Bilbao

 We arrived at Getxo, the port for Bilbao about 8am. It's a wealthy suburb with stately homes, and there is a beautiful beach.

 Because out included tour wasn't until afternoon, Colleen and I decided to take the shuttle into town and go to the Guggenheim Museum. It was about a 30 minute drive, then a 15 minute walk along the river. Another beautiful day, not too hot in the morning, and not too many people around. The Guggenheim is certainly an interesting museum. I'm not really sure how to describe it, thought provoking for sure! Lots of different spaces on 3 floors, and using many different types of medium. One example is the Infinity mirror room with mirrors and lights. You'll just have to experience for yourself.

 We walked back to take the shuttle, and then learned that Bilbao was experiencing a national strike and demonstrations for Palestine. Because of the traffic jams with the demonstrations' one shuttle was cancelled and another was late. We ended up getting back to the pier with only 10 minutes to spare before our shore excursion. Colleen went to tell the guide and hold the bus while I dashed up to the room, grabbed tour tickets and vox sets, changed to a lighter top, got water and some nuts and ran back. I made it back only a few minutes lates and we headed off back to Bilbao.

 This tour was a walking tour which took us along the river past the Guggenheim along a lovely river promenade, This used to be an industrial area, dirty and smelly, and Bilbao was not a tourist destination. Then the Mayor in the 1990s decided to clean up the river, build the museum and transform the city. We passed some interesting statures, a large spider intitled "Mama", and another that is a tribute to the women who used to pull the barges up the river.

 We then crossed the river on one of the many bridges through riverside parks, areas where weekly markets and music performances are held, and then into the old town. By this time of day it feels quite hot, about 23C. This area is filled with shops, restaurants and Pintxo Bars. Pintxo are like tapas, but served on bread. We had a bit of free time, so I had a glass of beer and 2 Pintxo, one with cod, and the other with squid and squid-ink croquette. Both delicious! We then wandered through the winding streets of the old town before crossing the river again, walking along the main shopping street to meet up with the bus to take us back to the ship about 5pm. A lot of walking today!

 I went up to the pool for a little relax and swim. Then dressed up for the 2nd formal night. Colleen and I had dinner by ourselves in Atlantide. The food was good, but the restaurant was quite cold and service was slow as the restaurant seemed very busy. Then on to the Show Lounge for the singer, who has a very powerful voice. We enjoyed the show, then joined the others for a set in the Piano lounge. And so to bed after a tiring day!