Bilbao, Spain June 27-30

So, as you can see, Spain is beautiful.  I am in Bilbao, Spain which is the Basque country.  In fact this area sees itself separate from Spain yet part of it with its very own unique culture, landscape and even language. It was very repressed under Franco's rule and has recently had a Renaissance.   It's a completely gorgeous area and the cities are amazing and very family friendly (lots of family dogs too).  The food is wonderful, they specialize in not tapas that you would find in the rest of Spain but something called Pinxtos (pinchos).  Basically whatever little creation they can pile on a piece of French bread,usually many layers, i.e. seafood with veggies and balsamic vinegar.  The custom is to buy a couple at one bar (all the restaurants are called bars) and then move on to the next one.  I can get used to this.

Guggenheim in Bilbao

So, I've spent time walking around town including a visit to one of the area's highlights, the Guggenheim museum.  It's an amazing piece of architecture inside and out, here's a link to better photos and info:

http://www.guggenheim.org/bilbao  ;  Some of the art I appreciated some, not so much.  There was a fascinating exhibit of Yoko Ono's art, learned a lot, not sure I get it, but very interesting.  The large dog that I am standing in front of is made entirely of  flowers.

Sunday, I spent horseback riding on the beach and then a stop at this beautiful little town with the cliffs, we're at an old castle.  It was one of the main export ports for Europe.

Today, Monday was another rough day with an amazing journey to the vineyards of  La Rioja area.  Saw the vineyards, the process for making the wine and of course got to sample the wine.  Tomorrow it's back to work as we set sail for Scotland.  Though I do actually have to work while in port, sometimes you are a trip leader, as I was today.  You are responsible for working with the tour agents in the logistics and also ensure everyone is behaving.  Also, in my role as Assistant Executive Dean, I am one of four staff that share in port on-call duty.  We have to carry a phone and respond in emergencies, thankfully nothing too urgent yet, a couple of students went home due to mental health related issues and we've had a few students robbed/pickpocketed.

I am very excited to see the kids and Andy in the next port, can't wait!