Bilbao and San Sebastián

Yesterday we did a panoramic tour of Bilbao and are now immersed in Basque Country. I knew that Basque culture was unique and different from Spain, but I had no idea of the autonomy, pride, and linguistic independence these people have from Spain. All throughout the city and the region every sign is in two languages: Spanish Castilian and Euskadi (the Basque language, which is really unlike any other). 

    The Bilbao Guggenheim

Bilbao has a lot to offer architecturally and many things are new (less than 15 years old) as a result of the urban renewal and cultural renaissance brought from the creation of the Guggenheim museum. Before Bilbao was simply a steel town port with only moderate significance. Today, it is easily becoming a major destination in Spain. The museum itself was great. I enjoyed the art on the first two floors and particularly enjoyed seeing works by some of my favorites: Kandinsky, Klee, and Matisse. But I also noted some new works (to me): Pop art by Jean Michel Bisquiat, Rauchenberg, and Kurt Conrad's WWII camp sketches. The third floor was mainly a weird juxtaposition between Baroque and eroticism. . .didn't really enjoy that one. After walking for several days and the Guggenheim I took a nap, but I did venture out in the evening for a bit and got to ride the Metro :)

    San Sebastián

Today we took a trip to San Sebastián, a surf town on the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic Ocean. We had a walking tour until noon saw some nice sights--none all that too impressive other than the beautiful beaches, quaint markets, and fun tourist shops. We had a huge amount of free time this afternoon! I had plenty of time to eat pintxos (the Basque version of tapas and which were some of the best food I've had here) and get some helado (it's really like gelato here). I looked at maybe buying some new shoes here but the prices just seem higher than the states. We also visited a FNAC which seemed like a big Borders, which now is out of business. It had music, books, novelties.

   Pintxos

Tomorrow is Pamplona and the beginning of the San Firmin festival (the running of the bulls). We've done our best to prepare for the craziness. I pray we come out alive!