More of the same today! Hoping to get a better view of the firecrackers, we set off for town a lot earlier. I have never seen so many people squeezed onto one bus in my whole life. Maximum capacity was 133 with 70 of those standing…it was only a coach! It became a joke at every stop when the doors opened and more people tried to get on.
In the city, the edge of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento was already rammed with people. The centre of the square is barriered off as it’s full of explosives. We edged our way around and eventually found a tiny space at the back of a kiosk. Just two hours to wait 😬..we decided to sit on the pavement among the sunflower seed husks discarded by the couple next to us, who were getting through them like a pair of chipmunks!
The sun was beating down and we only had half a bottle of water but daren’t move or the foot square of space we had would be gone. Among the crowd, the level of enthusiasm and anticipation was even higher than yesterday.
When the ten minute warning shot came, I still fell out of my skin.
All was worth it in the end (I think) – we could actually see all the explosions today and the colours too. It’s such a spectacle, but again, the noise is like nothing on earth. It goes through your whole body and kind of makes a waffling sound. How ever the windows are still in the apartments, I don’t know!
There was a police helicopter and drone overhead the whole time – he must have nerves of steel with fire crackers heading up at him.
More marching bands playing comical tunes all being followed by singing, dancing members of the public followed on from the main event.
We had a drink in the old town and then did the same as yesterday, walking back through the tranquil riverbed park, then the city of arts and sciences.
Got a bus back almost immediately but was just as sardine-like as this morning’s. Stuck in the middle with no bell in sight, we could so easily have missed our slot. Fortunately, Señor Bramley gave it some “Próxima parada por favor!”and saved us a long walk.