20 May - Bilbao - The Old City, then on to Dublin and Home

20 May - Monday:   This is our last day in Bilbao.   This morning we toured this beautiful city.   This morning we walked from our Hotel to the Old City of Bilbao, just across the River Nervion that runs through Bilbao to the famous Bay of Biscay to the North.  Here are some shots of the day:

Here is a view of the Guggenheim Museum as it sits on the West side of the River Nervion.

Here we are on the old bridge crossing the Rio Nervion into the Old City of Bilbao.







































Judi on the old bridge. The view south, the Old City to the Left.

The Cathedral of Santiago (Bilbao) is one of the first sights as we enter the Old City.  Tour groups are lined up in front of the Cathedral.

This is the Church of St James (Santiago) in Bilbao.   How fitting we would end this leg of the Camino at a Church with the same name as Santiago de Compostela.   Can we declare this an interim finish to our Camino Journey?

We go into the portal of the Cathedral for a quick tour.

We are not disappointed.  The Temple was originally built during the 14th-15th centuries as Bilbao's main parish church.  It was only declared a cathedral in 1950.  The present church is a mixture of styles from 15th century gothic to the Gothic revival on the main facade.   The Stain glass in the cloister is quite lovely and modern.

The altar is stunning and typical of the cathedrals we have seen on this leg of the Camino. The Rose window surrounded by large organ pipes is lovely.




















The use of gold and bronze around the altar gives the appearance of spender.

























Central to all Cathedrals is the Cruxifiction.   This one is particularly beautiful.




























What a lovely tour of this fine cathedral.

Outside the cathedral, we decide to sit and take in the Cathedral Plaza.   Check the green trolley car following the main street and the view to the right.




















Ok Team, it's time for a walk back to our hotel and a little lunch.

We walk past the trolly station.  Lisa finds a new friend (doesn't speak English).

The River Nervion is tidal and you can see this is low tide by the water on the far bank.

Here is a colorful ad for Vueling, a Spanish based airline that flies all over Europe.

Approaching the Bridge to the new city.

Crossing over the bridge and heading to Lunch

We return to our fav restaurant, Batzoki Abando (from yesterday) for a lunch of Tapas.  

A great lunch in the dining room.  We were the only diners, except for Judi's new boyfriend (Arry) from Bilbao.  He was our waiter both days and made for very special basque meals.

After lunch, we take a cab to the airport. Lisa can't wait to be on her way home.  Don't trip Lisa!

Coming to the journey's end.



Here we are leaving Bilbao.   This is our last photo of the trip.   We hope you have enjoyed this photo journey.

And so we close toasting you for following our journey and our blogsite.   Wishing you the very best and a hearty Buen Camino!

19 May - Burgos to Bilbao and the Bilbao Museum

After a restful stay in Burgos, we arrived at the Burgos bus station, about three blocks from our lodging, and caught the 9:30 am bus to Bilbao.   Recall that Bilbos is where we arrived in Spain on 4 May in preparation for our walk on the Camino.

Bilbao is a beautiful city as we once again saw today.  When we arrived, we checked into our lodging at the very modern downtown Bilbao City Rooms and we headed straight for lunch at the Batzoki Abando, a great little Basque restaurant just two blocks down the street.














































We had a great lunch at Batzoki and loved their Rioja Alavesa, a crisp white wine.

The restaurant didn't look like much from the outside.  On the inside it was cozy and warm, perfect for the cool and damp Basque weather.

We sat by the fireplace and had a great basque meal.  One of our best in Spain.

























Then off to the Guggenheim Museum.   We passed one of the new skyscrapers in Bilbao.

Here is the Guggenheim museum, on the West side of the Rio Nerveon.

We arrive at the Guggenheim just several blocks from the restaurant and our Hotel.

Lisa snaps a pic of the large live floral display (in progress) that will adorn the entrance of the museum in the summer.

Here's how the display will look when all the plants are in place behind the canvas exterior.

We enter the museum from the estrada (entrance).  Once inside we are on first of 4 floors

The views to the outside are stunning

Chris checking out the exterior.

The silver balls standout in the dark Bilbao skies, typical spring weather.

The building exterior is Titanium which has an unusual silver/gold reflection of light. 

The modern art exhibits inside are well worth the trip.  Cameras not allowed so our photo tour ends here.

As we leave the museum, get a glimpse of the soon to come flower exhibit.  What a day.  We departed Burgos at 9:30 am, made it to Bilbao in time for a great lunch and a tour of the Guggenheim, one of the finer museums in Europe.   We vow to return on a future trip.
More tomorrow.  For now, Buen Camino!