I met some girls from my program (all Americans) for some churros and chocolate and spent the next two days getting to know them and buying crap for the apartment. It didn't rain at all in those days which was very out of character for Vigo but lovely!! It's a beautiful city on a summer day!
On Thursday, I took an all-day train to Bilbao. Friday I spent exploring Bilbao. I went to the Guggenheim, awesome even with an entire floor closed for renovation. I walked around the city, saw some churches, etc. Bilbao is gorgeous and I would highly recommend going there.
The Guggenheim! |
Panoramic view of Bilbao on a hazy day. |
the view from the mount |
the view from the beach boardwalk! |
We went back to the hostel to regroup before walking into old town to have some wine and pintxos. In the Basque country, there are tons of tiny bars that have a long counter covered in "pintxos," similar to tapas. You generally ask for three or four of them--I had some that were a pieces of bread with ham and manchego cheese on them. We also tried one that was a toothpick with artichoke heart, anchovy, and an olive on it. Most involve bread. But the bars are very small and only really fit the people who are up against the bar. It's very loud and chaotic in there, so if you can fight your way to the front, it's best to get your wine and pintxos, pay, and go stand out in the street and eat and drink. The streets in the old part of town are very narrow and cars aren't allowed, so on a Saturday night the streets are packed with people spilling out of all the little bars. It was really fun! We had a great night and chatted with some Spaniards and international students that we met in the street.
Now I'm hanging out at this great cafe near our hostel, having a tea, and waiting to get on a midnight train back to Vigo. I start work on Wednesday!
Dear Clara,
ReplyDeleteI just got caught up. Thank you so much for these wonderful pictures. It seems so other worldly as I sit on my porch having just dropped Catherine and Maggie at school. I love the seeing all the tile from Turkey. Uncle Phil and I collect tiles with the hope that one day we will plant them in a kitchen, a bathroom, or the front of the stairs like they do in Mexico and parts of Southern California--which I suspect came from Spanish designs anyway. The views you shared are also spectacular. What happened with the babysitting job and can you do both that and teach? Can we see pictures of your apartment?
It has been warm here too, the trees just starting to turn, and flowers bending back to the earth, bowing before the Winter Gods make their arrival. I wish you could see how the sun is hitting the bark of my neighbor's tree, it looks like Gandolf just sat down over there it is so bright and reflective.
I am focused on getting a job in the schools and doing overwhelming amounts of homework. Just opened another Sweat Girls show which has been going well. I think the family is coming to see it next Sunday. Ok asta la vista? tell me how to say, "write again soon," or "tapas all around." Peace to you and lots of laughing in Spanish. We love you xox Tante
Same here, just got back to my computer and now I'm caught up too. Love the ingredient list on the pintxos. I will try making them tonight. Adios amiga.
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