Finally Bilbao

We had contemplated visiting Bilbao during our first trip to Spain circa 2000. Back then the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim was new and all the rage. Finally in 2017, we are here. While we enjoyed walking around the inside and outside of the building, the same could not be said of the exhibit, neither their permanent collection, nor their temporary show on abstract expressionism. There is so much subjectivity, I found it disturbing....

Otherwise, Bilbao seems rather prosperous. For only ~350, 000 population, their extensive public transportation system, metro, train, bus, tram, made us green with envy.

Over the years, especially in South America, we had carried out countless transactions via the bank BBVA. It finally occurred us walking around in Bilbao that BBVA must be from Bilbao. We shocked ourselves by own ignorance and lack of curiosity, something we work hard to eschew. Apparently we are not vigilant enough. FYI it's Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria.

We ride the tram from the bus station into Centro.




We get off the tram just across the river from the marvelous art Nouveau Santander Train Station.


First: We walk along the river to the Bilbao Guggenheim.


Approaching the Guggenheim.






Technically, the only photos allowed in the Guggenheim are of the building (inside and out); no photos of the art.








My head popping out of a balcony. ;-)


Here are shots of two "installations".




The exterior, made of titanium and limestone, is quite famous.










In Bilbao we head our first taste of Basque hard cider - tasty!


Main square in the Old Town.


Theater exits.


The 2nd day, before our train, we headed to the very cool Cultural Center, which features a swimming pool with a glass bottom on the top floor.


And we see the BBVA building on the way. A palace, no?


And the modernista Teatro Campos Elíseos.


The Cultural Center.










We leave Bilbao from Atxuri Station.