Sunday, December 17, 2006 When a dream comes true By Jinggoy Salvador
NOT known to everyone, I am an architect. Labored through the five-year course in a Manila university and managed to graduate, maybe not at the top of the class but somewhere in the middle. Something to be proud of, I guess. That was not an easy journey with sleep-deprived nights cramming to finish designs and models, whew!
It was all worth it. If I didn't get to practice this profession, at least it was my learning course to a bigger picture. Studying culture to understand the architecture of each nation sprouted the urge to travel and see these structures for myself. Dreams do come true.
Good pal Mikel's invitation to the Basque Country in Spain channeled one desire to turn to reality. How far was Andoain from Bilbao? Was it possible to visit Bilbao so I can see and touch the glistening titanium walls of the Guggenheim? A positive reply.
Early Monday morning, my fourth day in the Pais Vasco, we were on the bus to Bilbao. The bus apparently is a social event for the Spanish senoras y senoritas. It was a busload of Espanolas who seem to know one another and there was chattering for the entire journey.
Finally, we reached the highly-industrialized city of Bilbao. Also referred to as Bilbo (another Basque variant), the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province of Biscay, the zone in which almost half of the Basque Country's population lives.
First on the itinerary was the Guggenheim Museum... And so there it was, shining on the horizon and getting bigger as we grew nearer. I was awe-struck by the wonder that stood before me... (aria in cresendo in the background)... Seriously, I got the goose bumps as one dream came true.
"Designed by the North American architect Frank O. Gehry, this unique Museum built on a 32,500 square meter site in the center of Bilbao represents an amazing construction feat. On one side it runs down to the waterside of the Nervión River, 16 meters below the level of the rest of the city of Bilbao."
Unfortunately, it was a Monday and almost like any other museums, they are closed on this day. I may not have gone and seen the interior of this magnificent structure but even by just being there, it was enough. Of course I had to do the customary touristic photo shoot.
Mikel then took me around the city and the more interesting Gothic district where we had lunch. I was fancying to have the lentejas. The search proved futile so we had paella (just a starter dish in these parts) and the fish. After a hearty meal, Lord of wonders, the resto at the corner was serving lentejas! The day trip was extremely interesting and fulfilling. And to end the trip, Mikel opted we take the faster route home, by train straight to Andoain. Wow... I cannot thank this friend of mine enough but I have to scream to the world... Muchas gracias mi amigo Mikel!!!
