01062006 Bilbao

Itsaso picked us up from Bilbao airport. We arrived at the Basque country.

After a bite, we marched to Guggenheim Museum, the sole purpose for Bilbao. I happened to see a review of the museum on the Discovery Travel & Leisure channel, and then I was standing in front of it. The feeling was amazing. Under the blue sky and bright sun, the architechture was glowing on its shiny metal surface.

The two chatties kept on talking as they haven't seen each other for ages (I supposed), while I was reading about the exihibition brochure. Failed to cheat my way through with my DB employee pass, we got in with Itsaso's free coupon instead.

The Matter of Time by Richard Serra is the all-time highlight. Eight gigantic metal installations which visitors could appreciate the art by experience and senses. It claimed to change one's emotions, perception and experience. Well, I agreed after visiting. Walking in between the curvy gigantic iron walls, the actual development surprised me as it was different from what I have expected. Between the walls, a certain part was narrow and then wide. When the wall leaned away from me, I tended to lose my balance and almost fell. Another "tunnel" was a square maze which led to the centre. During the journey, I have lost the sense of distance and was disoriented.

The rest of the museum was so so. Some funny pieces which were created during the cold war in Russia and was brought out of the country for exhibition first time. Then we moved outside to the flora puppy for some pictures. We sat down for a cafe, then started driving to Itsaso's home, San Sebastian.