Bilbao

Being told off by mum for not blogging my Bilbao travels. Didn't know she follows my travel guide closely (mental note: not to write anything offensive about mum).
Bilbao was a good getaway, though with the crashing exchange rate between the pound and the Euro things no longer seemed as cheap as before. We still managed to have our fair share of fun, bathing in the sunshine and enjoying the foreign air.

5 reasons to go to Bilbao:

1. Arty hotels: We stayed at Hesperia, an uber-stylish hotel with plush sofa and moo moo chairs to sit on in the entrance.

2. Frank Gehry's Guggenheim: Heavily advertised around Bilbao was Murakami's exhibition at the Guggenheim. It is not until late on Saturday I realised why the name sounded so familiar - Murakami designed last season's LV collection! The art collections featured in Guggenheim is never overwhelming, but somehow always manages to create a deep impact. The first floor housed permanent collections, second floor was dark and gloomy featuring a Chinese artist working with war and explosives. This is a stark contrast with Murakami's colourful collection on the third floor. The flowers and kiki kaikai were adorable, though was slightly disturbed by the side collection of sperm lasso...Siu Mun knows what I am on about =p

Also loved loved loved Jeff Koons' floral puppy guarding the entrance of the museum.

3. Historic Centre and Pintxos. The old town, Casco Viejo, was a wonderful warren of medieval lanes, home to and Plaza Nueva where the locals gather and children roam in the sunshine. This brings us to the myriad Pintxos bar featured around the Plaza Nueva. Pintxos are Bilbao's own version of Spanish tapas, usually more orientated towards seafood (not complaining) on bread. The best Pintxos bar was Zugan, each Pintxos was delicately made, colourful and tasty!

4. Hit the beach. A bus ride from Bilbao and we arrived at San Sebastian beach. Firstly we were hit by the lack of civilisation in town, only to realise we have marched into a residential area and away from the touristy promenade. The beach was sandy with azure coloured sky. Only if it was not freezing cold! Could not resist entering another local Pintxos bar for a bite, only to see the cutest Josh Harnett look-a-like. This trip is now complete, haha.

5. Late-night lounging. In a city obsessed with design hosts the best nocturnal hangouts. Public Lounge with its baroque-inspired interior and Veuve Chequot Ponsarin champagne bar was one of the best lounges I've been to. If only London had a few more places like this to chill.