Monday October 6th
Another bumpy – ish night in the Bay of Biscay but no problem.
City of Bilbao is very attractive – lovely walkways along the river on both sides. Plenty of bridges for access. Walked around the old city (Casa Viejo), narrow cobbled alleys and old buildings 4 – 5 stories high. Enjoyed looking in the shop windows and especially at foodstuffs displayed – salt cod, tuna, Iberica Ham, anchovies (bokarta) and various beans and peppers for making paprika. Lots of old churches some more special than others like Santiago Cathedral – connected to the northern route of the pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Routes marked with signs of the scallop shell.
Very interesting time at Vizcaya (Bizkaia) Bridge over Ria estuary – the oldest transporter bridge in the world. Opened in July 1893. Took the cable car across the river, then up the elevator to top and walked across the top of the bridge over the river- great views 150′ up.
Bilbao has become a very busy tourist destination – much attributed to the “Guggenheim Effect” since Guggenheim Museum built – stunning design made of titanium. Outside is the famous floral “Puppy” which we somehow missed seeing. Two main activities in city are shopping and txikiteo (bar hopping) – tasting different wines and eating pintxas (local tapas).
Drove up Artxanda Hill (which has a finicular) for fabulous views of the city, lovely park at the top and a freedom sculpture.
Nice views of the Aixerroto Windmill and Punta Galea Cliffs (like the White Cliffs of Dover!!)
