This morning we rode bikes through the Puerto Viejo before heading to the airport, and after a sad goodbye, we are in Dublin again.

Today we went with Elena to the Fiesta de Paella.  So much fun!

Lots of sangria … mmmmmmm.

Elena with the Paella.

So in other news, the allergy bumps have pretty much gone now, but after spending the whole day in the sun I look like a tomato.  I wonder what other vegetables I could look like before the end of this trip …

Today we took the metro into Bilbao and walked around.  We stopped at a Kukuxumusu store, which is a place that sells shirts with designs made specifically in the Basque Country.  We also stoped to try some Pintxos, which are like little snacks on small pieces of toast.

Anyway …

Elena speaks Spanish and English, and her mom only speaks Spanish and French, so when we are all talking together, it’s a mix of all three.  Sometimes, because Marisa and I have been in Italy, some Italian sneaks its way into the conversation too.  Needless to say, I think I am going to have some serious language issues when I get back to California.  I’m not going to know what to say.

Marisa, Elena, and Me in Bilbao.

Elena and her boyfriend Alex took us to the beach today.  It was beautiful, the air was hot the water was cold and there was a perfect breeze.  We played cards, and Alex taught me a few Spanish phrases.

By the way, we are staying in Getxo (pronounced “get-cho” … as in get yo freak on).

We are traveling around a lot and we are getting a little tired, so, we have decided to skip Madrid and just spend the extra day in Bilbao.  That way we will have more time to enjoy the city.

Here is what we have done recently…

Last night we got to Barcelona and today we walked around.  I saw a lot of Gaudi’s architecture, which is really cool, and we had a nice time.  We left for Bilbao at 8pm and now we are with Elena (Marisa’s friend) and her mom and sister.  We just had dinner and ate some delicious homemade Spanish food (don’t ask me what it was because I don’t remember, all I know is that it was good )