Bilbao 2011

Bilbao is a fabulous city in the Basque region of Spain. We visited toward the end of our summer Spain trip. David's paternal relatives are from the Basque region, so we were excited to visit.


The main attraction in Bilbao is the phenomenal Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. It is an absolutely beautiful building that is designed to look like a ship that has run aground in the estuary. Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa has transformed the city into a huge tourist destination. Outside the museum is "Puppy" designed by Jeff Koons, affectionately called 'El Poop'.


Showing 'El Poop' (39' tall) to scale: Alexi is standing by the bar in the center of 'El Poop'.



We spent half a day touring the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. After checking out the temporary exhibit "The Luminous Interval" we went on a guided tour (in Spanish) of the Museum. David's favorite work was "Cavemanman" by Thomas Hirschhorn, Sharon's favorite work was "The Matter of Time" by Richard Serra and Alexi's favorite, as always, was the audio guide.



Views from outside the Guggenheim: "Maman" (mother spider) by Louise Bourgeois and the titanium museum, itself a work of art.



We left the chilly weather and rain behind us in San Feliu: it was sunny and warm our entire time in Bilbao. Everything in Bilbao is artsy, including the cool subway entrances.


Alexi is ready for a day of touring, standing by one of his favorite things: an elevator. First stop: Cathedral of Santiago (the oldest church in Bilbao).



We visited and photographed the beautiful Cloister inside the Cathedral.



One of the most fun parts of the trip was climbing the 213 steps of the Calzadas de Mallona. Alexi and mami enjoyed counting each step up to the Begoña Basilica.



The beautiful view from the steps. Bilbao is such a child and stroller friendly city; while Alexi and mami climbed the steps, David was able to push the stroller along the path adjacent to the steps.




We walked along Zubizuri Bridge. Build by Santiago Calatrava, it used to be paved in glass, though frightened peds must have led to a giant rug being placed over the glass. Alexi enjoyed being a spider like Maman outside the Guggenheim Museum.



Outstanding vegetarian gem: Garibolo. The ONLY vegetarian restaurant that was open during our weekend visit to Bilbao had delicious and amazing vegetarian and vegan food on the menu.



Vegan meatballs for David and stuffed peppers in a delicious cream sauce for Sharon.



The best part of the meal at Garibolo was vegan dessert!



We rode the Artxanda Cable Car to see Bilbao, and the Guggenheim Museum, from above.



Traveling up half a mile in the cable car led to these beautiful views of the city surrounded by mountains.



Posing in front of the gorgeous aerial view of Bilbao on our last day.



Where's Alexi? While mami and papi were busy taking photographs, Alexi was hanging out at the playground. We got to see Bilbao in two days, and thoroughly enjoyed our self-guided walking tours, vegetarian meals, beautiful bridge walking and the stunning Guggenheim Bilbao.


Ciao Bilbao! You will live on in our memories and our photographs.

Spain 2011

This summer we once again returned to Spain,	These breathtaking views greeted us every day on the balcony.
Alexi wakes up very early every morning, and sometimes when he wakes Mami up she falls back asleep on the couch.	Papi looks way more awake for Alexi's early morning wake up call.
Mornings in Spain are spent at San Pol beach.	Alexi had fun burying his legs in the sand.
Alexi displays his Barcelona pride while watering the sand.	Alexi is always anticipating the next best thing.
On our walk back up the hill from the beach to our apartment, we take breaks to stop and smell the flowers.	Blackberries also greet us on our beach walks, which we pick right off the vines and eat.  Delicious!
Cooking in Spain is an act of love.	We shop at Nanas for delicious soy protein such as "meatloaf".
We eat la comida, the main meal of the day, when we return from the beach at about one.  Pasta with homemade pesto is a new dish we made this year.	One of our favorite la comida dishes is yellow rice with tofu, peppers and safron.
After lunch is always pooltime!	Sharon and Alexi enjoy playing ball in the pool (with a pink ball that Alexi got in an egg in the Spring Egg Hunt in our NYC neighborhood).
David plays keepaway with Alexi(!)	Alexi absolutely loves playing in the kiddie pool.
David and Alexi enjoyed playing soccer poolside.	Watch out Papi...Alexi is about to overtake you(!)
This summer it was much cooler in Spain; Sharon often had to wear David's waffle.	Due to the cool weather David and Alexi spent some days indoors watching the Tour de France.
One cloudy and rainy day we did an outdoor scavenger hunt with Alexi.	Alexi holding up one of his finds during the outdoor scavenger hunt.
On rainy days David enjoyed playing ping pong with his friend Nina.	Alexi is calling NEXT GAME!
Being a parent means calling upon reserves of energy for nonstop activity....	...especially when you have an Alexi who is always on the move.
Alexi enjoys a galleta poolside for his afternoon snack.	Alexi lays down poolside for a rare moment of rest.
Alexi is still small enough to enjoy the rides they have in the Cap Ducal playground.	Alexi rocks back and forth in this yellow fish (his favorite color)!
David and Alexi pose at the top of the slide in the Cap Ducal playground.	Down the slide they go!
Our summer tradition is eating la comida with the wonderful Pallares family in their home at Cap Ducal.	Posing in our apartment once again with the Pallares family.
One night we ventured into town so Alexi could enjoy the rides.  Here Alexi rides a motorcycle, as Sharon and David both did when they were young children.	Alexi enjoys driving the blue Spanish school bus.
We look forward to seeing you next summer Spain!	Who's the movie star behind the Foster Grants???!!!!