Running with the bulls.......ACTUALLY - it was running FROM the bulls. Last night - Parrita - final night for the annual Mule Festival. This is a yearly event held about 20 minutes down the coast from where I live. It is very much like any local county fair you have experienced in the states. Farm equipment, combines, tractors, etc on display....food concessions, games and carnival rides. At this 10 day event, the biggest attraction next to the mule races is the bull riding. There are no other "rodeo" events such as barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, etc. - just riding the bulls.
Here is the big difference between Costa Rica and the states......there are no rules and anyone who wants to be in the arena is welcome to join.
I'v been to a number of bull riding events in the past 4 1/2 years. I love this event. The animals are healthy, they are not harmed in any way that is visible to my eye, they demand respect and get it.
So.....last night. I knew this was the last night of the festival and had not planned on going. I have been to this particular event in Parrita twice and prefer our own local bull riding events here in Esterillos where the arena is much smaller, more personal as most of the locals attend, it is the real thing. This event is much more commercial. Huge arena, bright lights, lots of people.
About 5:30pm I was at the beach when I found out Vago was closing down the bar early so he and his wife and Jr could go, then Ray and Lisa did the same with LowTide. Brett was in, along with Adam, Maria and Cam. Sharon and Jeff were looking for a ride for themselves and Sharon's parents are here visiting for the first time. How could I not go.......
When we got there, we all immediately headed for the meat on a stick and the beer stands - both fair favorites. After gathering everyone together we headed for the arena. Surprisingly, the stadium was full and no seats available, so.... we headed for the area under the stands. I immediately knew this was going to be too hot and decided I would rather be IN the arena rather than under. The only problem - this is were the bulls run after they have dumped their rider and often charge after the men who are there to display their machoism by trying to hit the bull on the ass and not get killed.
Because this arena is so big I really wasn't concerned and after scoping out the fence and just where I needed to be to scamper up it - I was set for whatever happened.
Typically.... they always start out with bulls that do not have big horns. The later the event goes, the bulls get bigger, faster, longer horns and thus that is the way it was last night.
I have to say it was pretty exciting to be standing in the arena with 99% other men, mostly ticos. In our group, Brett was out there along with Jeff. Jr. and Ray made periodical appearances but only between rides. Once the guys got lined up at the gate to pull the door open when the rider was ready, most of our group was behind the fence. I was ok on the ground while the bucking was going on, but as soon as the rider hit the ground I was up the wall, until.............
This was later in the evening. The bulls now had serious horns, were more pissed off and.......fast. For some reason I believed I did have plenty of time as I saw the bull up against the railing making the last turn headed my direction. As I turned to scamper up the fence, Jeff was right next to me but already on his way to the top. I turned to take a photo and immediately heard the man next to him yelled and as I looked down, the bull was inches from my feet. Close.........really close. Within moments it was obvious the man had been hurt. He was now on the ground, behind the fence surrounded by people. All I could see was his torn jeans and blood running down his arm. Paramedics came right away but he refused help. The show went on without further incident. Later Jeff tells me I was really close to the action. The bull had bucked to get the guy and just barely missed me.
Tonight I was at my favorite restaurant here in EO with my friend James sharing a "Valentine" Dinner. James, from Reno and I have been friends since the first year he arrived back in Dec. 2007. He comes for about 3 or 4 months - this time for just 4 weeks - was good to see him. Anyway, my Dutch friend Elizabeth shows up with other friends one being Jorge, who is a doctor. He comes over to me shaking his head. He and his family were at the rodeo and saw it all.......way too close he says. I am sure he is thinking loco gringa......
Yes.....probably.......loco gringa. As far as I know we only live once. Living on the edge from time to time just makes you aware of how alive you are.
Will I do it again...........probably! :)
Pura Vida
Rick is from Daytona Beach. He and his lovely wife Ginny own a condo here in Esterillos practically right on the beach. Rick has got to be my number one blog fan as he always tells me how much he enjoys it and misses it when I am too busy to deal with it. This past week, Rick turned 50 something.....No big party, just the regular local gang at El Vago's to wish him well and share cake Ginny had made.
Rick and Ginny are one of the many couples who come and go. This time, they arrived early December and will be here a full 90 days - their longest stay ever. Until this past November, Rick was an elected city councilman in Daytona. Ginny has owned and operated a food stand on the beach for a number of years. They have now let go of all that, sold their house and bought a 5th wheel (I think, at least something like that). They will now live their lives between Florida and Costa Rica sharing a dream they have long planned for.
I simply love both of them and look forward to seeing them more often. Ginny has spunk like no other I know. I wish I could be more like her. Rick is a surfer and has been most of his life. When he is in the water - I feel safe. When I want to get serious about catching a wave - I stalk him, but not to close. He always encourages me on what to do, when to go.....I appreciate him more than he will ever know and thus........this blog is just for him! Rick - Congratulations on reaching this well earned stage of your life. May both you and Ginny have many, many years of living the life you have worked so hard to achieve!! Pura Vida
My very first day ever in Costa Rica - back in Sept 2006, I was told by my new family - Kurt and Kristy Raihn - to go to LowTide - the bar and restaurant right on the beach here in Esterillos Oeste and have the best fish tacos ever. Well I did and ever since that day, LowTide has held a significant place in my heart. I have seen a number of awesome managers come and go, the ups and downs of the place itself, have shared incredible meals, laughed and danced so hard my feet hurt for a week, more good times than I will ever be able to remember. All and all - LowTide is one of my most favorite places in the whole wide world. Here are a few pics from this past week.
There's a new horse tour just 10 minutes down the coast I wanted to check out. Desirae is booking tours left and right at the surf shop and wanted to also go so she could tell potential clients what it is all about. Kristy also loves horses and Betty - here in CR for the first time ever - wants to do it all. So....Friday morning that's what we did.
Diego was the guide and way more than just that. He is a true cowboy that loves horses and knows how to ride.
Since Diego knew this was a ride to introduce those of us that live here of the new tour - this was above and beyond the average. Total time was at least 3 hours. We saw wildlife and flora one would never see from the roadside. You've got to get out in the mountains to experience this kind of magic.
Along the way we passed a small modest home deep in the hills. There we were offered to stop for lunch on your way back. All of us happily accepted the offer and after a dip in the river and a visit with the cows, we headed back to the home. Tamales, fresh lemonade and coffee were placed before us in a setting that was as much a delightful surprise as the offer itself.
Amazingly this was both Desirae and Betty's first time on a horse. I could hardly believe that.....but was thrilled to be a part of something they will always remember.
And Diego.......He made this trip. Besides the tours he also works the cattle. He told us we would be welcome to come in the mornings at any time to do this also. Kristy and I looked at each other with a huge smile.
Stay tuned for cattle drive photos :)
