We got to Bilbao on Friday evening and went out to search for a new restaurant. We stumbled upon a Good Friday Procession.
While backtracking we stumbled upon Foodoo. It is great! Great food, good prices!
On Saturday we went for a hike to the hermitage on Gaztelugatxe.
EuskoGuide tells us:
The climb down the hill, across the bridge and up to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small adventure that will handsomely reward you with truly impressive views. The ocean can be particular rough in this area and the waves really crash against the rocks of the island, adding to its awe-inspiring beauty. If you think it looks cool in the photos, just wait till you experience it in person.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose name means “castle rock” in Basque (“gaztelu” = castle + “aitz” = rock), is a definite “must” if you are visiting the Basque Country. It is an island located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay, 35 km east from Bilbao. The island is cone-shaped and features a tiny church on its highest point that is dedicated to John the Baptist. Although not proven, it has been said that he even set foot on the island.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge transitions into a narrow path that contains 241 steps and zigzags its way back and forth to the top. Once there, you will find the church which has a bell situated along the front of its facade. According to legend, after you have completed the climb, you should ring the bell three times and make a wish.
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-basque-country/spain/san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe/
We both rang the bell and made our wishes, probably for a helicopter to lift us back up the hill to the village.
Bus back to Bilbao and we wandered around town all afternoon. I will rest tomorrow on the plane.
My flight is out at 6:50am. Heading home.
