However, we needed some guests for the lounge.
There was a presentation regarding dolphin and whales which we subsequently realised was serious business. There were at least a hundred watchers with most sporting sophisticated telescopes. We did see three pods of dolphin and after 20 shots of splashes I did get one in mid air but it was some way off and not of a quality for this blog!
We parked the ‘van at Orio on the coast 100kms East of Bilbao. The next day we continued East 20 kms to San Sebastion. The atmosphere in the old town is just wonderful with exquisitely detailed churches, narrow lanes, squares and numerous tapas bars.
Santa Maria – Baroque XVIII (above) and Buen Pasto cathedral Neogothic XIX (below) although a couple of kilometres apart were clearly visible from each other as the intervening streets were all aligned through the old town and central district (early Town planning?).
A great walk to view the city was up the fort seaward of the town called Monte Urgull Mendia. Fortunately we tackled this in the morning before the day got too hot and the views are spectacular and diverse. To the right of Helen there is an island (Isla Santa Maria) which formed part of the natural fortifications to the town and harbour. Later in the day the far beaches were full of sunbathers (apparently skin cancer has missed Spain).
A close up also reveals two grand buildings; in the foreground is the Miramar Palace and park and the twin towers are part of Ciudad university.
The view over the city was just as spectacular.
Even the close environment was beautiful and the cool shade made for perfect walking conditions.
At the top is a statue of Jesus overlooking the City which curiously is the name many Spaniards call their off spring. (However, given that a recent survey in England is expected to show that Mohammed is now the most common boys name maybe there is a lesson here.)
After all that touring lunch was called for and the city is renowned for its Tapas. The mouth watering selection ranged from Octopus, crab, Tuna with Gherkins through to Tomatoes with soft goats cheese and small rolls with Prosciutto. The higher level plates were €3 and the lower ones €2. You were given a plate and made your own selection and then paid the barman. All washed down with a cool beer or wine – just great. (We have a long way to go in Australia with our so called Tapas bars.)
On the way out of the City we were struck by the contrast in Architecture with the Kursaal Conference Centre (which lights up at night) and the adjoining Puento (bridge) de Zurriola.
However, on the flamboyance scoreboard the gates to the Puente Maria Cristina (who was the Queen and spent much of her time in the City) wins easily.
At the top is a statue of Jesus overlooking the City which curiously is the name many Spaniards call their off spring. (However, given that a recent survey in England is expected to show that Mohammed is now the most common boys name maybe there is a lesson here.)
After all that touring lunch was called for and the city is renowned for its Tapas. The mouth watering selection ranged from Octopus, crab, Tuna with Gherkins through to Tomatoes with soft goats cheese and small rolls with Prosciutto. The higher level plates were €3 and the lower ones €2. You were given a plate and made your own selection and then paid the barman. All washed down with a cool beer or wine – just great. (We have a long way to go in Australia with our so called Tapas bars.)
On the way out of the City we were struck by the contrast in Architecture with the Kursaal Conference Centre (which lights up at night) and the adjoining Puento (bridge) de Zurriola.
However, on the flamboyance scoreboard the gates to the Puente Maria Cristina (who was the Queen and spent much of her time in the City) wins easily.
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