Today started early, as we had to report to the hotel lobby by 8 AM and be prepared for a company visit. It was extra chaotic, as we were traveling to Gernika, a small town in the Basque region where we planned to spend the rest of the trip. I was excited- we had spent most of the trip in metropolitan areas, so I was looking forward to visiting a rural place. We began our descent into the mountains by stopping at Tekniker, a technology hub focused on developing cutting-edge products. During the company presentation, the employees described Tekniker as a “bridge between university and industry”. With this model, Tekniker has the flexibility to work on a variety of projects, piloting projects in subjects ranging from materials science to bioengineering. We met some University of Cincinnati students who were working on some bioengineering projects for their co-op, both trying to improve devices used in Gorliz Hospital. One student had developed a better adaptable walker, designing wheels that swiveled on the rear of the walker, and making softer handles for patients. Another student created an inflatable airbag that could be used to lift patients up. It was nice to see how Tekniker supported these students by providing them with ample resources for each project.
After our company visit, we finally arrived in Gernika. It reminded me of my hometown, West Chester, because of its quaint appearance and its sleepy, cozy atmosphere. We visited the Assembly House of Gernika, an important government building in Bizkaia, the Basque region where Bilbao and Gernika are located. This building is still significant, as the general assembly still holds meetings here, determining the national budget and electing the Chief Councilor of Bizkaia. The assembly house featured several historical and cultural references, such as a stained glass window that contained symbols representing all the districts in Bizkaia, and the Tree of Gernika. This tree holds historical significance, as it served as the former meeting place for the district representatives. I enjoyed learning about the history of Gernika and Bizkaia in general, as the small town is home to many historical moments. For instance, it was one of the first towns that the Nazis bombed during WW2. Although it has a sad past, Gernika remains strong, a beautiful town unafraid to share its troubled history. I am looking forward to exploring more of Bizkaia’s beauty by going to Bosque de Oma and Laida Beach tomorrow.
