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  1. Bull can die. Event is fun to watch so fun is more important.

  2. Misako

    ” it’s better to talk and share about these kinds of cultural practices, though they might be different from our own, rather than gloss over them. I look back on the festival now that I’m older, and while I’m glad that I got to experience it, I wouldn’t go again. However, I think this is the best way to open up a dialogue about the world around us and in turn, promote positive growth. ” Kiersten Rich, The Blonde Abroad.

    Thank you for this statement, therefore, let’s “open up the dialogue” as Kiki suggests and make people aware that at the end of the ‘Running of the Bulls’ these animals are brought into a bullring where they are repeatedly stabbed, harpooned, drugged, and in the end, have their ears cut off – while still conscious- to show to gruesomely display to the horrified crowd – most of which are tourists.

    The banderilleros dart around the terrified, bleeding animals while plunging banderillas—brightly colored sticks with a harpoon point on one end—into their already-injured backs. The wounded animals are forced to run in circles, until they stop because they’re too dizzy, disoriented, and weakened from blood loss to continue.

    Now let’s continue the dialogue and discuss “tradition”. Is this really “tradition?” Large corporate entities feed their corporate greed as these events are hugely profitable. The problem is that most tourists are not aware of the torture that these animals endure, and naively attend these festivals without understanding the horrific and gruesome deaths that these animals will succumb to – all in the name of “cultural entertainment”

    Moreover, more than 100 Spanish towns and cities have banned bullfighting, and a 2016 poll found that 81% of Spaniards ages 16 to 65 oppose it. That figure rises to 93% among 16- to 24-year-olds.

    I think it’s important that as global citizens we have accountability for our actions and understand the consequence of our actions; One of the reasons many of us travel is for cultural immersion as a means of better understanding the world. With that understanding, comes more informed, responsible, educated decisions on how we travel, spend our money, and its long-term effects on those beings around us.

    Don’t allow our naivety as tourists to be exploited for corporate profit at the expense of the vulnerable beings around us, namely the bulls. Don’t attend this barbaric festival.

    I hope my comments are actually posted on this website and not deleted as spam or because they are too controversial. That is not how it was intended. If my comments are deleted, this just just another touristy website, with no depth, and lack of global consciousness.

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If you’ve ever wanted to try dog sledding, there’s no better place to try than the Canadian Rockies in Banff! ❄️ 
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We went with @snowyowlsleddogtours on their Powder Hound Express tour and couldn’t have had a better experience. We started with a shuttle ride from town to start of the trail.

We got an introduction on how to steer the sled and control the pups—then got a meet and greet with the furry friends that would be taking us on our adventure! 🐶 

Ollie was only 18 months old when we went and I was a little nervous he was a bit young. But, he had the best time!

It’s definitely cold (though you are bundled up in the sled) and the length of the entire experience (probably around 4-5 hrs from start to finish) might make it better suited for older kids, but you know your child best!

We knew our dog and “all-things-that-GO” 💨 loving toddler would love it—and he did!

You’ll sled for about an hour on an exhilarating trail through snowcapped pine trees. Ollie actually dozed off at one point because he was so cozy! You stop for an incredible photo opportunity in the middle of the forest about halfway through and it  started snowing which was SO magical).

Once you loop back to the start location of the trail, they have a campfire with hot beverages and baked goods to enjoy before heading back to town.
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It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can’t wait to go again!

#dogsledding #banff #visitcanada #canadianrockies
My pocket travel guide for visiting Banff in the winter! ❄️🇨🇦
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If you’re looking for a destination full of magic, you need to visit Banff, Canada this winter!

Winter in Banff runs from December to March:

🗓️ December is incredibly special with tons of Christmas cheer.
🗓️ January is when winter truly sets in—don’t miss the Ice Festival in Lake Louise.
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🗓️ March often has the biggest snowfall of the year so you can still enjoy all of the amazing winter activities.

Here are some of the top things to do in Banff in the winter:

❄️ Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Johnston Canyon Icewalk with @banfftours. Marvel at the frozen waterfalls and feel the hushed wonder of the snow-covered scenery while taking a few snaps 📸 

❄️ Go “mushing” or Dog Sledding in the Canadian Rockies! This was straight out of owder Hound Express” tour with @snowyowlsleddogtours.

❄️ Take in the breathtaking views from high up above on the @banffgondola. And don’t forget to dine in style at the top and treat yourself to an incredible meal (with a view) at Sky Bistro.

❄️ Stay at Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” the @fairmontbanff—this hotel takes Winter (and luxury) to the next level.

❄️ Get to know the local scene of charming Banff town, where tons of local restaurants and cafes whip up their own signature hot chocolate. Warm up with a cup, do some shopping, and be sure to dine out at some of the cozy restaurants around town!

Have you been to Banff before? Is it on your bucket list?
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