Guggenheim Museum Bilboa

The Guggenheim Museum Bilboa, in Spain, was built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, a Pritzker Prize winning Canadian/American Architect. Mr. Gehry is well known for his modern architecture, much of which seems to defy logic with its curves and bends. Unlike many architects, he completed construction of the museum on time and within the original budget.

The curvatures of the museum were created using a combination of titanium, limestone and glass. The artwork protected from heat damage by the glass curtain walls that were built throughout the structure. The entire museum took three years to complete; it was started in October of 1994, and was first open to the public on October 19, 1997. Built beside the Nevion River, water reflects beautifully off the glass walls of the building that looks more like the sculptures it houses, rather than a functional museum. Even the entrance makes one commend the architect’s vision in making the building an extension of the modern art inside.

Design of the Guggenheim was created using computers due to the mathematical complexity of each curve. The resemblance of the museum to a ship was deliberate, due to the port status the town holds. If you look closely at the glass walls, you will note that they look like scales of a fish, and this fish design, which can be found in much of Gehry's work, is carried throughout the structure.

Though the magnificence of the museum itself will leave you spellbound, do not forget the brilliance of the artwork within and on the grounds of the building. Many of the exhibits change periodically, giving visitors incentive to come often, though there are permanent exhibits as well. The museum is easy to navigate, which many be surprising considering the complexity of the exterior. Gehry's creativity can be seen inside the structure, as visitors enter the atrium. Gazing up, your eyes will be drawn to the skylight, which resembles a metal flower, allowing natural light to bathe the room. A canopy covered terrace, glass elevators, a sculptural tower, curving walkways, and stair turrets are also featured in the interior design. The hours spent exploring this modern museum will be well worth the visit.

Not far from this impressive structure, still along the banks of the river, lies the Sheraton Bilbao Hotel. The hotel offers a variety of ways to relax, with an outdoor heated pool, sauna and fitness centre for your pleasure. The Café Chillida and Aizian Restaurant both serve Basque cuisine, designed to delight even the most discerning palette. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences, allowing you to enjoy your experience to the fullest. The Sheraton Bilbao Hotel is within easy access to Dona Casilda Park, where the Museum of Fine Arts resides, as well as the Euskalduna Conference and Concert Hall, making this the perfect choice to stay during your visit to Bilbao, Spain.

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Spain on a Budget

International travelers are wary of traveling to Europe because of the perceived high cost of traveling there. Additionally, Spain is considered to take the cake as it is considered an ideal destination only for the cash rich. But this is only what it can be- a myth. You can travel to Spain even on a shoestring budget and find ways and means of great enjoyment there.

By far the cheapest way to see Spain is as a backpacker. And, backpack traveling is no longer the monopoly of college kids dragging their possessions on their back and sleeping in the park. Indeed, these days, individuals of all ages routinely backpack across Europe on a shoestring budget, and enjoy all the comforts. It is the best way to see more than the big cities and tourist traps. And, in Spain you need to interact with the people to get the feel of the place.

Instead of staying in luxury hotels, look at the other options. Many budget minded travelers choose to stay in hostels instead of hotels to save some cash. Remember, you are supposed to be exploring the country, not the inside of the hotel room so leave your lodging snobbery at home. Hostels are much like dormitories, where travelers share one large room with others. This is a great way to meet other travelers in addition to sticking to your budget. Consider bringing essentials like a sleep sack or shower shoes if you plan on staying in hostels, although most are clean.

Another great way to see Spain on a budget is travel on a tour. This is especially helpful for first time international visitors or those who are traveling with small children. Often times, these tours are all inclusive and are great for those on a budget. Check airline and travel websites for special deals that include lodging costs in addition to airfare and transportation. Also, see if any community groups are planning a trip overseas, as they often provide all inclusive tours for a great price.

For a longer holiday in Spain, it is best to rent an apartment; that will save you a great deal of money. You will find many furnished apartments and lofts available all over the country specifically for short term occupancy. You will not only save money but also have the freedom to cook your own food instead of eating out in restaurants.

When it comes to saving money before you go, check into special travel cards or deals that appeal to travelers of all ages. In fact, there are a great many specials available for students or youth in addition to families and seniors. Check out a travel card before you go to save the most money. Also, many Spanish cities have special cards that allow you to visit a variety of museums, galleries, and attractions for one price. Furthermore, look into purchasing block transportation cards instead of paying per trip, since it will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Instead of renting a car in Spain, use the train system for transportation. Trains in Spain are clean and on time, allowing you to criss-cross the country quickly and easily. If you plan on doing a great deal of train travel, consider purchasing a country pass that will allow you unlimited travel for the period of the pass.

Anyone can enjoy a great trip to Spain and stick to their budget, no matter how restrictive it may be. Bring the entire family or travel by yourself to find the great culture and sights that Spain has to offer.

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Madrid: A Guide To The Key Sites And Monuments

Spain ’s capital has enjoyed a serious boom as a city break destination on the last decade. The proliferation of cheap flights has made more and more European cities accessible to weekend travellers. Often overshadowed by the Catalan capital, Barcelona , Madrid is now showing what it has to offer and, more importantly, sharing it with foreign visitors.

“Los Austrias” is as good a place as any to start; the oldest part of the city and still bearing the stamp of the Hapsburg dynasty that had such a dominating influence on Madrid until 1700. The “Plaza Mayor” is the focal point of the area; built by Phillip III between 1617 and 1619, it’s an elegant square with a rich and varied history. This is where the great festivals and celebrations of imperial Madrid took place. Visitors these days won’t see quite so much excitement but the square hosts a coin and stamp collectors market on Sundays and hosts live bands and performers during festivals. Expect to pay through the nose in the cafés and restaurants which line the square; some however, will be willing to part with a little extra cash just to be able to soak up the atmosphere of one of Madrid’s most famous sites.

Next stop is the “Palacio Real”; Madrid ’s royal palace is a monument to the classical Italian baroque style. Charles III was the first king to take residence here in 1714. The grand building has a, seemingly absurd, count of 3,000 rooms. The most famous of these is the Throne Room with its sumptuous decorations. Visitors should also pay heed to the gardens, in particular the “Jardine de Sabatini”, which was added to the Palace complex in the 1930’s and can provide a bit of peaceful seclusion away from the bustle of the city centre.

Another one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks is the “Puerto Del Sol” – originally the location for one of the gates marking the eastern entrance to the city. The gate is reported to have been erected around 1440 to control the comings and goings of merchandise in the Spanish capital. These days the gate is long gone but the square behind it has taken on the name. It’s a lively place, equivalent to Times Square and Trafalgar Square in the US and England respectively, as on new year’s eve Madrilenos come here in their thousands to hear the clock chime midnight and see in the new year. It is also the centre point of Spain , kilometre zero is in the centre of the square and the six main highways of Spain radiate from this point.

For a bit of greenery and a shaded stroll then there’s no better place than the magnificent “Parque del Buen Retiro”; Madrid’s most central park. This verdant expanse covers 350 acres and includes formal gardens, fountains, playgrounds and cafes. There is even a lake where locals and tourists can clash oars on the water. All in all, the perfect place for a picnic or for the kids to let off some steam – bear in mind that the park closes at 10.30pm every evening.

The “Panteon de Goya” is a small chapel that serves as the final resting place to the celebrated artist. The man himself decorated the intricate dome and cupola depicting the miracles of St Anthony and it is certainly one of the city’s lesser known attractions that is well worth a visit.

One final stop on our tour takes us a little way out of Madrid ’s centre to the home of one of the world’s most famous football teams. The Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been home to Real Madrid CF since 1947 and the 80,000 seater stadium is an impressive site whether you’re a fan of football or not. The stadium houses and excellent museum and is open most days for tours where you get the chance to see the stadium from the main stand and entrance into the playing tunnel and even the changing rooms.

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