Bilbao is situated on a river that has cut its way through the rock. The city itself is very mountainous. What strikes you right away is that disabled access is very important here. The city itself has a lot of stairs. It reminds me a little of Lisbon. Here, there are certainly just as many stairs that provide access to residential buildings. But, there is also an elevator next to each staircase. They are not only used by the needy either. Of course, for me as a small mountain goat, it is unthinkable to take an elevator just because there is one

I’ve been here a few days now and have also explored much of the city on foot. The city is divided by the river into an old and a new part. On the side of the old one, there is a blues festival this week. This comes in handy, because the nightlife here seems to me otherwise currently around 23 clock to end. (if you do not know where to go)

Bilbao is a city where many styles merge into each other. I have never seen such a wide variety of different types of buildings harmonize so beautifully. Modern flows into past, colors flow into monotonous facades. Sometimes buildings seem to grow into each other like a tumor out of skin

For my language course, which starts on Monday, I have rented a shared flat with other students. This was very convenient right at the beginning, because I had a companion to go out with. Unfortunately, Jonathan left yesterday. Together we met a Brazilian girl in a bar, with whom I had met yesterday to go out. It almost didn’t happen because I was too stupid to wait for her at the right place. And I, in my stupidity, initially put all the blame on her unpunctuality. (stupid stereotypes)

Since she supposedly didn’t show up, I promptly looked for other company. Using the Couchsurfing app, you can find people nearby who also want to hang out. That’s how I met an American who speaks 7 languages. Badass

Since Isa, the Brazilian, thought the same of me (rightly so), she also sought entertainment on another app and met another Brazilian that way. Later we actually all got together and had a mega fun at the festival. If I had not been so stupid, would not have resulted in such a large group. Already cool like it runs so sometimes in the life

Today I had planned to climb the highest mountain right near Bilbao. In Komoot it was indicated to me as a seven and a half hour march (there and back). As it turned out, it’s a very popular route for local residents. Along the way, people were just lollygagging, despite the bad weather

First, for the first two-thirds of the way, we went up dirt roads to a hut. Here were also still most people on the way. To my astonishment were among them also many runners who ran up and down the mountain. Yes then times much fun with the broken knees in a few years

The rest of the route was then only a single trail. Here it went then also again correctly to the thing

At the top I had a great view from 50 meters into a cloud. Another hiker told me a bit about the other trails around the mountain. So I decided not to walk back but to go down the other side and take the train back to Bilbao. This led to a very steep but varied descent which reminded me that I really need to get some walking poles

Normally 20 km is no problem for me. But today I was really exhausted. This may also have been due in part to shoes that didn’t fit

Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Museum. In my opinion, it is one of the most exciting buildings that I have ever seen. What it had to offer inside, however, was unfortunately nothing in comparison. Just modern art. Sometimes I seriously ask myself who really likes it. Hardly anyone with whom I talk about art can demand anything from modern art

Bilbao is not far from the Atlantic. You can take the subway to a steep coast within a few stops. With a group of fellow students, we participated in a volunteer project to collect trash. The goal was to clean the paths and beaches. In fact, it is not an easy task to pick up small snippets of trash with a grappling arm. While we were working, an elderly gentleman applauded us. When called out, he even wanted to assist us. I don’t think the collecting itself has a particularly big impact. But the attention we generate through the action hopefully has a deeper impact

We were rewarded for our efforts by a fantastic view down the cliffs. Again and again one has the possibility to descend to smaller and larger beaches

Balloons seem to be a huge problem at the metro stops. Again and again one is pointed out not to bring helium balloons to the track. This was underlined again with a balloon sculpture at the Guggenheim. I don’t want to be the person who has to keep it shiny

After missing the bus to San Sebastian, Luise and a few friends from school decided to go the next day and take a hike instead. As it turned out, he and I have a lot in common. Especially when it comes to the topics we’ve been thinking about for the past few years, we’ve found a lot to talk about. The only difference is that he is 17 years younger. I have hardly had the chance to meet someone as reflective as him

I am amazed at how reflective Louis already is at his young age. He is constantly trying to fill life to the fullest with experiences. He is the one who keeps the group in Bilbao together and motivates them to new deeds. He has already reflected life to a degree that I have not seen before in anyone, even much older . Many of the things we discussed during our hike I myself have only realized in recent years. His motto is “Go crazy!” but what he really means is “live your life to the fullest” -Carpe Diem

It wasn’t until I reached the top of the mountain that I realized how it had happened for him. I had been surprised before how much he talked all the time about his time in Iceland, what experiences he had there and how close the bond was with the people he met there. But one thing in particular stood out and that was when a girl he was very close with there accidentally fell off a cliff and died. That was such an extraordinary moment that it changed him forever. The awareness of the potential brevity of our lives became so prominent and so memorable that it drives him day after day to draw from the fullest

I suspect that most of us think we still have our whole lives ahead of us. Unfortunately, however,
often until there is very little of it left. Year by year I am more and more aware, because time is passing faster and faster, that I want to fill my life with life, experiences and encounters. And with quality hours instead of empty ones. We talked about turning points in life that had a lasting impact on our behavior. His I know now, my turning point I arrange now in such a way, as already times before 12 years did, into the hand. I shape my life the way it makes me happy, not the way society tells me to live a good life.