Bilbao, Mercado Ribera

Today we enjoyed beautiful sunny weather with a pleasant 77°F, and Bilbao really showed us its charm.

This morning we visited the famous Ribera Market, a huge Art Deco building filled with small shops selling fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats, and many local specialties. The market was full of energy, with locals shopping and chatting everywhere we looked.

From there, we took a 30-minute walk along the river through an interesting neighborhood with a Middle Eastern atmosphere. We eventually reached the Bilbao Cultural Center, a fascinating building that combines history with modern design. Inside are a public library, a gym, and even a rooftop swimming pool. The most unusual feature was the glass-bottomed pool, where people downstairs can look up and see swimmers above them.

Later, we stopped by the Department of Health building, which has a very unusual modern design with black glass panels placed in seemingly random patterns.

Kurt and I also tried to visit Banco Santander regarding a wire transfer to WFB, but unfortunately, the bank had just closed and will reopen Monday morning. The security guard suggested we try again in San Sebastián, our next stop.

After enjoying a refreshing beer, we returned to the apartment to change clothes before leaving for dinner at the suggestion in our travel guide. The original restaurant choice was unfortunately closed for vacation, but luckily, we discovered Restaurant Horrobia close by that was open.

At 8:30 PM, we were the only guests and briefly wondered if we had made the wrong choice. But the food quickly proved otherwise. The waiter explained that locals usually do not go out for dinner until after 9 PM. By the time we finished eating, the restaurant was full of happy people enjoying the evening. Outside, the old streets were alive with laughter, conversation, of cowds of people, and the sound of glasses clinking.

Tomorrow we continue to beautiful San Sebastián, where we will spend the next three nights exploring another part of Spain.Read more