Bye Bye Birdie

Today in Santander it has rained, sleeted, hailed and snowed with wild chilly winds. But we have dodged it all and enjoyed some walks and cultural visits. The promenade has been mostly deserted with the exception of a few hardy dog walkers and joggers. 

1st extra is of the bronze statues of small boys diving off the pier edge known as “Los Raqueros” (the wreckers) acknowledging the lives of poor children who used dive into the harbour to look for coins or treasure to earn a living. The sculptures were placed on the sea front in 1999 by local sculptor José Cobo. 

2nd extra is the beautifully constructed modern Botín Centre designed by architect Rienzo Piano. The Botín Centre rotates art exhibitions and cultural activities and also has a cosy café and bar. It seems to link the city centre with the Bay Area really well.

3rd extra is a colourful temporary billboard facade covering a large renovation/new construction site in the city centre which I found eye-catching. It cheered up a dismal grey day in what is an otherwise buzzing and vibrant coastal city.

The ferry is still scheduled for tomorrow at 11am.