Lay days in Bilbao

The only place we ate in Bilbao

Robin and I have simply been loafing here in Bilbao. We took in the sights that came our way and passed on some others. But, it has been a fun, restful break. We are staying at a hotel not far from the Guggenheim Museum, and walked over there after dinner last night. It is a breathtaking architectural achievement. What is also stunning is how the surrounding riverside esplanades, bridges and plazas have been modernized as well. Great design leaps out at you from every square inch of space. The place just makes you feel good. One interesting note is that they freed up so much space for pedestrian use. Nothing feels cramped. In fact the wide pedestrian areas offer a sense of drama as design elements and creative lighting come together to draw people to the river. It is all about openness, and in a city, that is not always something easy to find. The strikingly beautiful (and curvaceous) Calatrava pedestrian bridge, that took us across to the museum, is a work of art. We had a hard time getting off it. We just wanted to linger and enjoy the compelling flow of steel, cable, and accent lighting in the still late evening air. Bilbao is definitely a blend of old and new, that works quite well. I couldn't help but think back to a bridge design issue back home, the new (proposed) Columbia River bridge between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The design that was selected was so unremarkable as to make you wonder where over 100 million USD, in pre-construction money, went. Bad design, as well as good design, for major infrastructure projects is with you forever. I firmly believe you have to find a way to afford good design. The impact on those who live with these projects is profound both for better or for worse. Bilbao definitely saw the value in good design, and everyone, citizens and visitors alike are better for it. Come for a visit, and see for yourself.

The Calatrava Pedestrian Bridge

Accent light on highway bridge

Deadline?

A little sleep goes a long way

The Guggenheim

These lights are programmable

Looking back the other way

Still the Guggenheim

Private dinner

Along the river

Main plaza

What's for lunch

Streets in old town

St. James from the cathedral

Cross of St. James from cathedral

Stain glass on cathedralcolumn

Cathedral cloister

St. James Cathedral

Not sure what this was, but entertaining

Back in the plaza

Lots of beer drinkers

Seeking shade on our way back to the hotel

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