Bilbao

 Bilbao, a place I passed through with Dennis once, but a chance to visit the famous Guggenheim museum, designed by an American, O Gehry, and what I didn’t realise, only open since 1997. In its first ten years, 10 million visited it. Luckily it wasn’t too busy when I went!

The walk to it from my hostel was really pleasant, along the Nervion River, where there are lovely pedestrian walkways on both sides. 

The city was hosting the Investec rugby finals at the weekend. Fortunately, I was there a day earlier!

The famous Guggenheim spider, being sold in miniature by the dozens of illegal sales guys along the riverside, reared up above me!

The Puente La Salve, next to the museum is also a fabulous structure. I had intended to cross it, but in the heat chose a different, less energetic crossing.

Inside the building, an oval shape, is equally as incredible as outside. I’m no architect, but I take my hat off to those who designed it. An elegant, exciting design.

I loved this exhibit, made from metal!

And this room of light by a Japanese artist.

I’m not a keen art gallery visitor, I’m sorry to say, but I did enjoy many of the exhibits, particularly this one of tapestries.

Every floor gave a different perspective.

I loved these works, again by a Japanese artist, Ruth Asawa.

That wow factor again!

Probably my favourite exhibit was this one by Richard Serra, called A matter of Time. I watched a video of how they poured and shaped the materials. Quite amazing.

Once inside these massive structures, it was even more impressive.

I loved these works shapes, the colours and how we were constantly perplexed as to how the walls seemed to lean in or out! The person walking towards me gives an idea of the height of the walls!

My view from the easy option bridge. Fabulous!

What a phenomenal place. Despite not being very knowledgeable about the art, I really enjoyed my visit.

The walk back along the riverside on the other side, under the impressive bridge and past dozens of people enjoying the late afternoon sun or shade - children, parents, grandparents - they were all out and about, just as they are at 9 or 10 at night.

There seemed to be quite a shoe theme here. I saw a number of absolutely jam packed shoe shops.

The old town was pretty busy, with colourful houses on either side of the narrow, mostly pedestrian streets.

 

Farewell to Bilbao, after a short but enjoyably educational visit.

I think our new stadium, Te Kaha, is much more impressive! I might be biased!