17th/18th Sept 13 - Bilbao

We were meant to go to St Jean de Luz but the sea was too rough so we went to Bilbao a day ahead of time instead. On entering the outer harbour we had to turn off the stabilisers to take on the pilot. At that point we were hit by heavy swell and the ship rolled. All the plates, cutlery, food etc in the restaurant went crashing!

That afternoon we took a trip through the Basque country to Guernica. It rained! 

Wednesday we toured Bilbao (back to original plan). Weather better.

Basque flag

This picture in Bermeo rather summed up the weather.

...as does this!

Bermeo was 'OK'. But probably better in the sun!.

Henry Moore in Guernica

A copy of Picasso's famous Guernica painting depicting the horror of war. Guernica was bombed to destruction in 1937.

Guernica is the capital of the Basque region where their Parliament is located. Its symbol is the oak tree - here in the wonderful ceiling within the parliament building.

Bilbao has been renovated and is now a very attractive city.

The Guggenheim taken with max zoom.

...and a bit closer

My reflection in one of the outdoor exhibits by Anish Kapoor.

A puppy made of flowers outside the Guggenheim

Anyone for a sausage?

Inside Bilbao cathedral