Bilbao - What A Lovely Surprise!

We were sad that we had to miss Saint Jean de Luz, but when I woke up a 5am because I nearly fell off the bed due to the rolling seas, I was suddenly okay with not having to anchor and tender into port in 3-foot swells.  Hello Bilbao!

Never really on my radar, Bilbao is a working class town with an eye toward becoming one of Spain's must-do cities.  In 1997 the Guggenheim museum of modern art opened with great fanfare, signaling Bilbao's entry on the map.  The museum's architecture soars into the Spanish sun and bids welcome to city visitors.  It's interesting because most of Bilbao's architecture is old Spanish, Gothic, and ancient.  The museum heralds a new Bilbao, a young progressive Bilbao - and the rush of youngsters on the streets echos this ideal.

We took a shuttle from our port into town and immediately headed to the old city - Casca Viejo.  Also known as the Seven Streets, Casca Viejo is packed with restaurants, shops and taverns - right up our alley!  We wandered several blocks before coming upon the main cathedral in the area.

Near the Cathedral plaza were several bars and shops, but none as impressive as the Ribiera Marketplace - a giant market filled with kiosks of fish, meats, cheese, flowers, and fruits and veggies.  OMG the stands were beautiful!

It turns out that from our trip to Spain a couple of years ago, we have a friend here: Rosa Lara.  She lives in Southern Spain, but because she is a tour operator and knows everything there is to know about Spain, I texted her.  "Hey!  We're in Bilbao for two days and wandering the city looking for pintxos (the northern Spain tapas)."  She immediately texted back.  Go to Plaza Nueva and head to Victor Montes - that's my favorite.  But here are some more ideas..."

I adore Rosa, and if you have ANY thought about going to Spain, she's the one you want to work with. SHE IS FABULOUS!!!

So, of course, we went to Plaza Nueva

 And to Victor Montes.  And, yes, it rocks.

The food was delicious and the staff were soooo kind and helpful.  We had a great lunch!  Gracias, Miss Rosa!!!

After lunch, we headed to the museum.  The Guggenheim is home to a grand collection of modern art, but neither Joe nor I are big fans.  We like 19th and 20th century art, rather than a black acrylic cube under a seafoam green piece of driftwood entitled "Body and Mind."  I'm just sayin'.  I'd much rather ponder the motivation and emotion behind Starry Starry Night.

But the outside of the museum is a sight to behold!

The pedestrian bridge that leads across the river

The backside (and most interesting part) of the museum

Standing guard in front of the museum is Jeffery Koon's work, "Puppy" - a giant floral terrier.  The work was slated to be installed only for the opening of the museum, but the locals loved it so much, it has become a permanent exhibit.  Filled with flowers and ivy, it's just adorable.  I can totally see why it's still around...and now an icon of the city.

Love at first bark!

After wandering a bit, we headed to a brewery (I know...what a shock) to sample some of the local beers.  

After a great afternoon of good beers, local chatter, and sudden rain shower, we caught the shuttle bus back to the ship and got a glimpse of a beautiful rainbow.  In Spanish they call it an arco iris.

A lovely end to a lovely day. And we get to do it all again tomorrow!