Bilbao to home

Nicki actually drove us into and around Bilbao...with Dave’s superb navigation and google maps which has been brilliant! Parked up in the new part and got ourselves a cheap, but adequate room in the middle of the old, narrow city streets. Did a bit of legwork for this as lots of places full for some reason. Walked around old part before finding lively square with all the old, quaint bars. David really taken with the array of mouthwatering “tapas” or “rationes” on display. Bit like a buffet where you just choose as many savoury and sweet items you want. Couple of glasses of delicious wine for Nicki and fabulous old worldly surroundings made it a very relaxed evening...until we had to find our way back to the room. Unfortunately, all the narrow streets are based on a grid system and the doors to the pensions all look the same...and it was dark. We stood with the point on google maps less than 2 metres away and still couldn’t spot it at first. Slept well, though in a bed, warm and with hot shower. Decided to walk across to the Guggenheim museum...it didn’t disappoint! Amazing architecture. Then onwards towards the ferry, out of the city to a small, quaint town called Pontavecha...a world heritage site? All because of a really high, metal bridge complete with hanging transportation. Dave fascinated and we watched the people and vehicles be loaded and transported across hanging from the wires, for quite a while. Lunch...more rationes, then along to the port. Ship running late...and later as yet more drama when helicopter had to airlift off seriously I’ll passenger. Met up with couple on motor bikes, she and I did the electronic quiz and bingo...we came 4th out of 15 teams, Rosie! Somethings must have stuck! Dave chatted bikes till bedtime in wonderful cabin with window. Sea like a millpond and sun and blue skies as we sail up to Portsmouth...but will there be sunshine at 6.15 this evening?