Day 3 - Bilbao (by Shirley)

Raining – breakfast in Café in hotel – came in lobby door to discover it was the same place where we had tapas last night where we had entered via street side door.

Since we used the tram yesterday (1.20€ each) we elected to go by taxi to the Guggenheim (6€ total). Raining heavily so upon entry we were given plastic baggies to put our umbrellas in. The Guggenheim Bilbao is astounding! The architecture alone is "magnificent". One is allowed to take photographs of the structure, but not in the rooms which held art objects. There are three floors of modern art in various forms. A glass encased elevator provides the observer (photographer?) with an ever-changing view. A reflecting pool lies between the Rio de Bylbao and the museum – where at one point, differences in temperature presented a cloud of rising mist. We toured every room, listening to our audio devices – some of the art which we understood and appreciated and some which did not appear as described. (Remember we were all brought up on the Amon Carter). And the only tile wall was in the bathroom – colorful, but not necessarily artistic. Being so stunned and overwhelmed by the structure, many pictures were taken from varying angles.

Upon leaving the Guggenheim (celebrating its 15 year in Bilbao), we raised our umbrellas and went on a search for lunch which we found in a quiet, somewhat elegant room in the back of a tapas bar. Mixed salad, chicken, and papas fritas (fried potatoes) was the fare of the day followed by a flan for dessert. An interesting, outgoing, somewhat English-speaking cab driver took us back to the hotel. Our two cab drivers today informed us that Bilbao has a population of between 300,000 and 400,000, rains a lot (we suspected that already), and that electricity is generated in a number of ways. Hmm.

After a short rest, we toured slowly through the Basque Museum, not too far from our hotel. The history, anthropology, and archeology of this area was displayed on three floors of an old building with a central courtyard. Some of us continued watching people and window shopping along the interlacing calles (streets). We shared different pastries and had cafes and chocolate. Looked like the hot chocolate was melted Hersey bars! A group of men were circled outside the Iglesia, Catedral de Santiago, singing their hearts out. This monumental Gothic church has been the see of the diocese of Bilbao for over a half century. We entered the church, said our prayers and viewed the side chapels. Alas! We could not light a candle for you because the candles at the side altar were electric, operated by a push button. We returned to the hotel, opening and closing our umbrellas as needed. As this is written, it is 7 pm and the rains and wind have ceased and the evening crowds are strolling the avenidas (avenues).

Mas tardes we set out for a tapas bar – in the rain, of course. At a few places, there was either standing room only or no room at all. A side street café offered enough seating that we were able to grab a table. Then we ordered tapas (snacks?) and wine/beer. Tapas are made of meat, seafood, eggs, cheese, peppers, fruit, potatoes, etc. on a piece of hard bread. The place was crowded but fun. On the way back to the hotel, Mamacita and Peggy got a helado (ice cream).

Manana, ya'll!