Fun and Fandangos

We didn't have to spend long in Bilbao to realise that this is a city that exists for its people. Whilst there are undoubtedly tourists around, and whilst the internationally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum must obviously draw international crowds, it soon became clear that its citizens very much enjoy their city too. After depositing our suitcases at our friendly hotel, we set off to stroll along the the wide riverside walkway, which leads back to the Guggenheim. Buildings line the banks on both sides: both modern blocks and older traditional buildings which have been built in unique Spanish style. It is remarkable that these buildings blend together in such a harmonious way. Clearly , the beautiful architecture of this city is not confined to The Guggenheim. Every few yards we would come across an imaginatively constructed children's play park, or a modern sculpture of some kind. This city is fun, and it is undoubtedly there for everyone to enjoy.

Playparks and Modern Sculptures abound.

As if to emphasise this sense of fun, we passed a small stage on the side of the walkway, which invites passers-by to perform. The music of the fandango was playing from a small sound box, while on the stage a couple was dancing. The lady was elegantly dressed as she strutted her stuff. She wore a black dress, fish net stockings , and a red rose adorned her jet black hair. Her partner wore a top hat and dark suit. As they threw themselves enthusiastically around the stage , I realised that all was not exactly as it first seemed. Look a little closer at these images, and you will see what I mean.

We arrived at the Guggenheim and spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know it. But it was tiring, so we returned to our hotel , vowing to come back the next morning so that we could take everything in. Our train wasn't scheduled to leave Bilbao until the next afternoon. Later that evening we strolled the balmy streets once more, coming upon the old quarter, where the narrow streets are bursting with interesting shops and bars. In the centre of this historic area lies a beautiful square surrounded on all four sides by arcades. As darkness fell , people gathered here to pass the evening eating and drinking. A musician strolled around the tables playing his classical guitar. There was such a happy feeling in the air that we vowed to return another day.

It was hard to believe that we had only been in Bilbao since that morning. We had experienced so much. As we retired for the night, we vowed that, before we left the next morning, we would return refreshed to The Guggenheim . There was so very much more to explore. I shall take you there in my next blog.