Our one-and-a-half days in Bilbao were exactly what we needed before the long flight home. Although my mind would not shut down (even when it was supposed to be in sleep mode) my legs instantly became heavy. I was extremely glad to have that first half day to humour the parts of my body that wished to do nothing but loaf.
That gave us one full day to explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of Bilbao. Sadly, it was a holiday Monday so many places, including the famed Guggenheim Museum, were closed (sacrilege, I know—but we still enjoyed viewing the museum grounds which in themselves were incredible). We meandered the many narrow streets, wandering through little parks and plazas, marveling at both the quaint shops and the striking churches as we went.
Grand old buildings stood beside sleek modern ones striking a vivid contrast between old and new. That scenery was in complete harmony with the local people who dotted the streets and parks, especially in the evenings. Young and old–traditional and trendy– met and mingled, chatted, ate pinchos and took their time. No one seemed to be in a hurry. Their restful, relaxed attitude was contagious, and just what the doctor ordered.
Serendipitously, we came across an amazing little restaurant, with absolutely the best pizza that either of us had ever tasted. “Yeah, right,” I can hear you thinking. But it was true. The absolute best – so much so that one bite alone was worth the entire trip to Bilbao (well…almost)! See photo below.
It was a lovely day and a half, and we were glad that we had had the extra time visit that amazing city. But…we already missed the trail!
La Tagliatella. Calle Licenciado Poza, 55, 48013 Bilbao
+34 944 27 81 81 http://www.latagliatella.es/restaurantes/latagliatella-bilbao-licenciadopoza
Retirement Reflections 
That pizza looks delicious! I guess I’ll have to visit Bilbao myself to verify if it is “the best.” 🙂 I noticed that the huge spider sculpture in front of the Guggenheim looked very much like the spider sculpture we recently saw in front of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. I just did a quick google search and found that they are by the same artist (Louise Bourgeois). How’s that for a connection!
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Hi, Janis – That is a very cool connection! The blogger, CuriousJM, has listed and discussed the Bourgeois’ spider sculptures that are located around the world (http://armchairtravelogue.blogspot.ca/2009/10/maman-mother-spider-around-world.html. I also agree that you will definitely need to go to Bilbao to verify my pizza rating!
Donna
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Wow, thanks for the link! I’m sorry I missed the Maman in Cuba!
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Hmmm, best ever pizza might put this on my travel list. Hubby is not a big traveler, especially over-seas, so I need to be choiceful on picking places to visit. So glad the trip was fun…loved reading your daily notes.
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It truly was the best pizza that Richard or I had ever seen or tasted–hands down! Actually, all of our food in Spain was fabulous and very affordable. Direct flight?
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I have so enjoyed reading your Travelog 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing with us all.
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Thanks, Tina-Marie! Enjoy your upcoming Camino, and let us all know (via the Forum) how it turns out.
Buen Camino!
Donna
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