bailoro2000 -> RE: The Bullfight (Feb. 25 2005 20:02:34)
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Just for the record Simon, bullfights aren't pretty. If you have a weak stomach, don't go. This is from experience, not reading books: Most of those around you, even women and kids howl for the kill, but it has to be clean or the bullfighter can finish up getting booed from the arena. A matador never fights a bull right from the off, he wouldn't stand a chance. A bull only ever fights once, even on the rare occasions it is spared, because after that it would have learned and be too dangerous. And that red cape is just for show; bulls are colour blind and don't know the difference. Because their eyes are on the side of their heads, they also can't see straight ahead when the matador stands up close directly in front of them. That's why they do it. The real killers are all the others in the entourage; the supporting matadors run the steam off it, the picador actually half kills it from horseback by taking all the strength from its neck muscles, then the bandarillas, sometimes the matador himself, drive it mad with the darts all before the main man puts the finishing touches to the kill after executing his mandatory passes. I've seen a matador have half a dozen attempts with the sword, one in which it bent completely and flew across the ring, before it's heart was finally pierced by someone else. Needless to say that matador got a very bad reception. I haven't been since. It was bad. The prices are also bad now, extortionate even. My wife has been with me a couple of times but detests the sport. When one matador got his leg pierced in Mijas she had no sympathy at all. Last time I got my come-uppance for going by not inspecting my seat. The hot sun had melted the resin in the wood of the seats (I hadn't bothered with a cushion) and, when I tried to stand up at the end I was well and truly stuck. My wife wet herself laughing and when I finally got free I had to kneel up in the taxi back to our hotel to save ruining the seats. She said it was sheer justice. That matadors are brave is without question, but not one of them would ever take on a four year old fighting bull in a field. There would only be one winner. Like flamenco, bullfighting is a minority pastime, even amongst Spaniards, many of whom hate it. An aquired taste that doesn't suit all palates. Don't let this put you off, but be prepared for what you see. The saddest sight is seeing the dead bull dragged away across the sand by mules (or in bigger arenas, a tractor) while the matador parades around with its ears. Not for the faint-hearted. In addition to Miguel's suggestion you might read another book of Hemingway's "Dangerous Summer" Makes fascinating reading but nothing prepares you for the reality. Jim
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