Day 7 Lezama to Bilbao

An easy walk into Bilbao, although the early slow climb up to Monte Avril was hard work. I’m finding it takes me at least 5k before I get into a rhythm and then it gets easier. It took me ages to walk into the city as I was happily distracted by all the lifts, funiculars and escalators often going in the wrong direction which I didn’t notice until it was too late.

Eventually I reached the old town and the Catédral de Santiago to which I gained free entry as a pilgrim. It seemed a mixture of styles, smaller than I had expected, and cloisters shrouded with lemon trees.

I loved the enormous covered market, La Ribera. The food in the bar/restaurant area looked amazing complete with background jazz music.
I had an allocated slot for the Guggenheim so I reluctantly left the market and followed the river for a couple of kilometres and had excellent pintxos and coffee in the outside café before exploring its contents. I didn’t expect to find it so compelling, especially the Yoshitomo Nara exhibition.

Tonight I have struck lucky with a very nice hotel complete with huge bathroom, and super fast WiFi. I will be setting my alarm for the Glasgow South declaration. I did of course vote before I left home a week ago.

The blip is Jeff Koons “Puppy”, located outside the Guggenheim. It is reseeded twice a year following a geometrical grid laid down by the artist. The extra is the sculpture by Dora Salazar, Sirgueras, a tribute to the rope girls and women who towed vessels along the river using only a rope and their own strength.

12k and 335 ascent, felt more.