From Vitoria-Gasteiz we rode a bus about an hour to reach Bilbao, Spain. It was a lovely ride north through the mountains of northern Spain, and then into Bilbao, which is close to the Bay of Bascay but not quite on the coast.
We’re staying with Julie and Rick Compton, friends from Florida who are now here for a year, so Julie can work in the schools, helping the local children learn English, and learning even more Spanish herself. They are kind to let us stay with them in their lovely apartment. It’s up five floors, with a somewhat unreliable elevator, but their place is large and comfortable, with a guest room where Sara and I slept. They’re in a central part of town, just off Plaza Moyua, a beautifully landscaped, large roundabout where eight of the city’s major roads converge. Like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, they reach out from here to all sections of Bilbao.
As newcomers to Bilbao, Julie and Rick wanted to show us some of their favorite places, but also to share in exploring even more of the town. We spent much of our days walking around the town, along the lovely pedestrian walks that line the river and the main streets and parks of the town. This is a very pedestrian-friendly town filled with fascinating architecture. Of course, there is the medieval “Old Town” area, but this is a large, modern city as well. The image of Bilbao’s Gugenheim Museum is famous worldwide, but there is so much more here to see and enjoy.
One day Julie took us to a funicular which brought us to a park on the hillside far above the city. The viewpoint was fabulous. On this sunny day we could see how the city was built along this broad curve of the river. Then we headed back down into the “Old Town” near the cathedral for a drink and some lunch.
Our Day Trip to the Coast: We all set off in the morning to visit the coast. It was just a ride on the local train system, taking us to Sopela, one of many such suburbs of Bilbao. From the train, we walked through town and then up toward the coast, offering a beautiful view over the Bay of Biscay. We enjoyed lunch at a café overlooking the beach, watching children play and brave adults swim in what had to be cold water.
As we walked the beach and then walked back to the path on the heights, we saw two or three paragliders flying over the beach and the cliffs. As we came over a ridge, our walkway led us right into their landing area, where this team was offering a tandem riding experience. The gear on their parashoots held two people, one experienced glider and one along for the ride. After the initial hesitation, and some effective marketing persuasion, first Julie, then Sara, then Rick opted for a ride. (Evan held off due to an already upset stomach.) And so they all enjoyed their time in the air, flying over the beach and the cliffs along the Bay of Biscay.
