Bloomfields Abroad: Bilbao to San Sebastian

After much needed full night's sleep, we strolled along the Nervion river to the Guggenheim, which is easily the most recognizable landmark of Bilbao:

giant spider sculpture outside the museum:

The museum was celebrating its anniversary and offering free admission--one of the few bargains we encountered on the entire trip.

The interior is equally unique in design with not one single straight line anywhere in the building. We saw a few exhibits, including a grouping of large wooden structures that turned the exhibit hall into a series of mazes.

After the museum, we headed back into the parte vieja for lunch.

Flower sculpture outside the museum:

Walking across the bridge:

View by the Nervion river:

The daytime pinxtos scene was equally hopping--only slightly quieter than Saturday night. Luckily we were able to befriend a local couple next to us who knew enough English to help us order a few hot dishes, the best was a plate of fried squid.

Then, back in the Micra for the scenic drive to San Sebastian.

The mountains were so dramatic, it seemed as if the sheep were literally standing sideways.

We followed the winding road along the coast and stopped at a lookout point to get a better view. The pictures hardly do the view any justice.

After checking in to our hotel in San Sebastian, in the Gros neighborhood, just across the river from the Centro and Parte Vieja, we had a little nap and and ventured out for more pinxtos.

The Parte Vieja was pretty quiet--especially compared to the night before in Bilbao.

The bar we chose, A Fuego Negro, was sleek and sophisticated, also quite a contrast to the bars in Bilbao. There were a few cold tapas on the bar, but most dishes were made to order. We had olives filled with vermouth, mini kobe beef burgers on tiny ketchup flavored buns, a puree of tomato with mussels and a bechamel foam and a plate of thinly sliced pork shoulder served with crispy bread & a red peper tomato sauce.