Posted on 11/01/2026 2:32:14 PM PST by PJ-Comix
After Madrid we took the train to Bilbao to arrive on a cold and rainy day. However, a few hours after our arrival it warmed up a bit and the rain lessened enough so that by the time we went atop a nearby mountain overlooking the city with a magnificent view the rain had ceased. Besides the beauty of Bilbao which is the biggest city in the Basque region of Spain, what really impressed me was the sheer size of their primary enclosed market, the Mercado de la Ribera. I was told it was the largest enclosed market in Europe which was confirmed by later research that it three floors which covered 110,000 square feet. As you can see the food displays simply overwhelmed the senses. Perhaps what impressed me the most about Bilbao was the incredible' friendliness of the people. For example, one woman my wife met acted like she was a longtime friend with her and even gave my wife her umbrella when it started raining again.
My only regret is that we did not spend more time in Bilbao. Yes, we plan to go back someday especially to that market to sample even more of its wide variety of food.
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Song For Bilbao - Pat Metheny Group
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjUE4G-tHnE
The last time I was in the area was in late December, 1965. We spent the night in Irún, also a Basque city. There were very few tourists there at the time, and the region was only accessible over two-lane highways—there were no freeways in Spain at the time.
Did you make it to Malaga? It’s my favorite city, maybe in the entire world.
Was in Bilbao with the navy in 1958. Jai Lai comes from the Basque country and we watched a few matches. went To San Sebastian too and that was nicer back then. Went back with my wife a few years ago and it was great but a totally new pair of cities. Great food both places and few tourists.
Was in Bilbao with the navy in 1958. Jai Lai comes from the Basque country and we watched a few matches. went To San Sebastian too and that was nicer back then. Went back with my wife a few years ago and it was great but a totally new pair of cities. Great food both places and few tourists.
Ping!
Bilbao is the city in which all other Spaniards would like to live.
Long sleeve weather. What time of year was that?
Not this time. I'll put it on my list for the next time we visit Spain. Starting in about a year we are planning on at least 2 overseas trips per year.
Bilbao Baggins left the Shire to go on an unexpected journey.
I always enjoy your trips. Thanks
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