Vitoria-Gastiez


 We finally drove in to the capital of the Basque Country at 1pm, after many delays, just about the time everything closed, that is apart from the bars and restaurants. As it was Saturday we'd hoped we would arrive in time to visit some of the churches and museums but that was not to be. However, it was not at all disappointing as all the world (and his wife) were all out on the streets socialising and having a good time. 

Vitoria is a beautiful, ancient city with a maze of narrow streets formed in concentric rings. We started off by walking through the Plaza Virgen Blanca in the centre, where an impromptu concert was going on. Not the most interesting of music unless you like drum solos but it gave a really festive air to this impressive square, or rather triangle.

Everywhere we went was busy, throngs of Spanish people all enjoying themselves in the bright sunshine. Every age was outside together, families with babies, hoards of young people as well as the elderly, led by younger relatives. Naturally the bars were busy but there was still space for us to join in and were made welcome; we were some of the very few tourists there.

They clearly liked singing, several informal choirs were making thier way around the narrow streets in the centre entertaining those lucky enough to be in a nearby bar. If two came together, they just joined in as one! It was also a day of weddings with several groups people clustered together, distinguished by their formal dress. One touch we particularly liked was to see a Bride & Grooms car decorated with flowers, especially the rose stems in each door handle.

Eventually we had to leave and make our way to the Paradore Hotel where we were staying for two nights just outside the city to the east. Like many, an impressive building that had been a hotel for centuries although rebuilt with modern amenities now. It was in a tiny hamlet with not so much as a bar as an alternative, just sort of a village hall that was closed. The top floor restaurant was memorable due to its magnificent wooden ceiling, the meal less attractive, rather mediocre, it certainly didn't make the memorable meals scrap book!


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