Halloween in New Orleans

1. Haunted History Tours: Explore the city's spooky past with guided tours that delve into its haunted landmarks and eerie stories.

2. Voodoo Experience: Join in the festivities of the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, a multi-day music festival featuring performances by renowned artists.

3. Ghost Hunting: Embark on a ghost hunting adventure in reputedly haunted locations like the LaLaurie Mansion or the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

4. Voodoo Fest: Immerse yourself in the mystique of Voodoo Fest, a Halloween-themed music festival offering a lineup of live performances, art installations, and food vendors.

5. Costume Parties: Attend one of the many costume parties happening throughout the city, from extravagant balls to themed club events.

6. Boo at the Zoo: Bring the family to Audubon Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, a kid-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating, games, and animal encounters.

7. Haunted Houses: Experience the thrills and chills of New Orleans' haunted houses, such as the Mortuary Haunted House or the House of Shock.

8. French Quarter Frights: Take a stroll through the French Quarter and admire the elaborate Halloween decorations adorning the historic buildings.

9. Cemetery Tours: Explore the city's historic cemeteries on guided tours, where you can learn about the unique burial practices and folklore surrounding New Orleans' graveyards.

10. Halloween Parades: Join in the festive atmosphere of Halloween parades like the Krewe of Boo, featuring elaborate floats, costumed marchers, and plenty of candy for spectators.

Just an hour's drive from San Sebastian lies Bilbao, a city that has transformed from an industrial hub into a vibrant cultural center. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Even if modern art isn't your thing, the museum's exterior is a sight to behold.

But let's talk about the real reason I fell in love with Bilbao: the food scene. The city's Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a foodie's paradise, with countless pintxo bars and traditional restaurants. One standout was El Globo Taberna, serving superb crab pintxos. La Viña del Ensanche stunned with its vintage atmosphere and incredible acorn-fed jamon. For a casual lunch, Erribera Merkatua, an Art Deco indoor food hall, can't be missed.

Gure Toki and Café Bar Bilbao are two other excellent pintxo spots in Plaza Nueva. And for modern Basque cuisine, make reservations at the acclaimed La Cuchara de San Telmo.

Other gems included Goiz-Argi for its local vibe, Bar Tomas-Enea, and the famous cheesecake at La Viña.

For a more casual lunch, head to the Mercado de la Ribera, an Art Deco indoor food hall brimming with local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way.