Las Playas

After the hustle and bustle in Bilbao, we headed to the beaches in Donostia-San Sebastián.   A much different vibe than Tampa Bay beaches - Grainy, rocky dark sand and cold water surrounded by large cliffs.  Luckily for us, we stayed in a lovely hotel right across from the beach. 

Surf camp

A little toast for my avocado

Our Hotel

One of the best views of the coast is to stroll down La Concha promenade and take in the Bay of Biscay air.   The beautiful houses and architecture on one side and the bay on the other.  

Old Town Vibes

Game of Thrones

Did I get your attention?   I’m not a GOT fan girl, but we had to visit the famous Dragonstone at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.  We took a guided bus tour to get here and also visited a fishing village, Bermeo, and Guernica. 

No steps for us! Already reached daily count!

Sweet kitty para mi

Bermeo is a quaint coastal fishing village on the coast of Basque Country. It was declared a town in 1239 and became one of the most important fishing ports. Currently, Bermeo is known as a hub for canned food and fresh fish supplied by its port. A nice morning with a little drizzle, cool coastal air and an appreciation for the fishing lifestyle.

Imagine this daily climb

The last stop on our tour was Guernica, a town bombed in 1937, during the Spanish Civil War.  This tragic event inspired Picasso’s famous painting called Guernica, illustrating the suffering on this day.  A lot of history, and gorgeous flowers makes for a fine day. 

 

Wow Bilbao!

Finally, I get a vacation from the children.  One of the many perks about this summer gig is I get to explore while my family vacations in mom’s homeland Hungary.  Amazing!  Let’s go to Bilbao, land of the famous  Guggenheim museum.  

An hour or so bus ride northward and I’m in Wow Bilbao!  I manage to take a taxi to the old town, Casco Vieja, and my taxi stops on the street and says he can’t go any further.  Yeah a pedestrian only path to my hotel.  GPS says you are here and there’s no signage at all.  I make a phone call and out of nowhere I hear an American voice say, “Laureen!”   It’s Rachel popping out of a random door.  Let the fun begin!

Two days of walking, trams, bus and excitement.  The enormous puppy stuffed with gorgeous healthy flowers was the highlight at the Guggenheim.  Who needs modern art?  The beauty of the city, people and strolling along the Nervion River was enough for our senses.  

La Salve Bridge - red in middle

Las Sirgueras - Rope Girls

Located in the Paseo de Uribitarte, and consisting of four statues, the sculpture ‘Las Sirgueras’, by artist Dora Salazar, is a recognition of the importance of women's work and the path to equality.  The work pays tribute to the figure of the sirgueras (the rope girls), women who towed vessels along the estuary using only a rope and their own 

 

The architecture, ironworks and colors amaze me.   It never gets old looking up.  Just a little taste of some favorites.  

Teatro Arriaga  - Mama Mia coming next month!
Our daily landmark on the way back to hotel

La Ribera Market - more pintxos along the river

Closed - painted door
 Open - Lineup of 20+ folks last night -
 pistachio was worth the wait 

Slabs of carne - wagu beef

 

Adios Bilbao!   Hotel Room Door

Mostly Sated!

Bilbao Jazz Festival!  The King of Blues all the way from Mississippi!  Our last night swaying to the blues!

Jazz and Nature

This past weekend was a little jazz and a lotta nature.  There was a jazz festival in the city all week and I got to see this fun, cool band.  A little Pick up the Pieces and Spyro Gyra performed on the steps leading to Catedral de Santa Maria.  

On Sunday, I went on a long hike to La Cruz de Olarizu - a symbol of Vitòria-Gasteiz’ heritage, culture, tradition and history.  I had to take the tram and walk 30 minutes before the trek up the mountain.  It was absolutely beautiful, challenging and worthwhile to make it to the top.  There were other walkers, bikers and even a few runners - show-offs!

Pre hike fuel

 

Nanny Diaries 2

Magpie - finally got one - they’re fast and shy

I have to brag about my sweet girls.  J turned 2 this month and is quite clever.  Remember how I told you she calls me “Mornin.”   We read this book and she calls the darling child on the front, Mornin!  What a striking resemblance!

According to Mum and Dad, the girls already have learned a few sayings from me.  This past weekend, we visited a great park and L, my climber, accomplished a walk on a log without falling and yelled, “I got it!”  The parents were so amazed and proud to hear her say this out loud.   They said that she doesn’t say that.  Little J says “oh no” and “yes” now.  We’ve been working on yes because she says “no Mornin” all the time.  I’m so happy that they are learning positive phrases from me.   I’m completely unaware of what they are picking up from me and it’s so neat for the parents to point it out.  They said that’s exactly why they wanted a native English speaker.  

We have visited the local Panadería (bakery) a few times and they both are well behaved.   They don’t ask for sweets.  I’m the one craving a cafe con leche and pastry.  My favorite is this custard filled one!  It’s such a treat to enjoy coffee in a real cup and saucer.

We keep a pretty good routine everyday.  Playgrounds with swings, slides and lots of room for running, flower picking and arts and crafts.  Drawing, painting and beading oh my.  We’re having so much fun!

Whimsical flower by L

Mornin’s beading

Love this baby chair attached 

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My favorite chips

Bedside handpicked flora