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June 18th
Larrabetzo to Bilbao It was a very short ride today, but with very difficult climbs on the bike. No breakfast – we rode about an hour and finally stopped for coffee and pastries. We took on the steep hills, so difficult that I had to go back and help out Carmen in the last 3-4 kilometers.
We arrived just in time for mass at a large cathederal but only stayed for a few minutes as we rested and then moved on to find the Guggenheim. At the Guggenheim we rode around searching for a place to safely lock our bikes. We took all our luggage in and check it in while we were at the museum. The first floor was silly artwork. The second floor was closed as they were bringing in a new exhibit. Finally the 3rd floor which I went to by myself because Carmen was resting there were some nice artwork by Monet and some ad posters from the 1880’s Overall a disappointment for the museum with the exception of the Spider outside which had some very beautiful lines and the beautiful advertising posters which are large and very serious collected, I remember seeing similar posters when I went to New York for a poster fair. |
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From the museum we had to find an albergue, we climbed to one which would not allow us because we were not business people, it turned out to be a hostal for visiting business people on a tight budget. The guy at the desk did help us out by giving us a map and telling us where to go. We arrived 2 hours early before opening time. We had lunch of beers with lemonade. We were so thirsty we drank them like lemonade because they were so good. We had a burger and mushroom croquetas. The time passed fast and once the albergue opened we entered. It was a modern albergue….the host lady treated us very well. She gave us coffee and Marias and took
our laundry to wash.
Once cleaned up and rested we walked down to el Casco and 7 Calles for about an hour and bought a few small souvenirs and headed back to the albergue to rest. We got a lot of good advice from the host lady who showed us quiet a few ways to save mileage and cut mountains from the path.
This being a donativo – we gave 15€ , but because it was in city there was lots of noise outside all night – but we were finally in Bilbao
our laundry to wash.
Once cleaned up and rested we walked down to el Casco and 7 Calles for about an hour and bought a few small souvenirs and headed back to the albergue to rest. We got a lot of good advice from the host lady who showed us quiet a few ways to save mileage and cut mountains from the path.
This being a donativo – we gave 15€ , but because it was in city there was lots of noise outside all night – but we were finally in Bilbao
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Carmen -
This was a great stage and also a hard stage.....for the first time in a long time I felt anxiety. The city was just so big, so many people and the museum.
After a very long ride when we arrived to the museum I was surprised by the coldness of the place. I did enjoy the music being played outside of the museum and the salespeople that had their wares for sale. I chose to rest and not ride the glass elevator because my mind and body needed rest.....after riding in the woods and being so isolated the intensity of the building made me feel uncomfortable.
After the museum we rode to the Albergue - which was a new location. It was very modern and clean with modern furniture in the lobby and the dinning area. The warmth and feeling of safety was so wonderful. The hostess was the best friend for all of us! She made time to talk to each one of us and was very helpful. She quickly took all our laundry and made us feel like family. This is where we met 3 young travelers that were making the decision to turn around and go back to the French Camino. Robert encouraged them to not give up and to do the French way. The girls exchanged Instagram accounts and promised to keep up with each other's camino.
We sang happy birthday to our fellow pilgrim that was traveling alone and had a birthday! In only one afternoon and one evening we made new friends, encouraged each other and became united. That is what being on the Camino means - walking with friends, strangers and knowing that no matter what ..... they understand.
This was a great stage and also a hard stage.....for the first time in a long time I felt anxiety. The city was just so big, so many people and the museum.
After a very long ride when we arrived to the museum I was surprised by the coldness of the place. I did enjoy the music being played outside of the museum and the salespeople that had their wares for sale. I chose to rest and not ride the glass elevator because my mind and body needed rest.....after riding in the woods and being so isolated the intensity of the building made me feel uncomfortable.
After the museum we rode to the Albergue - which was a new location. It was very modern and clean with modern furniture in the lobby and the dinning area. The warmth and feeling of safety was so wonderful. The hostess was the best friend for all of us! She made time to talk to each one of us and was very helpful. She quickly took all our laundry and made us feel like family. This is where we met 3 young travelers that were making the decision to turn around and go back to the French Camino. Robert encouraged them to not give up and to do the French way. The girls exchanged Instagram accounts and promised to keep up with each other's camino.
We sang happy birthday to our fellow pilgrim that was traveling alone and had a birthday! In only one afternoon and one evening we made new friends, encouraged each other and became united. That is what being on the Camino means - walking with friends, strangers and knowing that no matter what ..... they understand.