Bilbao as a port goes back centuries. The exhibit of nautical maps was interesting. They are drawn looking at the land from the sea, regardless of compass direction. France is on the left in this one. There are also sketches of the mountain “skyline” as further aids to navigation.
Bizkaia is the historic name of the region, hence Bay of Biscay and Basque. The Basque language (Euskara) is unlike and unrelated to any other language. It’s an important part of cultural identity.
Looks like the row out into the big water, turn around (a bit dangerous) and surf back in!
