Bilbao to Portugalete- Basque-ing in Spanish World Cup triumph

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Bilbao came alive last night! Thousands packed the central park to support Spain in the World Cup Final against one of its former colonies

‘ Don’t cry for me Argentina’  that’s for sure. Everyone - well except for the small minority of brave Argentine expats and rogue bands Basque separatists -  had an absolute ball, me included!


Later in the local bar next to my hostel, I met a bunch of new best friends from all over the world - I faked it big time -  about my appreciation of the 
nuances of red and yellow cards held aloft like performance scores in a Shakespearean tragedy where actors reel in agony at the mere prospect of being interfered with. Thankfully everyone went home, joyful.


My day started much earlier - Departing Ireland and landing back in Spain.

It felt good to be back in Iberia. Customs were friendly and the airport bus was free.

Locals queued at liquor outlets for the night ahead.

I went on a pre-game excursion in search of a wine bar. On the way I passed the Guggenheim Museum, lit in the evening sun.

I found the wine bar and was served with dips in colours of the Irish flag. A wonderful bookend to the day.

Back across the river, a glimpse of an evening river cruise. 

The evening unfolded as hoped - Spain won the World Cup and I got some sleep as well! 

This morning I decided to walk on the Camino del Norte once again - Maybe three days starting from Bilbao Who knows where I will get to?  First priority,  breakfast . . . 

Then it was out of town and up the hill.

Everything was fine, Then I got lost . . . A couple of times.

Which way should I go? Always go by the coast, Mike. I took the Santander route.

Good choice. I passed by satellite towns of Bilbao. St Vincent had a gratefully positioned elevator to help pilgrims like me climb stairs. I took it!

I stopped at a supermarket and bought water and sandwiches for lunch. Then did the obligatory penance through derelict zones never included in romantic Camiño guide books.

A couple of hours later, I shuffled into Portugalete - with its peculiar inlet transit suspension ‘bridge’ system.

This UNESCO Heritage site recognises the engineering creativity that allows ocean liners to travel upstream and locals and tourists to cross the inlet just above water level.

Brilliant! And a wonderful tourist attraction as well.

I found a table next to the boarding platform ordered a beer, enjoyed some pintxos, strummed away.

And watched locals and visitors come and go.

Basque - ing is delightful.

For tugboats and ocean liners, and for tourists, pilgrims and locals alike.











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