Never been to Spain, so the excitement of seeing a new country was rising as the plane landed in Bilbao. Waited an hour at the airport for my niece and family to arrive, and then, off we went!
Our hotel (thanks, Andy!) was right in the heart of Bilbao, a few blocks from the river that bisects the city and walking distance to everything involving food, fun, and sightseeing. We had a beer and snacks at a cafe in this plaza to rest up after our day of planes and airports (2 flights and 3 airports for each of us).
In one of the riverside plazas, we stumbled across a political rally, which wasn’t unexpected since the EU elections were ongoing that week. We couldn’t understand the Spanish, but I was impressed with the calm, attentive behavior of the crowd – very different from the US political rallies one sees broadcast on the news at home.
The next morning, eating breakfast at a cafe down the street from our hotel, we were entertained by a Saturday morning marching band. No idea why, but it was fun to watch and the music was good, too.
How fun is Bilbao? We were walking along the riverside, letting almost-four-year-old Emil explore the many playgrounds when his parents recognized the two member of their favorite band, Amistat. They had a brief chat and, of course, we had to take a photo. (Later that night, Sina would get a pass to see them perform inside the Guggenheim museum!)
The old buildings in Bilbao are lovely, and the combination of old and newer works, for the most part. And, of course, I’m always in favor of any city with a river running through it.
We walked along the riverfront, which featured not only playgrounds but wide walking paths, benches, ice cream vendors, and a lot of people-watching. The weather was gorgeous and we were not the only ones out there enjoying it.
There were a few street fairs and several street musicians, but this guy was my favorite. His instrument was a series of PVC pipes and his drumsticks were the rubber soles off a pair of sandals. Amazingly, it sounded really cool – hollow and deep, and he definitely could keep a beat going.
This was the river view near our hotel as we walked around, trying to choose which of the many restaurants would be our dinner spot. We were ready to eat by 7PM but most of the nicer places didn’t open till 8PM. That afternoon siesta thing is real: most stores and restaurants close from 2PM till 4PM or 5, and then stay open later. Me, I’m an early to bed person so it was different to eat at 9PM.
Each street was a little tableau, so much that my neck got sore swiveling side to side trying not to miss anything. Bilbao is such a visual adventure!
On our last day, we wandered back to the riverfront, only to find ourselves in the middle of a book fair. I was so happy to see all those people looking at books.
Bilbao is one place I would come back to, as a place to hang out and enjoy the place, because it definitely has a unique vibe.
This wasn’t a strange place, it was a new one.
Paulo Coelho
How wonderful that you could visit her and her sweet family!
What a beautiful place, too… So glad that you could see somewhere New!!
As always, thank you for the photos and your wonderful commentary. <3
We went to Bilbao in the late 1990s. I’m shocked you managed to get so many picture without clothes hanging from the balconies. I guess they all have dryers now.
Thanks Annie. I am enjoying your recent holiday posts. Nice to travel vicariously. Colleen in British Columbia
I am planning my assault on Bilbao in September as I write this! I have five days in the area so will also be visiting San Sebastian of course. Glad you enjoyed it with the family.
Wow – the photos are a blast from the past, I spent a day in Bilboa – way back lin th e 1980’s – fascinating place -I have to check to see when that was -a day trip with a long time runner friend who was. sinking into dementia – her daughter was with me and it was quite a trip to keep track of her mom. thanks for the memories
The art museum, Guggenheim, you would love. Yes, I’d like to return too