It's another rainy morning as we roll out of the hostel and head to the bus stop to get to Bilbao. The only place open is McDonalds so we stop for mini cappucinos. Such tiny, cute cups. They have easy order kiosks?!? hmm...maybe Coxwell McDonald's can learn something.
We arrive in Bilbao and check into Hostal Begoña, in the city center. We settle in and do some laundry. It's already mid-afternoon when we head out to explore a bit. It's also St. James Day, a regional holiday so most things are closed. We find some food at a bar just before they close for siesta and it's slim pickings on the pintxos available. The streets are quiet with mostly tourists walking around.
All we can do is window shop. We inquire about bikes, but the municipal bikes are only available for rent to residents.
In the evening, we walk towards the Guggenheim. Bilbao seems to be like San Sebastian's quieter, more reserved older cousin. Of course Bilbao is most well known for Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum, but I'm finding lots of interesting architecture and sculptures all over the Abando district. There's a nice mix of historical and modern architecture throughout the city. Below is Casa Montero, an Art Nouveau residence by
and in the distance, the veiled looking Iberdrola Tower behind the church.We have a look at the Guggenheim, which we'll visit tomorrow. It's guarded by "El Poop", the puppy made of begonias by Jeff Koons. For dinner we have pizza and nachos nearby.