Mercè and I at the Bilbao library.
I love getting to know Spain. On this trip, to Bilbao & San Sebastian, in the Basque country, for example, I've discovered pintxos, similar to tapas but more substantial, not a plate but a tiny sandwich, fancy (duck salad, a quail egg on a sea urchin) or plain (a cheese croquette, endless varieties of ham) (most of which I can't/don't/won't eat). Fantastic varying scenery, from coast to mountains to dry plains in just a few miles. I suppose if Mercè, my wonderful friend & compatible travel companion, were from Portugal or Hungary or France, I would be feeling the same joy in getting to know those countries.