There are quite a bit of yellow fields near CDG. Canola?
At CDG, saw this cute robot in CDG going around inviting you to throw garbage in.
The connection was fairly smooth, short immigration line, and quick security check, even though my bag was flagged for further checkup. She didn't even open the bag, just ran her ETD (Explosive Trace Detection). She said it's random selection.
I actually have a few questionable items (legit for US, I think): a box of safety matches, a small stove, a hiking pole.
The Air France flight to Bilbao is operated by Hop. Newer planes. It has USB-C plug! I got excited for nothing. No power.
On the way to Spain, the vast French land below is a boring flatness (near the coast).
I like this hilly version in Spain.
My neighbor Laura is from Australia. Her French is perfect, but her English has an accent (not Australian). For her, it was a 24 hr (3) flight(s).
Landed on time ~5:30pm. It was in the 20°Cs. Sunny.
Took bus 3247 (€4.5, pay credit card on bus). Quite a lot of people took this green bus, we all got off at the same spot (Gran Via), center of the new town.
A lot of snapdragon.
I walked ~1Km to the Pension Zubia. Digital key to the building, the flat, and my room.
I don't know why they emphasized on arriving by 6pm.
Great location: 1 block from Zubia Bridge.
Once I dumped my 16lb day pack, I switched to sandals and walked over the bridge and into Casco Viejo (the old town).
First, posted a small package to my friend in Valencia. That was easy.
2nd, went to St. James Cathedral (Donejakue Katedrala) for a pilgrim's passport, called Credencial.
A mess just finished, and they were kicking people out.
A lady took me to their office, and gave me one (€2). At 8pm, it closes its doors.
Many buildings surround the cathedral, no room for a proper photo.
Bilbao is a bit hilly: some funny shaped buildings here and there.
I like this mural in the metro station.
I didn't realize how west Spain is for keeping the European central time. Portugal uses the same timezone as UK. At 9pm, it was still light. I was able to walk about until then. A lot of people were out and about, in front of bars, some even brought the plates across the street, and they just sat on the ground facing the river. Quite lively.
4/16, Thursday.
It was still dark at 7am. Headed out ~8, to the east of River Nervión.
Before checking out, went to the east side of River.
The city hall by the river, narrow alleys.
I walked up to Etxebarri Park, and down along the old Mallona cemetary (the gate stands).
Starting from ~9am, I tried to break a €500 bill. Tried 5 banks. One doesn't have money altogather. The others I had to be a client to be serviced.
Finally, at Banco España, had this done.
First, I had to make an online appointment for individual service for today.
The earliest time slot I saw was noon, and that's what I picked.
Only after I received the confirmation email, I could then walk to the window for a service.
The guy didn't ask any question other than if I was okay with €50 bills.
Banks here closes at 2:30pm every day.
After checked out the hotel, I walked west to the new town.
I had reserved an entry ticket at the Museum of Fine Arts. Absolutely unnecessary, also not worth going.
I didn't like the 2 main exhibitions:
1. Denise Scott Brown's photos and drawings of mostly Univ. of Pennsilvania;
2. Engravings by José Antonio Azpilikueta. Not much stuff.
The rest is modern garbage.
However, it's next to Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, which I like.
Green lawn, a lot of benches, fountains, and flowers.
The next is the fore-most attraction in the city: Frank Gary's Guggenheim museum (€15).
However, most is moden art, not my cup of tea.
A lot of people.
The building is interesting.
According to the museum audio commentary (via their website, free WiFi throughout), its surface is made of titanium, so it's shiny and reflects the weather.
I guess artists are not cost conscious.
My favorite object sits outside of the museum: Puppy by Jeff Koons.
The plants change twice a year (spring + automn). I'm fortunate to be when it's in peak bloom. So pretty.
2 more large sculptures outside.
This giant spider is called Maman.
Another is a stack of mirror balls.
Inside, Infinite Mirrored Room is interesting. Not a big room. 4-5 people were allowed in at one time.
It's just a box, but covered with mirror. Colored lights hanging.
I felt like I see hundreds of people, and thousands of lights.
I don't know how the picture on the museum website was taken, without anyone in it. Had use remote control.
Large steel plates of The Matter of Time is fun for kids to run around.
The temporary exhibition of Ruth Asawa coils is delicate and fun. Even their shadows are pretty.
The rest of the collection (permanant or temporary) is mostly crap. One room has just dirt.
7pm, I'm on the bus to Santander. Bilbao bus station is very large. You have to scan your ticket to get over the turnpike to go down to the bus platform.
