Impulsive Christmas Trip

[amaroo]

One thing we did like about Bilbao - the food!

After the Museum we hung around the area and hit the Pintxos bars for lunch. This area is completely different to the river / old town. It was a Saturday and many locals were out and about - fabulous way to spend a few hours.

 

[amaroo]

Pintxos for the kids...




The last big Christmas celebration - Three Wise Men Parade ..... yes, the Spanish are still celebrating Xmas on the 5th / 6th January.



For dinner we all wanted a simple meal - what’s better than eating pasta - II Giardino Della Nonna Trattoria.

Perfect!



Last look at puppy - you can see the hotel just to the right.

 

[OATEK]

Don't know how you found time for sight-seeing in between all the fine dining

Meanwhile we have enjoyed the best that Forest Hill, London, can provide:
- Morley's Chicken Shop (cash only)
-The Jolly Bee fish bar (great cod & chips)
-Pizza Arte - decent thin crust pizza's
-The Watson General Telegraph - for traditional Sunday roast lunch (with giant Yorkshire puddings).

Mind you, the Indian Gate is a step up with white table cloths and very enjoyable meals, and Rules offers some traditional game that is also pretty good.

Your kids seem to be enjoying it all though, so that is good. My son-in-law is supposed to have tickets to Spurs vs Crystal Palace in the FA cup on Sunday so good family times both sides of the channel.

 

[amaroo]

Don't know how you found time for sight-seeing in between all the fine dining

Meanwhile we have enjoyed the best that Forest Hill, London, can provide:
- Morley's Chicken Shop (cash only)
-The Jolly Bee fish bar (great cod & chips)
-Pizza Arte - decent thin crust pizza's
-The Watson General Telegraph - for traditional Sunday roast lunch (with giant Yorkshire puddings).

Mind you, the Indian Gate is a step up with white table cloths and very enjoyable meals, and Rules offers some traditional game that is also pretty good.

Your kids seem to be enjoying it all though, so that is good. My son-in-law is supposed to have tickets to Spurs vs Crystal Palace in the FA cup on Sunday so good family times both sides of the channel.

I like the sound of that line up. When in Rome...

We took full advantage of the Spanish way of living .... lunch was often 3pm and dinner around 10 pm or later. Leaves plenty of time to get out and about.

 

[Katie]

The last big Christmas celebration - Three Wise Men Parade ..... yes, the Spanish are still celebrating Xmas on the 5th / 6th January.

But of course, the season of Christmas finishes with Epiphany/Three Wise Men day.

 

[amaroo]

Before heading to our next destination we decided to drop in on a local landmark - Gaztelugatxe

It’s an islet on the coast of Biscay with a history dated back to the 9th century .... dedicated to John the Baptist.

Easy drive and good visitors parking, although in the height of the season I think you’d be parking a lot further back than what we had to.



25min walk - one way ..... with plenty of slopes and steps. Would be fun in the heat and crowds of summer.





On the other side of that little island on the left you could just make out the shape of an oil rig far off in the distance.



Apparently another claim to fame - it was used as a location for GoT ... I’m sure the diehard fans will recognise it.

Yes, you can walk right up to the top.

 

[amaroo]

The steps...



The top...



The view .... we parked our car about 2 o’clock from vertical of the cross .... it’s the white spec you can just make out




The stats - we had four iPhones with us and they all registered roughly the same numbers. We basically started the walk near enough to zero on all numbers, so this gives you a good indication on what it takes to tackle this one.




Great side trip - must do if in the area.

 

[amaroo]

But of course, the season of Christmas finishes with Epiphany/Three Wise Men day.

LOL I should have paid more attention all those years ago

 

[JohnM]

The stats - we had four iPhones with us and they all registered roughly the same numbers. We basically started the walk near enough to zero on all numbers, so this gives you a good indication on what it takes to tackle this one.

View attachment 151054

That app is missing a pintxos counter... - or should that be a de-counter?

 

[OZDUCK]

Before heading to our next destination we decided to drop in on a local landmark - Gaztelugatxe

It’s an islet on the coast of Biscay with a history dated back to the 9th century .... dedicated to John the Baptist.

Easy drive and good visitors parking, although in the height of the season I think you’d be parking a lot further back than what we had to.

Apparently another claim to fame - it was used as a location for GoT ... I’m sure the diehard fans will recognise it.

Yes, you can walk right up to the top.

Looks a great place to visit. I have never seen GOT, but it was heavily featured during the 2018 Vuelta a España stage that started in Bilbao. Lots of low helicopter passes etc.

You actually got some cloudy skies!

 

[amaroo]

Looks a great place to visit. I have never seen GOT, but it was heavily featured during the 2018 Vuelta a España stage that started in Bilbao. Lots of low helicopter passes etc.

You actually got some cloudy skies!

I've not watched an episode of GoT, but when researching Gaztelugataxe it was impossible not to pick up on the reference. It appears someone in that production likes Spain - quite a few locations spread all over the country.

Yes, the morning was a little cloudy, but it cleared as we drove West later in the day..... which you will soon see.

 

[amaroo]

Back in car we made tracks to our next destination - Cofiño.



The sky cleared and we were in for a scenic 3 hour drive



Our destination - Puebloastur Eco-Resort Wellness & Spa

 

[amaroo]

Our room - Panoramica Deluxe











The kids room - Panoramica Deluxe (twin)

 

[amaroo]

Both rooms had balconies.... I guess this is why they labelled the rooms Panoramica.

 

[VPS]

Do your kids appreciate how lucky they are

 

[amaroo]

We originally wanted to stay at Hotel Marqués de Riscal ..... but it was closed. We then went searching and found this place. Lucky us!

Puebloastur sets itself as a destination for Wellness, Gastronomy, Nature & Art.... is does a pretty good job.

Our room rates included 90min SPA circuit .... we had no idea what this included, but were keen to find out. Basically this place has a full on luxury adult water park. You need to pre-book as access is limited to 8 people at a time and unless you’ve selected a room rate with access you’re up for €35pp for staying guests or €50pp for non guests.

The pool has over 20 different water spurts / tubs to pound every inch of your body, sauna, steam bath, freezing cold pools, you name it

90 mins of bliss...








It just magically appeared

 

[amaroo]

We stayed two nights and dined in-house for both. The restaurant was very good with some very tasty options.

 

[amaroo]

Breakfast.... included in the room rate







Thought I’d give the Poached egg, creamed potato and black truffle a go...


The next morning I went back to the more traditional option



Nice view from the pool



The place was full of art...



This one stood out more than most



Puebloastur is a very special hotel in a great location. The service was first class delivered in a friendly manner - definitely worth staying here.

 

[amaroo]

Do your kids appreciate how lucky they are

Who knows - everyone's perception is different. They have friends that have never travelled, and others that make our travels look like a Sunday outing.

It's a wonderful experience travelling with the kids - I'd say we (wife & I) are the lucky ones.

 

[VPS]

Who knows - everyone's perception is different. They have friends that have never travelled, and others that make our travels look like a Sunday outing.

It's a wonderful experience travelling with the kids - I'd say we (wife & I) are the lucky ones.

Fantastic you and your wife think you are the lucky ones - nice to see that thinking