nights...and then we get on our cruise!!!!!!!!!
Chris is trying to post pictures on facebook as i am typing this.
Hope to be in touch again soon!
Jenna and Chris xo
Italy's Flag
Map of Italy