What a great first day in Bilbao. We started the morning by meeting with Saioa, going over our itinerary in detail, and learning about the exciting technology her research group is developing. It was a genuinely stimulating conversation that set a great tone for the day ahead.

After a wonderful lunch, we met Mangel, a true expert on Bilbao’s history, who led us on an insightful tour of the city. What made it so special was the way she brought real depth and meaning to everything we saw, connecting architecture, tradition, and history in a way that made the city feel truly alive. Every corner seemed to carry a story worth knowing.

My favorite part was experiencing that rich history firsthand and understanding the cultural significance behind so much of what we encountered. Mangel’s knowledge and passion for the city was infectious and made the experience all the more memorable.

So far, Bilbao has exceeded every expectation. The food has been outstanding, the people incredibly welcoming, and the culture endlessly fascinating. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!