The Anonymous Widower

Grooming The Puppy

Puppy is an artwork by Jeff Koons outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

As it was Monday and the museum was closed, the puppy was being spruced up a bit.

December 9, 2013 Posted by | World | , , , | 3 Comments

My Hotel In Bilbao

I stayed at the Silken Gran Dominie hotel in Bilbao.

The hotel was comfortable and although it was a five-star one, I got each night of my say at €102.30.

The food and service were good and I ate in the hotel for most of the two days, as they knew their gluten-free and I wasn’t too sure about other places in the city.

But various little things were not what you would expect from a good hotel.

The wi-fi was free, but the passwords were so complicated, I never managed to get connected. My username was all numbers and letters with a password of kKf6vaW6.  Ty typing those in on the small screen of a Samsung S3 Mini. But at least they provided a free desktop machine in the Business Centre.

There was no bathrobes, tea or coffee equipment or free water in the room, which I expect in a five star hotel.

There were also a few small details that annoyed.  One was that you could only empty the bath from inside it, as you couldn’t reach the control for the plug. Note the picture of the bath! It’s full of water, which I couldn’t release once I had got dressed.

On the other hand the house wine cost just two euros a glass in the hotel’s cafe. And it was good too!

I’d definitely stay again, but I would expect the same cost!

December 8, 2013 Posted by | Computing | , , , , | Leave a comment

Security Is Sometimes Entertaining

There was a bit of delay at security, as the staff kept getting beeps from this rather obese couple, who had to go through the detector several times.

In the end the staff said the beeps were caused by the passengers’ fat or something like that!

It did mean though, that I was some minutes longer getting to the gate.

It all added more meaning to that old phrase. “Time to spare, go by air!”

December 8, 2013 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

Stansted Airport Isn’t What It Used To Be!

When I flew out of Stansted Airport on Sunday to Bilbao on easyJet, the place was full.  And so were the bins!

Stansted Airport Isn't What It Used To Be!

Stansted Airport Isn’t What It Used To Be!

It’s not to the same standard it was a few years ago!

December 8, 2013 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , | 1 Comment

The Itinerary For The Trip To Bilbao

I’ve now firmed up my trip to Bilbao and home.

Sunday, December 8th

I fly out on the easyJet flight, EZY3325, which leaves at 18:25.

I have booked into the Silken Gran Dominie by the Guggenheim Museum for two nights.

Monday, December 9th

Tuesday, December 10th

I travel by train to Hendaye from where I get a train to Biarritz.

Bilbao-Hendaye – 6:40 to 11:28, 9:15 to 13:51

I have booked the Radisson Blu for two nights.

Wednesday, December 11th

I shall find a very good restaurant on this day, as it will be six years since C died.

Thursday, December 12th

I travel by train to Bordeaux, where I’m booked into the Le Boutique Hotel for one night.

Friday, December 13th

I take the TGV to Paris and then the 20:13 Eurostar to London.

December 5, 2013 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , | 1 Comment