On the 13th of September, we departed Santiago and drove east, through Asturias and Cantabria. We considered stopping by Santander, but were eager to get to Bilbao as we had modified our plans to see more of the Basque country. We checked into the famed Hotel Carlton. This grand hotel is an architectural landmark and served as the Basque republic headquarters during the Spanish Civil War.

On the 14th, we also met with Rick's uncle Carlos Erazo, who live in nearby Getxo. We toured the villages of Getxo and Algorta, seaside suburbs of Bilbao. Getxo is a residential area, and Algorta is an old Basque fishing village. In Algorta we met with Rick's cousin Renata Erazo and her family.

On the 15th, we joined with Carlos again and took a day trip to Navarra and Gupizkoa, and then to San Sebastián for the night. On the 16th, we returned to Bilbao to reunite with Gastón and Martita and head to Zaragoza.