Bilbao, Mercado Ribera

Embracing the sun's warm embrace at a pleasant 77 degrees Fahrenheit, today unveiled its charm to us.

Our journey led us to the captivating Ribera Market this morning. Nestled in an Art-Deco marvel spanning an impressive 10,000 square meters, this culinary haven boasts three floors with around 180 businesses. Picture this: small shops offering an array of fresh seafood, vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, and an assortment of meats. The ambiance pulsed with local life as shoppers bustled about, a vibrant dance between vendors and patrons captivating our attention.

Embarking on a 30-minute stroll, we traversed the river's edge, venturing through a neighborhood with Middle Eastern flair. Our quest led us to the Bilbao Cultural Center, a sprawling edifice resembling a city block. A juxtaposition of age and modernity, its exterior echoed history while the interior breathed innovation. Within its walls, a public library, community gym, and a rooftop terrace graced with an open-air swimming haven awaited. A showstopper was the transparent-bottomed pool, an architectural marvel allowing observers on the ground floor to glimpse its aquatic world from below.

Intrigued by the enigmatic, our next halt was the Department of Health building. Clad in a seemingly random arrangement of black glass panels on a steel framework, its oddity drew our gaze.

A sojourn at Banco Santander beckoned, a query about a Wells Fargo wire transfer lingering on my lips. The sentry shared that the bank's doors would close at 2:00 PM, awakening again at 8:30 AM on Monday. A chuckle-worthy notion that the whims of time would steer us to San Sebastian for the transaction.

Post a refreshing beer interlude, our steps retraced to the apartment for a quick outfit metamorphosis and a rendezvous with the travel guide. The chosen dining spot bore a "Closed for Vacation" sign, leading us to a serendipitous encounter with Restaurant Horrobia, its inviting threshold embraced by our curious hearts.

At 8:30 PM, we found ourselves solitary guests, contemplating whether we'd erred in our choice. But lo and behold, culinary excellence erased all doubt. The waiter shared the locals' secret: dinner's true stars tend to grace the scene after 9:00 PM. As our plates emptied, the restaurant swelled with merrymakers, its aura infectious. Beyond its walls, the ancient streets became a playground for the young, laughing and clinking glasses weaving a vivacious tapestry.

Anticipation builds for the morrow, our compass pointing toward the coastal embrace of San Sebastián. Here, the next three nights will paint their own tales on the canvas of our journey.En savoir plus