EUROPE BLOG May 21st, 2023 - BILBAO

 

5/21/23- It was supposed to rain today so we sleep in, but wake up to it being partially cloudy. The weather here still baffles me, but not complaining. I do ask the front desk to print off some health forms that I apparently need to end Morocco tomorrow and order a taxi to take us to the airport around 7am. I’ll have to check back with them to confirm that one.

Shortly after noon, we walk to the Historic district (which is past the train station and the dirty side of town) and this place is very lively. The buildings are colorful and the shops are open (even on a Sunday) and I’m here soaking up the atmosphere.

With no real direction today, we walk a few blocks to Bilbao Santiago Cathedral, which is just letting out for mass. A crowd forms outside of the doorway allowing me to walk right in and take some pictures, but after a few minutes I’m told they are closing. I definitely got here at the right time to get what I did.

Further around the area, we stop over at Plaza Nueva, which is a huge open area full of restaurants and loud patrons. It’s too crowded for us to stay and eat so we walk back towards our hotel to find something small and quick. After hitting up a souvenir shop, we find a kabob place where I use the last of my Euros. It’s all credit card or nothing now.

It's a short day as we use this time to rest. Our flight leaves early and can't wait for the last phase of this trip to start in Africa.

Side note- My tour excursion in Tangier got cancelled today because they had an issue charging my card (which I set this up 2 months prior). The 3rd party booking company wants to charge me $40 more to rebook, but I contact the actually tour company and get it for cheaper than the original price.

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