Bilbao is known as the Pittsburgh of Spain, their main export is steel. When Spain became part of the EU in 1986, Bilbao became desolate because of new production and pollution rules. At one point the city suffered 32.9% unemployment. With the help of their sister city, Pittsburgh, they have rebounded into a very wealthy state. While they still produce steel, they are also very much into the business of banking, insurance and politics.
The most well known location in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. It holds a rotating exhibit of modern art. The kids and adults agreed that while the building was awesome, the art wasn't up our collective alley.
Another neat piece in front of the museum is the flower puppy. It is a gigantic dog that is made completely out of flowers that are changed every 6 months.
We did a panoramic bus ride through the city and to a hill for a great view of it from above. Then we did a quick walking tour, at the end of that it began to rain and the whole group decided to go to the hotel even though it is outside of the city proper. Rest, sleep, decompression time is something that was needed for everyone. Some decided to check out the mall that is across the street while others just hung out at the hotel.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that tomorrow the weather will improve for our trip to San Sebastián, which our guide from today told us is the most beautiful town in the region and possibly the country!
More on that tomorrow.
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