Made our way down to Bilbao, Spain this
morning (about a 4hour drive). Terrible weather for driving - rain
storms all the way down. Every time we passed a truck the road in front
of us would disappear under a wash of water.
As we got closer to the border the terrain changed as we entered the foothills of the Pyrenees -
deep valleys in between towering hills (we would call them mountains in
Australia). Still raining cats and dogs - looks like being a quiet afternoon relaxing in the hotel when we get there. Crossed the border about mid-day - only a couple of armed guards there this time.
Arrived at the hotel, still raining. What to do? Stuff it, let's go for a walk anyway. First order of business, buy an umbrella. Found a shop which sells them, purchased one, continued walking -wouldn't you know it, rain has stopped.
Walking into the old part of the city, Julie & I are looking at each other with just a bit of concern - doesn't appear to be the best neighbourhood to be walking through, all a bit seedy. Once we crossed the river however, things improved. As with all cities in Europe, the old city is a perfectly preserved piece of history. Narrow cobbled streets, quirky shops and bars, a cathedral slap bang in the middle. Could easily lose yourself for days in there.
A few hours later we made our way back to the hotel, our feet telling us "Enough for the day". Tomorrow we will venture out again to see the Guggenheim Museum.