Bilbao - Tuesday

It was a hot night last night, most places don't have ac so just open up the windows and hope a breeze comes along.  Eventually it did cool down, but the hot night day and night left us all a little lethargic.  No matter.  The town to explore.

We wandered to the Old City which was similar to San Sebastián, old churches, narrow roads, dense living.  The style of architecture here in Bilbao is different. Whilst some is similar to San Sebastián, there is a mixture of modern, Art Deco, French style and downright ugly.

The plaza is quite nice, apartments above, pintxo bars below overlooking the Plaza.

This church was very bright and fresh inside.

We then went into the markets, advertised as the largest, undercover market in the northern hemisphere. We all think we have seen much bigger and more impressive markets over here.

Our main feature of the day was the Guggenheim museum.  It is modern, different, a spectacular building, with great external displays for everybody to enjoy.

The floral display of the dog is fantastic. Bendigo could do something like this in the spot where Marilyn was. It would look great.

Some of the internal displays were very good, others were a little underwhelming.  Plenty of Picasso's and a Andy Warhol display.  Not a great fan of Andy's work.

Outside, we could see the weather had turned and rain was heading our way.  Took a punt on getting to the funicular railway to take us up to the top for a look over the city. 770m long, up 226m.

We made it with a few minutes to spare before it bucketed down. 

At least we were dry, but the view wasn't too good.

It only cost 85cents each way, so if we have time tomorrow, we might have another go.

Back to our apartment for afternoon siesta.  This holiday caper can be tiring!

San Sebastián to Bilbao, Monday

On Sunday night we wandered over the other side of the river to look at the third beach. The inlet was producing some good waves. The waves at all the beaches were really good, and it was very nice swimming.

This was after 8pm.

Dinner in a restaurant in the Old Quarter.  The pintxo bars weren't so appealing tonight because of the all day revelling at the boat races. The place was a mess, rubbish everywhere, a few drunks, no aggro though, plenty of "other" on the ground.

Today we moved on to Bilbao (100km). It is a little inland, but we chose the coastal road for a little of our journey.  It was a good choice.  Some spectacular scenery and a nice spot at Zarrutz to have a morning break.  The Bay of Biscay

There were moments when we were reinstated to the  Fukarwee tribe!  (Think about it)

The GPS has been great, but the wrong side of the road driving has its challenges. (Especially in a manual car.  Hard to get auto hire cars here).  Jess has done a great job driving, Russell has been fantastic navigating (although many times he would point left and say go right or vice versa). Jan and I have just chuckled away in the back seat about front seat happenings.

Our apartment is right in the centre of town which is great.  Walk to everywhere. We only booked this one the day before on Trip Advisor.  It is a little dated, but quite okay. It has 4 bedrooms, very spacious (except for Jess and Jan's shower which is pretty cosy).  We have the back bedroom and bathroom. It is 25m from the front to the back!  Good exercise.

Pre dinner nibbles and drinks, it is still hot outside (35o now). Off to the pintxo bars for dinner afterwards.

The hallway.

It is 9am here so time to explore the town.

San Sebastián. Sunday

Last night, before dinner, we went for a walk to Mt Urguell. It overlooks La Concha beach and out to the Bay of Biscay. What stunning views. It was a good workout before dinner.  

I will let the photos do the talking.

It was getting dark on our descent, so chose the ashphalted path instead of steps.

Back into the Old quarter for dinner, you guessed it, pintxo and wine.  Loving it.

We got some things yesterday in the morning yesterday at the Supermarket which was closed on Friday and today.  Very busy. Below shows one of the freezer sections.  You fill your bag with what you want.  Loose calamari, frozen chips, fish.  You only buy what you need. Great idea.  Apparently the houses only have small fridges, so they shop virtually everyday for fresh.  Next to the supermarket is a great fresh produce area, meat, fish, cheese, fruit, veggies, breads etc.

Not sure what is on the right below

Last night , the celebrations continued in San Sebastián. The locals do like to party into the wee hours.

This morning at about 9, the streets were quiet except for the 8 band members passing along the street playing merry wake up tunes.  Tin whistles, drums, clarinet. Really nice.

It was a call to arms, I think, because by the time we headed out about 9.45, there were people everywhere, all heading toward La Concha beach.

The festival of something continues. Today was the last day of boat races for the season.  Row boats, we think with 12 rowers.  It's a bit like the spring racing carnival in Melbourne. Picnic tables, wine, bread, cheese, meats, olives, you get the drift. People were propped along the promenade or any vantage point to spend the day watching the boats race. Photos of that later.  

We are heading to the funicular railway to take us to the top of Mt Igueldo, right of Russell's head.

Jan on the funicular railcar.

Stunning views across to Mt Urguell which we climbed last night.

Notice the gap in the bay.  That's where the boats race through.  The boats on the outer are spectators.

People line the balconies to watch the races.  There is radio coverage, 2 helicopters are providing tv cover and thousand and thousands surround the bay watching. 

Atop this mountain is an amusement park for younger children.  This waterwheel generates a water flow to push little boats around for kids. It's a boat ride with a view.

The temp today is about 23o but thousands are in swimming.

After lunch back at the ranch, deal with some washing, then off to the beach for a swim. 

Whilst having lunch, there was marching, cheering, chanting in the streets.  Very peaceful protests perhaps, or just celebrating Basque patriotism.  

Russ and I enjoyed a swim, whilst Jan and Jess strolled along the beach.  The water temp was great.  Yesterday the bay was very flat, but today it was waves rolling in. Fantastic for boogie boards (if we had them) but still great fun.  

We grabbed an ice cream across the road from the beach, by the time we walked back to the apartment, we had only just finished eating it.  We are that close.

A few random snaps from our time here.

Our clothesline.  Out the window, into a communal alcove, 4th floor.  Careful not to drop anything.

Our street

It is a beautiful location when the weather is nice.  We have been so lucky, just perfect for our time here.  Tomorrow is forecast to be 35o. A little warmer.  We move tomorrow to Bilbao, only about 120km away, also near the beach.  

Buenos tardes.  (Don't know it in Basque)