We started the morning with a visit to Tekniker, an engineering and research company located in the Basque countryside. After learning about the company’s history, missions, and projects, we toured the facility and saw impressive technology such as advanced 3D printers and a small car that could adjust the width of its wheels depending on its speed. One thing that particularly stood out to me during our visit was the company’s specific emphasis on work life balance, with recreational spaces such as rock climbing walls, open gym spaces, and the offering of pilates and yoga classes. It was definitely an interesting approach to work culture that varies greatly from the work culture in the US.

After the company tour, we traveled to Oma Forest for what many of us thought was going to be an easy walk but quickly turned into a muddy and challenging 4 mile hike. My poor roommate Emily did have a great fall 🙁 Despite the slippery trails and many ruined white sneakers, the hike was worth it once we eventually reached the painted forest. The colorful artwork spread across the trees was something very unique that I had never seen before. The views from the mountain were very beautiful, and we got to enjoy our sandwiches for lunch at the top before continuing on with our day.

Later, we visited Gernika where we learned about the town’s deep historical significance. We toured several important landmarks including the parliament building and monuments connected to the bombing of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. Watching a historical video inside a former bomb shelter that fit over 400 people inside made the tragedy feel even more real and emotional. The visit definitely added an important historical perspective to the trip and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us!