Spain Day 1 - Bilbao

Docked early so half the night spent in the calm harbour which meant we had a good sleep and we’re ready to disembark when the doors opened. Nice and near the front so on the road quickly and straight up to our first stop high on the hill overlooking Bilbao at Kobetamendi (21 Euro). No problem getting on pitch early so a short rejig and we were eating our first breakfast in Spain in front of a blue sky and a panoramic view.

Easy bus journey (Number 58, 1.35 Euro) down to town during which the blue sky turned grey and the drizzle started. 

Wander round the old town in the rain, not ideal but the coffee and cake helped! A whistle stop look round the archeological museum was well worth the time. Fab collection of locally collected artefacts in a great looking interior. Unfortunately, our Spanish isn’t up to the specialist language levels needed, but google translate helped out and we picked up enough info to be worth the minimal entry fee (3,50/2€).


From here we braved the rain to walk the river to the Guggenheim. Turned out this was the right decision as the facade facing the river is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Few building have made me as emotional. Should be on every bucket list…. 











The interior is no less amazing. Even without the art it would be a wonder but the treasures it contains are perfect for its setting and status. Lots to love: the Giovanni Anselmo exhibition was something new and spoke to both of us. It was lovely to see Oldenburg's shuttlecock again, which we’d last seen in New York in the mid 90s, and wandering Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time did nothing to reduce our remaining motion sickness! 

Long walk back to the bus … crossing to stay south of the river added loops to our walk. Popped into a mini supermarket for the dairy groceries we couldn’t bring over and arrived at the bus stop as the driver was finishing his break time cigarette, perfect timing. 20 mins up the hill to our spot for the night, looking even better when the city is sparking in the dark. Dinner in the van whilst planning and making the most of the hook up by running the fan heater! 

 53 Total miles driven

Steps today 20,699 

Área de Autocaravanas de Kobetamendi 21€ (with electric) 

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