Bilbao: a museum, a bridge, a view

Up in the dark with only a few hours of sleep (4 at most) we had a remarkably smooth rising and flying to Bilbao. (A bit strange for New Yorkers to catch the metro just after it opens … as our New York system never closes. We have noted how much cleaner the whole system is here.) A small prosperous city in the Northwest of Spain,  Bilbao is Basque in temperament, more precise, clean and organized than Madrid. We had an initial setback upon arrival at the little Calatrava  structure, Russell felt dreadful – a short but bumpy flight on little sleep and no breakfast (the rest of us ate first).  He recovered enough for us to catch the bus into town, meeting two young Japanese cyclists while waiting. They had brought their bikes for a nearby competition.

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum,  Bilbao, Spain

We all liked Bilbao right away. Even the quick breakfast snack at the airport was delicious and regional.  There was relief in the river, the breezes, the open spaces with benches and plantings, the width of sidewalks and of course the views. Mountains to the East, a lush quality in the surrounding hills, and the gleaming sun on Gehry’s Guggenheim museum.

Gehry's atrium - looking up 

Sarah with Serra

Calatrava's foot bridge

We decided to do our walking before the day’s heat, photographing the exterior and then walking across the Calatrava pedestrian bridge to take the funicular. This little vertical train cost 1.20Euros one way – and was not only thrilling but spectacular once we arrived at the top. A lovely circular park gave us true vistas of the entire city and it’s surroundings, with shade and cool winds too. Openness of mind and spirit is easier in such a place.

Bilboa's funicular

We plunged back into town for a strange Chinese lunch, and to visit the museum. The entryway was exciting and all four of us were taken by the vast expanse of Serra’s huge pieces all in one space. We continued to the exhibitions, checked out the rest of the structure and then sought a place to get out of a light sprinkle of rain, and rest until catching the airport bus once again. Tapas by default and a quiet hazy sunset at the airport.

Perhaps there will be energy to make a salad at home upon our arrival, perhaps not, but we bought fresh bread in Bilbao for the morning. A slow one is planned – with Prado for Rob and a search for a good last meal in Madrid. We are all ready to move on to Barcelona and see what awaits us there.

Jeff Koon's Puppy