Have you ever been in País Vasco?

The decision

My first decision to go for Erasmus to work, was in 2015. I just wanted to go to Spain because I really love the spanish culture, architecture and especially the spanish language. I never thought of going to Bilbao and i didnt even know its existence. When I first heard of this city I thought it was in Asia. After a lot of doubts I had of leaving my country on my own, I decided to take the opportunity and overcome all the obstacles. I wanted to do something for myself and find my real personality away from all the influences of my country, the society, my family and my friends.

The arrival

When I arrived in Bilbao, I realized that people didn't speak spanish. Their native language is the basque language but they also speak spanish. That was good and bad for me because i wanted to improve my spanish, but on the other hand I learnt some words in basque language, like "agur" (bye) and "eskerrik asko" (thank you).

Until I realize what I have done...

I couldn't believe that I would stay in Bilbao for two months, in a house with strangers and so far away from my hometown (Cyprus). I had in my mind that this would last forever and I would have got bored and insecure. But when I first got a map in my hands, the journey and the magic has begun for me. I started taking the bus and the metro to visit unknown places, I walked through a lot of kilometers and I realised that life is also really nice when you are alone. Its a stage of discovering yourself and encounter on you and your own decisions.

Experiences

I will talk you about some places in Bilbao that for me are unforgettable and "musts" to visit. The first impressive thing for me was the time that I opened my window at work. The view was amazing! I was looking at the "Ría de Bilbao" for a long time so as to realize that the view was real. This was the first photo that i added on my facebook page after my mobility. I couldn´t believe that that photo was really taken by me and my camera.

The Guggenheim museum is also a place you have to visit. It has a great architecture from the outside and its a "trademark" of Bilbao city. It is located next to the river of Bilbao and you can enjoy its view and tranquillity even at night. From the inside there are a lot of interesting artworks also.

There is also a mascot from the outside of the museum, a dog dressed with flowers that all the people want to take a picture with it. It's really cute.

What made me the biggest impression, was a castle that i found accidentally on the internet while i was looking for "places to visit in Bilbao". That was the Butrón castle. It was like a castle from a fairy tale. Words are not enough to describe it's great appearance. A huge, gray castle in the middle of nowhere. I couldn´t get inside but anyway, I could stare at it from the outside for hours trying to believe that it exists and that it was in front of me. I was really speachless.

In the same way, I found the Oma forest, a forest with painted trees. I had to walk 3km within the forest so as to come across with the painted trees. It was really tiring but when i arrived there I was like "wow, who could have ever thought of doing this? ". It was something different that i have seen for first time in my life. The trees were transformed in artworks with vivid colours, creating a story the one with the other. I could stay there for ever because I am in love with the nature.

The last impressive place i would like to refer to, is "San Juan de Gaztelugatxe", something like an island but with a long walking bridge that leads to a small church. The route is really enjoyable and worth it, although its long and exhausting if you go in the summertime.

If you have the opportunity to apply for Erasmus, DO IT! Because no one will do it for you and its a really great experience, even if you go alone. Do it for yourself and think clever! They pay you to participate in the programme so go for it!

The Bilbao experience was my first Erasmus experience, the one that lead me to apply two more times and fulfill my life with dream journeys, new interesting people from alla over the world and much more experiences!

P. S. Maybe Bilbao is the secret paradise of Spain.