Orientation for our next module – “Contracts and the Law Applicable to Contracts in the European Union” – was this past Wednesday. There, we found out classes for this module would’t start for another week. Most of my friends immediately hopped on planes, but I decided to keep my tourism to Bilbao. I never ever ever thought I'd hear these words come out of my mouth (or fingers) . . . but I'm getting a little tired of traveling (!!!). So, in light of that shocking revelation, I welcomed the chance to hang out in one place. Plus, there were things in Bilbao I've been wanting to do and see since my arrival. So, I spent the week having a staycation. I hiked through the hills surrounding Bilbao, took a cruise down the river to the industrial port, rode the funicular up to see the panoramic view, and visited the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao. I was a little bit bored at times, but also happy to be relaxing, following an unplanned agenda and crossing items off my to-do list.
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| View of Bilbao from my hike. |
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| Me on hike - note Guggenheim in background. |
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| Remaining industrial ports outside of Bilbao. |
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| The city of Plentzia, down the river, closer to the ocean from Bilbao. |
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| The view of school, Deusto University, from the river boat. |
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| The top of the funicular. |
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| Jess and I on the funicular. |
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| View of Bilbao from the top of the funicular. |
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| Outside of Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao. |
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| Piece of modern art inside the museum. |
Other than simply being the most relaxed tourist in Bilbao, Halloween was this past Monday. I didn't expect Spaniards to even know what Halloween was, but one of our local friends told us they had just started celebrating it in Bilbao a few years ago. It certainly wasn't a huge holiday, but I saw remnants all over town: themed goodies at bakeries, scary movies playing on tv and even a few costumed celebrants - both adults and children. At first I thought it was really odd that a country should celebrate an American holiday, but then I started thinking of the plethora of American music and movies and I supposed an American holiday was just another entertainment to import. In fact, many of the things coming from “America” are pretty hilarious. I’ve started compiling a list of the things called “Americana” in Castellano, or the Spanish language spoken in Spain. For example there is “Cinta Americana”, which literally means “American tape”. In American English this item is duct tape. Here are a few more favorites:
“Ensalada Americana”, translation: “American salad” actually: cole slaw
“Chaqueta Americana”, translation: “American jacket” actually: a blazer or tailored suit-like jacket.
“Cebollos Americanos”, translation: “American onions” actually: those fried onions you put on top of green bean casserole.
In discovering these words, I’m beginning to feel empathy for when my French friend was offended when I told her I was bringing “French toast” on our camping trip. But “French Toast” or “Toast Dipped in Egg and Fried” isn’t nearly as much fun as my favorite “Americana” item : “Barra Americana.” Aka, Strip Pole.
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| View of the item. |
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| and the items named - shorted to "Americana" at H&M. |
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| Halloween in Bilbao. |
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| Decorations in the windows of a bakery. |
