Toronto, Canada
What do you do when you can do anything?
Can you believe that I actually have a problem figuring out my 2012 plans? Where to travel? The problem is that I have two amazing opportunities in July but I have to choose. I think it must be like choosing your favourite child.
Which one is better? They are both great in different ways.
So I’m taking a bold leap of faith. I’m going to let you decide.
It’s reader’s choice time.
Option 1:
Jeannie from Nomadic Chick is planning to go running with the bulls with a few other girls. It’s an adventure of a lifetime and I wouldn’t have it to it alone. I’d also be able to meet up with my blogging bestie Michael from Go See Write and a lot of other European bloggers. And it’s Spain home of the pig - enough said.
Option 2:
I have a ticket for the World Domination Summit in Portland, which is a conference for bloggers, a lot of them are into the same things I am with alternative perspectives on how we should live, judge happiness and success. It would be an inspiring event and my Canadian amiga Jodi from Legal Nomads would be there along with a lot of other bloggers who really inspire me.
From there I’d consider going to Seattle, visiting Andres in Yosemite and finally going to Austin Texas which has been on my wish list for far too long. I really want to see how they are keeping it weird.
So you can see I’m really in a pickle. Both would be amazing life experiences.
But I can only choose one.
So pretty please, tell me where you think I should go. What do you want to hear about? Enter your vote on the poll below and I’ll tally up the votes and finally make a decision.
2012 is a big year, but which one do I choose?
Where Should I Travel? Total Voters: 217
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Can’t get behind exploitation of animals. Spain is bad enough with bullfighting. I don’t think tourism dollars should go to more of that. A quick death is one thing; prolonged torture is another.
I’m going to Spain next week, but you can bet none of my money will be going toward animal-based entertainment.
Katrina recently posted..Herculaneum: Pompeii’s mud-covered sister city
The last time I was in Spain I didn’t go to a bull fight, mostly because everyone I met who had gone was traumatized. I hadn’t even thought of it with the run but you bring up a really good point.
You should never miss an opportunity to dominate. And the San Fermines will always be there. Besides, I’ve been to Pamplona a few times and you may want to break yourself on slowly. The place is nuts enough on a regular weekend. The fiesta is so far off the chart you can’t even see the chart from there. When it comes to a party, the Basques are pros and the rest of the world are cheap imitators. Now reading this comment, I think I probably encouraged you to run. Oh hell. Go for it.
Haha Tom! A wild party has never discouraged me from going anyhere!
I voted for the conference in Portland. It means that you’ll be able to do some cool posts on what the USA has to offer, plus any inspiration you can get is always a great thing for your writing!
Saying that though, running with the bulls sounds good as well.
You’ve got a hard decision there
Gemma recently posted..The Times: Destinations Show
That’s the struggle, both are amazing life experiences, they just happen to occur the same weekend!
I have seen you run…go to Portland!
i love that your mum made this comment.
oh I know, she is praying the US road trip wins.
We’ll see Mom!
I read your question and I was thinking “Where is the question here?” Listen to a bunch of bloggers engage in examination of their own navels or do something truly exciting?
Run with the bulls. No question. I have a friend who did so and still talks about it 20+ years later.
As for the “don’t torture animals” comments – if you eat meat in North America then you’re already participating in disgusting life-long torture of domestic animals. Running with the bulls is a drop in the bucket in comparison. And you’re giving the bulls a chance to get you! How fair is that.
So two wrongs make a right?
Running with the bulls, or not, doesn’t in any way alter their treatment. It’s going to happen whether Ayngelina goes or not. It’s not a matter of wrong or right.
Don’t let those girls bully you. (hee hee) Go to the conference!
Raymond @ Man On The Lam recently posted..Shysters, Shams, and Bangkok Scams
Are you going?
That’s a hard decision! You wouldn’t actually “run with the bulls” would you? If yes, don’t go…. I don’t want you to be gored.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Tragedy in Torres del Paine: Stories from the Park
I would run with the bulls. I don’t want to be gored either..
I guess both of these events happen every year. I did LOVE Austin but Spain is my roots. I would always welcome an opportunity to go there, and you can’t beat a girls trip!
Meg recently posted..Music Movement Monday- Goyte
True, Spain with a good group of people would be fantastic.
It’s hard to choose a road trip over Spain…but I’ll be selfish and vote for WDS. I would love to see you again and you can’t discount to boost that all those amazing minds give a person!
I know the 2 minutes we spoke at TBEX was far too little.
Road trip, you’ll get more content out of it and it will be more original. Not a lot of people cover US road trips say vs the running of the bulls which gets covered to death. Plus going with 2 other travel bloggers would mean your all covering the exact same thing.
T-roy recently posted..Photo-Essay: Medellin Barrio in Black & White
I’m not so bothered about what I “cover” lots of people have been to Latin America but I loved writing about it. But a US road trip is a different experience..
Go to TURKEY or EGYPT… oh wait that’s not on the list. Of these I would pick SPAIN… cus I loved SPAIN & one day I so wanna do the running of the bulls.
Jaime recently posted..A side of “Tahrir Square” the media/news do not want you to see – in photos!
Yeah Spain is great. So is India
Do you see the guy in the left hand side of the picture…I am pretty sure he is dead.
I don’t think he is dead. They train you to stay down because you don’t die from them stepping on you but from standing up and getting punctured with a horn.
But still, good point.
I had to go back and look and I think your right!
I’m biased and I voted for WDS because I’ll be there. And because I live in Seattle, so if you want to come up here after, I would be more than happy to help show you around. And, let’s be honest, Seattle is FULL of travel people. And July is the BEST time to visit the Pacific Northwest. And while I think Spain would be fab, I can’t really support the running of the bulls. I just feel like it’s wrong.
Emily recently posted..The Bair Family — Bellevue
Emily if voting goes that way I will definitely take you up on your offer.
Portland, or anywhere else. I suggest that 1) you take a look at the videos on YouTube of this “fiesta” for your personal safety point of view. 2) Take a look at videos of what happens at bullfights on YouTube too. Not only at the bullfighters who are horribly gored (are they so insecure of their manhood, that they need to prove it this way?), but, literally, the bulls are tortured to enrage them enough to make them want to fight. You think that’s clever, or fun or exciting? I’m not a vegetarian nor even a supporter of PETA especially, but this is downright cruelty. I also am a huge Hemmingway fan, and I understand something of the history of bullfighting and even the necessity for it way back, but we have grown out of bear baiting and dog fighting, what’s the difference?
There are loads more ways to prove you have guts than to participate in San Fermin in Pamplona. I appreciate you don’t intend to actually fight bulls, but this is all a part of the publicity machine which now surrounds this industry.
Lastly, anyone who went years ago will tell you that tourism has destroyed the event in any case.
When I was in Spain this Fall I chose not to go to a bull fight. I understand they are part of history but I saw so many people come back upset and clearly distressed because you cannot leave until the fight is over. I didn’t really think about the animal welfare during the run, I’m actually happy people brought it up so I can make a conscious decision.
Absolutely go to WDS! It’s not a gathering of bloggers so much as a group of people who are looking to live life a little differently and make the world a better place while they’re doing it. It was one of the most amazingly open group of people I’ve ever met. Spain will always be there – a small, intimate WDS may not! Besides, it’d be great to meet you!
Peggy McPartland recently posted..Have you become comfortably numb?
I have heard such amazing things about the conference. Last year I decided to stop procrastinating and buy a ticket on the day it sold out! To miss again would be so difficult.
I’m going to be a little biased and vote for a US road trip!! I’ve been on many; alone and with friends and family and each and every one I have taken away something new. The US is underrated and a wonderful diverse nation.
I have recently convinced my 18 y/o daughter to embark on a road trip of her own. She will be setting out in April for a month long Road Trip along Route 66 with a good friend…..ahhhh, the memories she will make!!
It is always something I wanted to do, it’s such an iconic adventure. I’ll be on my own but I’m sure I can meet people.
I have been to all of those places and ran with the bulls for my bachelor party. It was a tremendous time and if you have the opportunity to do it, you shouldn’t pass it up. Seattle and Portland are great towns, especially in the summer though.
I also live in Houston, and while I think Texas is a drastically underrated travel destination, please don’t visit Austin in the summer. The UT students aren’t there and it is as hot as hell! Come visit us in any of the other nine months!
What a bachelor party! Do you need the students there for Austin to be a good destination?
Hey Ayngelina,
My vote is for Option 1. Pamplona and the Running of the Bulls.
Not just because I have been wanting to do this for ever but because it really is an experience of a lifetime.
Also, I believe the younger you are when you do it, the better – not saying that the older folks can’t do it.
Plus, it’s the ‘Home of the Pig’! That in itself should be enough for you to head on over to Spain and get Ya Run On!
Cal recently posted..Batik Sarongs being made – Penang, Malaysia
I know I tend to follow the pig! I’m 34 now so not sure if that puts me into the young category but if I go I’m definitely training beforehand because I am a slow runner!
Definitely the younger category.
You are too kind!
West Coast road trip? Great minds think alike!
Marsha recently posted..Cruachan Guest House: Scottish Hospitality in Edinburgh’s West End
If voting works out should we meet up?
Spain… no question… you know ya wanna…you know ya wanna!
Haha, that’s the problem!
I am voting for WDS and if you need a place to crash, we have a couch in Portland with your name on it.
I am hoping to volunteer on WDS since I can’t afford to go (a shame since it’s in my hometown!!!).
A short response to the animal rights people: Spain is Spain, not America. That said, it’s true that tourism has certainly changed the fiesta, although the Basques are welcoming people and most love that foreigners come to their party. If you want a wild party,though, that hasn’t yet been completely overrun, you might want to try the Palio in Siena. Finally, I love a road trip through the US. Done several and quite frankly, the US is just as interesting as anywhere else I’ve ever been. And, if you go through the South, it’s at least twice as weird.
Tom Bartel recently posted..My Love-Hate Relationship with Australia
I have only been to the US a few times and it was in New York and other Northern states, the South seems like a whole other beast.
This was difficult! I think it depends on your priority — do you want to network with different people and get outside of your comfort zone with the Austin sidetrip or do you want to go to a world renowned event with your dear friends? It’s hard but I chose WDS for you because you’ve been to Spain and the Running of Bulls isn’t going anywhere any time soon (even if WDS is a yearly event; it’s still in its infancy).
Good point Natalie. I may not be able to do it with friends but it will always be there.
Both sound interesting but I voted for Spain!! Vete a correr con los toros chica
Sebastian recently posted..Photo Of The Week: Geirangerfjord, Norway
Haha thanks Sebastian
Since you used my photo for the Running of the Bulls… you KNOW what I am going to vote for.
Go do it. It is an interesting time. Plus, I’ll meet you there and do it again myself.
Michael Hodson recently posted..Amazing Travel-ish Videos — the Space Episode
I know that is what is so tempting, your photos from it are incredible.
My brother ran with the bulls and got a concussion for his trouble, but had a marvelous time.
I say whatever makes YOUR heart happy. I know the Portland conference would be so inspiring. 
Krista recently posted..How to Choose a Great Place to Stay on Vacation
I know both are amazing experiences. I’m not a very fast runner, that could be an issue.
I know this is going to sound preachy but I think that running with the bulls is cruel to animals. So I’m going to say the road trip. You’ll have a more relaxing time! I wish I could say the same for the bulls
You know I didn’t think about the animal welfare at all when considering it. I’m glad people are raising concerns.
Honestly, I’d try and find something better to do! It’s July after all!
25BAR recently posted..Goodbye Bucephalus!
You don’t think Spain or the US is good enough?
I say go to the US for a change of pace. You will be seeing and doing more than in Spain, meeting fellow bloggers and learning how to perfect your craft. Also, you know you can easily swing a trip to Spain next year anyhow.
Yes true, Spain can wait and I’m sure there is pig in the US.
Is it selfish of me that I voted? For the obvious?
And to all the people freaked about us getting gored, I have employed an expert to help us girls.
The guys is a travel journalist, has lived in Pamplona for 7 years, done 18 festivalas and ran it 50 times. Yup – 50 TIMES.
We are in good hands, because he knows the route inside and out. So peoples, don’t worry!
And if Hodson comes along, he better don a long haired wig and a skirt if he’s gonna crash our girl party.
Nomadic Chick recently posted..Figures and Landscapes: The Philippines
Sorry for the firggin typos! Moved twice in 2 days, bought more crap than I have owned in 2 years – expat life is fun!
Nomadic Chick recently posted..Figures and Landscapes: The Philippines
Oh no of course I wanted you to vote. And I have no worry about safety I know you are taking care of all of that. Michael in a wig and dress…so tempting, let’s see how the voting gods go.
How is this a choice ?
I vote running with the bulls with US. Portland (ahem I mean the 90′s) would understand if you chose Spain.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE_9CzLCbkY&w=560&h=315
Now that made me laugh.
Spain, no question! I was really surprised at the amount of people voting for you to go to WDS, then realized that the vast majority of them are bloggers attending WDS and just want to meet you..
To be honest, the running of the bulls is the experience of a lifetime (you said it yourself). WDS is a conference and I imagine that you would carouse with the same folks that you meet over and over again at TBEX, TBU, WTM, etc etc. Not that that’s a bad thing, but I would think that you would just see these people at the next conference… I guess you have to weigh the opportunity costs on missing one or the other.
I’m running with Jeannie (hooray!) and would love to meet you, too, but you have to do what you think is best!
Excuse my ignorance, but I don’t see how the running of the bulls is barbaric? These same cows would be hamburger meat regardless, no? I think the snarky/preachy comments are a bit much, but to each his own…
Would love to see you, but you’re based in my hometown (hola Toronto!) and we’re both world travellers, so I’m confident that we will meet somewhere in the world!
Good luck with your decision!
Actually what draws me to WDS is that it won’t be travel bloggers but people I have never met but whose values align with mine. But it’s so hard because I also love Jeannie and want to run with you guys.
I just voted that you should go to Spain and it said you had exactly 64 votes for each trip. Yikes!! Looks like it’s going to be a close call. Can’t wait to hear the results.
Laura recently posted..Muzungu in Kenya: My Trip Comes to a Close
Thanks for voting Laura, at least now I feel better that people are having as much trouble deciding as I am!
That’s so funny, I just voted for the conference in the hope of seeing the results… but they’re tied! I’m anxious to see the final tally.
The thing is that you’ve already experienced Spain – the conference will open up new doors for you as a blogger surely.
New inspirations!
So true, I am leaning toward a new experience and have been thinking about how North America has so much to offer.
If you go to Spain, can I buy your WDS ticket??
Yes of course, is it sold out?
I don’t think there is anything to think about, go to Spain baby!!!!!!!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Chicago: Day 3 & 4
Andi so surprised to hear that from you knowing you prefer the Americas.
It appears your readers are just as torn about the decision as you are
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Two Khmer Girls Hug | Smiling Faces From Cambodia
It’s tough, two amazing opportunities but I can only do one.
I voted for the WDS, because you won’t be just attending the conference, you’ll also be discovering places you’ve never been before… unlike Spain…
It’s a funny thing: 50 %-50%… we aren’t helping you haha
I know!
I voted for Spain!
Despite the fact that I’m going to try to make it out to #WDS and & my road trip will reach that area in general around that time and it would be awesome to meet up!!!! – but running with the bulls in Spain… I just don’t think I could say no to that!
Plus, you’ll still get that networking component as well!
But if I do make it to #WDS and you do to, well that is awesome too! haha
The votes are so close!!!
Laur @ The Mad to Live recently posted..The Only Book You’ll Ever Need to start a Passionately Curious and Successful Business
I know there are so many people I’d like to meet at WDS, including you, it seems that people are as conflicted as I am.
I say go do the US road trip! I’m interested in your point of view of things around here. And I bet the blogging conference will be a fun experience too.
Running with the Bulls always seems like a fun thing too. Do they let females do it? I don’t really know but I thought I heard something like that. Anyways, my vote is the US road trip.
Yep they allow women to do it, Jeannie is getting a group of women to run it together. I’m not sure authentic it is, but I don’t want to run at the back by the bulls.
OK, I am from Austin and I voted for Spain! Why? Because, as one of the other commenters mentioned, Austin is INSANELY hot in July. Don’t do it. Great city 8 months out of the year, but not in July. Especially since a lot of the best things to do there are outdoors. On the other hand, Portland should be nice in July and it too is a good city to visit.
Oh, there is also a decent chance I will be in Spain in July. Hope to see you there if that’s what you choose.
Spain. Culture, food, I’ve never been to Portland, and I’m sure it’s a great place (put a bird on it!) …but…
Spain v Portland?
Easy choice, for me!
Maybe I’m being a little selfish, I’d rather read your stories about Spain than about the WDS!!
Nate @yomadic recently posted..Sweatshops, Child Labour, Myanmar Tourist Attractions?
Haha well if I do go to WDS it’s unlikely I’ll write about it. I try to spare readers from boring blogging posts – there is nothing worse than blogging about blogging.
If you go to WDS please, please drop an email to my friend Hannah of http://www.furtherbound.com as she will be there and is an amazing chick! Good luck with your decision!
Sarahsomewhere recently posted..Get Your Moto Runnin’
It has been decided I am going to WDS, is she as well?
Option 2 from reading your options sounds like the choice you should make…you have been to Spain previously, although that option is a great one. Seattle is a surprising city to visit and Texas…wow.
Wow, those results were close – I guess you’re heading to the WDS.
Ceri recently posted..Caribbean Life
i think i read that you already voted correct? USA was it? all the best – and where ever you go, I am sure that your posts will be inspiring:)
It is the US, it should be interesting as I have traveled a lot of places but I have never really spent much time in the US.