MEETING IN SPAIN -Bilbao Edition

MEETING IN SPAIN 2019 WINTER www.meetinginspain.com

BILBA

EXCLUSIVE CONVENTION CENTERS

GASTRONOMY TOWNS AND VILLAGES

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CONTENTS

BILBA

Bilbao is a metropolis with more than 1 million inhabitants. Since its foundation more than 700 years ago, it has been the main hub for economic-social development and the main factor for local modernisation in the Basque Country.

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CONVENTION CENTERS Page 6

GASTRONOMY Page 12

TOWNS AND VILLAGES Page 16

INTRODUCTION Page 4

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ESSENTIALS BEFORE YOU GO Page 24

POPULAR FESTIVALS Page 20

SPORTS Page 21

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The Tourist Offices of Spain form part of a network of 33 worldwide offices of TURESPAÑA, Spain’s government tourism promotion authority based in Madrid. Four branch offices in the USA (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Miami) promote convention, meeting business and incentive and leisure to consumers, press, and travel professionals in their respective geographic jurisdiction.

TRADE RELATIONS CONTACTS

CHICAGO (Midwest USA) Ms. Wasy Kushchynskyj wasylynka.kushchynskyj@tourspain.es LOS ANGELES (West Coast USA) Ms. Rocio Monforte rocio.monforte@tourspain.es

MIAMI (South-East USA) Ms. Lorena Villar lorena.villar@tourspain.es

NEW YORK (North-East USA) Ms. Rudaina Ansari rudaina.ansari@tourspain.es

SPAIN’S EMBASSY/CONSULATES IN THE U.S. Click for information

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BILBAO JEWEL IN THE NORTH

WHY VISIT BILBAO? Bilbao has hundreds of interesting aspects that turn the city into an attractive destination. Despite its long history, Bilbao is a young city in constant progress, cosmopolitan, innovative, and open to new developments.

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INTRODUCTION

Bilbao was establishedmore than700 years ago, it all started inthemainsevenstreetsof theoldtown and the docks. The settlements in the Americas stimulated trade, and Basque fishers, merchants and settlers soon built strong links to such cities as Boston did in the US. By the late 19th century, the smokestacks of steelworks, shipbuilding yards and chemical plants dominated the area’s skyline. MODERNITY & HISTORY

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RICH HERITAGE

One of the most characteristic elements of Basque culture is the language, which bears no connection to any Indo-European language. It may have been originated from Aquitanian, which was spoken in roughly the same area where Basque is spoken today. Therefore, this area has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years.

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CONVENTION CENTERS

Bilbao possesses an excellent road network, modern bus system, a port, an international airport just 6 miles away from the downtown, direct connections to the main cities in Spain and the rest of the world. The strategic location of its venues and its extensive range of services turn Bilbao into a destination that brings together excellence and professionalism.

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Spain Convention Bureau (www.SCB.es ) is a helpful network of local organizations that currently groups 56 convention destinations distributed across Spain with contact information, description of venues and capacity. Among those destinations Bilbao offers a wide selection of facilities with different amenities and styles to satisfy almost any kind of activity or convention in the north of Spain. Additionally, Bilbao is close to other cities like San Sebastian and Vitoria , that can enrich the whole professional experience and widen the possibilities and logistics in the region.

BILBAO EXHIBITION CENTER (BEC)

Number of Meeting Rooms: 14 Maximum Room Capacity: 13500 seated/ 12000 cocktail

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y DE LA MÚSICA EUSKALDUNA Number of Meeting Rooms: 54

Maximum Room Capacity: 2164 seated/ 3500 cocktail

BIZKAIA ARETOA Number of Meeting Rooms: 9 Maximum Room Capacity: 433 seated/ 400 cocktail

YIMBY BILBAO Number of Meeting Rooms: 5 Maximum Room Capacity: 200 seated/ 185 cocktail

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Convention Centers

SAN MAMÉS VIP AREA (ATHLETIC) Number of Meeting Rooms: 9

Maximum Room Capacity: 400 seated/ 2200 cocktail

IBERDROLA TOWER

Number of Meeting Rooms: 6 Maximum Room Capacity: 310 seated/ 320 cocktail

CAMPOS ELISEOS THEATER Number of Meeting Rooms: 5 Maximum Room Capacity: 805 seated/ 1150 cocktail

ARRIAGA THEATER Number of Meeting Rooms: 2 Maximum Room Capacity: 1200 seated/ 250 cocktail

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NOTABLE HOTELS Bilbao offers a wide variety of hotels ranging from luxurious hotels, boutique hotels and other facilities. Some of these hotels offer unique views of city and they are perfectly located in the proximities of city landmarks and convention centers. Below are some of the most interesting and spacious facilities in the region:

HOTEL VINCCI CONSULADO www.vincciconsuladodebilbao.com

GRAN HOTEL DOMINE www.hoteldominebilbao.com

CARLTON HOTEL www.hotelcarlton.es

TAYKO HOTEL BILBAO www.taykohotels.com

MELIA BILBAO HOTEL www.hotel3reyes.com/en/

ERCILLA LOPEZ DE HARO HOTEL www.cghotel.es/index.asp

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PLACES OF INTEREST

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

The most emblematic symbol of the city, the Guggenheim is designed by architect Frank Gehry. Inaugurated in 1997 and located alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea. Architects, designers and people in general praise it, obtaining worldwide recognition.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

One of the most visited museum in the Basque Country, after the Guggenheim and one of the richest Spanish museums outside Madrid. It houses a valuable and quite comprehensive collection of Basque, Spanish and European art from the Middle Ages to contemporary.

CASCO VIEJO

The area is the first Seven Streets of the city or Old Town . It used to be the walled part of the town until the end of the 19th century. The area is probably the most colorful part of Bilbao, in- cluding many shops and taverns, several histor- ical churches and other buildings, a large food market.

BRIDGES OF BILBAO

Ships entering Bilbao from the outer port, for many years it was imperative to keep the river free of obstacles. There could only be a few bridges and they had to be “passable”, such as the famous Bizkaia Bridge transporter bridge, and World Heritage Site, commonly known as the Hanging Bridge of Portugalete, the entry point for ships sailing up the river.

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Places of Interest

PLAZA NUEVA

The Plaza Nueva (New Square) of Bilbao is a monumental square of Neoclassical style built in 1821. The square is enclosed by arcaded buildings and accessed by arches known as cuevas (caves). The arches host many traditional taverns and restaurants, some of the most ancient and typical of the city, as well as some gift and souvenir shops.

AZKUNA ZENTROA

Center for art and culture located right in the heart of Bilbao and is housed in one of the most emblematic buildings of the city, the former municipal wine exchange market. It is a multipurpose and contemporary center has a diverse cultural program where art, knowledge, design, science, newtechnologies and literature.

LA RIBERA MARKET

It is on the right bank of the Nervion River, next to Casco Viejo. The biggest covered market in Europe. Inside it, there are stalls that sell differ- ent products, mostly fresh produce. There are fish markets , butchers and green grocers. There is also a part of the market for the local farmers’ products.

BASQUE MUSEUM

One of Spain’s best museums devoted to Basque culture takes visitors on a journey from Paleolithic days to the 21st century, giving an overview of life among the boat builders, mariners, shepherds and artists who have left their mark on modern Basque identity.

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GASTRONOMY

Traditional cooking based on the quality of its products and their simple preparation, with roots in public tradition and in which seafood plays a special part, although we should not forget our tasty meats and local products such as beans, cheese and junket. These and other products complete the extensive repertoire of our traditional gastronomy.

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Gastronomy

BAR ROMA Food that can satisfy the most demanding cus- tomer and marvelous genuine service are pres- ent in this place. Even though unpretentious in design, the Bar Roma offers two varieties of food— spicy and non-spicy.

BIKANDI ETXEA Bikandi is an authentic typical Spanish restau- rant, where the food is simple, but full of flavors and supreme ingredients. It deals the best qual- ity and with fantastic value. Additionally, the staff is very friendly. In conclusion, it is a great humble place with the home cooked flavor. Res- ervation required. CASA LEOTTA Lovely Italian inspired restaurant in Bilbao, be- ing different from the usual Spanish cuisine. The adjectives to describe it would be authen- tic, fantastic, stylish and lively. Staff is friendly, attentive and warm. It offers an incredible mix- ture of pastas, pizzas, desserts and wine. EL GLOBO Among the most memorable tapas restaurants in Bilbao, this place has one the best pintxos in the city, the perfect mixture between tasty and innovative. It is a small place, therefore usually crowded. However, the staff is fast, cheerful and friendly.

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Gastronomy

LA ESCUELA RESTAURANT· HOSPITALITY SCHOOL OF BILBAO The place where some of the best chefs of Spain are made. Teachers and students are in charge of providing some of the most typical plates and wines with innovative touches and revolution- ary combinations that provide a terrific experi- ence. NEBAK JATETXEA Nebak is the right mix of traditional and cre- ativity. Different plates ranging from Basque to Mediterranean cuisine and accompanied by an impressive menu of wines and desserts. More- over, the staff is friendly and well-versed in the gastronomy and wine of the region.

EL ARANDIA DE JULEN It is the perfect place to know and understand the plates of traditional Basque cooking. The staff offers information about preparations and ingredients that amplify and improves the vis- itor experience. Traditional decoration and ut- most freshness.

ETXANOBE - LA DESPENSA Fantastic food and exquisite drinks are the ev- er-present element in Etxanobe. The restaurant offers innovative styles of cooking which pro- vides a charming experience. Attentive staff and splendid location makes it a must-go place.

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Gastronomy

MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS The Basque Country and therefore Bilbao belongs to one of the most prestigious gastronomic regions in Spain. Just in Bilbao there are 10 Michelin stars, including one 3 stars. Additionally, other cities close to Bilbao like San Sebastian or Vitoria are famous as well for the quality of their cuisine and their world-known chefs.

Nerua

Eneko Bilbao

Zortziko

Etxanoba

Zarate

Eneko

Mina

Andra Mari

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1 Star Michelin - Mina - Zortziko

3 Star Michelin

- Azurmendi

- Etxanobe Atelier - Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao - Zarate - Eneko Bilbao - Andra Mari

- Eneko - Boroa

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TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Endowed with color, intensity and depth, Basque Country welcomes travelers with exhilarating adventure, enthralling history and some of Spain‘s most beautiful spots. Studded with strange villages and bewildering vistas, the region hosts medieval towns aplenty. Here, we take a look at some of the finest places to visit.

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Towns and Villages

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GETXO

This sprawling coastal district northwest of Bilbao has wide-ranging appeal, with charming beaches, stylish waterfront promenades, and appealing streets sprinkled with indie shops and seafood-loving restaurants. Getxo is a big area rather than a single destination and consists of five different districts, all accessible by Metro Bilbao. Among the highlights are the pintxo bars, the hanging bridge, the marina and pristine beaches, and the old fishing village of Algorta.

BILBAO TO GETXO : 9.5 miles - 15 MIN. DRIVE

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ZARAUTZ

Zarautz, a 13th century coastal town in the Basque Country, is situated at the center of Gipuzkoa. It is most famous for its beach, the longest in the region and one of the longest on the Cantabrian Cornice as a whole. The city’s ancient waters overlook the Palace of Narros, a true hidden treasure, while plenty of restaurants serving traditional Basque cuisine.

BILBAO TO ZARAUTZ :

53 miles - 60 MIN. DRIVE

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PASAIA

Located on the eastern side of Gipuzkoa, Pasaia is a typical sailors’ town with colorful mansions lined up around the central square overlooking the Bay. It is an important heritage center and great for those interested in an authentic cul- tural experience. Notable landmarks include the church of San Juan Bautista, the Arizabalo Palace, the hermitage of Santa Ana, Victor Hugo’s house.

BILBAO TO PASAIA : 66 miles - 75 MIN. DRIVE

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Towns and Villages

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BERMEO

Its peaceful waters have a long history of maritime tradition and are still today very dependent on the fishing industry. The waters speak of the long past of Bermeo and its surroundings that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Bermeo’s Old Town and Ercilla Tower still reverberate with these ancient tales.

BILBAO TO BERMEO :

21 miles - 35 MIN. DRIVE

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HONDARRIBIA

Hondarribia, situated on the west shore of the Bidasoa river in Gipuzkoa, is a border town facing Hendaye in France. Hondarribia is a medieval fortified city that set the stage for some of Basque Country’s most famous historical battles, plus it has some of the best bars and restaurants of the Basque Country. One of those towns that does not leave anyone disappointed. Lekeitio is a picturesque port city located in the province of Biscay, 55 kilometers northeast from Bilbao. In September, the city celebrates its most important festival in honor of its patron saint, San Antolin. The main part of the festival, known as the “goose race” involves boat races and holding on to a goose as long as strength allows. Friendly, traditional and charming.

BILBAO TO HONDARRIBIA :

75 miles - 85 MIN. DRIVE

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LEKEITIO

BILBAO TO LEKEITIO :

43 miles - 60 MIN. DRIVE

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GETARIA

A fishing village located on the Bay of Biscay. Magnificent seafood, prepared with supreme quality of the fish and wine. Fashion lovers will be happy to find the Balenciaga Museum, as Getaria is the birth town of the famous de- signer. Multiples activities are present and all of them are accessible to all visitors.

BILBAO TO GETARIA

52 miles - 60 MIN. DRIVE

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Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Towns and Villages

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POPULAR FESTIVALS

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During wintertime, fiestas are not so common in Bilbao; therefore the local population tries to enjoy any local celebration during the warmer months to the utmost. Some of the most popular celebrations can be found in this link . February 4 St. Agatha Chorus integrated by neighbors walk around the streets of the city singing. This activity takes place during the mornings and afternoons in the city. March 26 Holy Week Parades and other ceremonies celebrate the week. Some the activities are more inclined to the catholic religion, others are more inclined to the secular population. August 15 Big Week One of the most important festivities of Bilbao, for a whole week the city council organize performances, concerts, fireworks, parades and other activities for visitors and locals. December 21 St. Thomas Bilbao residents and people from the vicinity enjoy one of the most typical fiestas of the region. People gather in St. Thomas Market different kind of performances take place and several traditional products are sold.

Bilbao Holiday

Spain Holiday

U.S. Holiday

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SPORTS

Basque sports developed from daily work on farms and in other labor activities, where workers displayed their skills and laid bets to see who the best was. Examples include regattas (fishermen rowing back to get the fish to market first); aizkolari , (cutting logs); segalaria (mowing with a scythe) or barrenadores (men in the mining area of Bizkaia who bored into stones with steel bars). They competed in strength, lifting stones or with animals (oxen, horses or donkeys to haul stone blocks), or for the ability of dogs to care for flocks of sheep. However, the most widespread internationally is Basque pelota , the generic denomination for games consisting of throwing a ball against a ‘ fronton ’ wall.

Basque Pelota is the most popular, international Basque sport. Most Basque villages have their pelota court or fronton , often attached to the church.

BASQUE PELOTA

Rowing races, using boats called traineras , are one of the Basque sports that have attracted the most fans since they began in the late nineteenth century. The teams consist of 13 crew-members and a cox who steers the boat.

TRAINERAS

The most popular and spectacular of the “ herri kirolak ” (Basque rural sports) is perhaps the aizkolaritza , which come from wood chopping, where bark-stripped beech trunks are usually used by teams or singles.

AIZKOLARITZA

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SOCCER - ATHLETIC CLUB Meeting in Spain - Bilbao

Sports

Athletic Club de Bilbao is much more than a football team. It represents the values of endeavors and commitment, pride in local traditions, its history and the commitment to its academy as a philosophy. You can now discover, experience and embrace the Athletic Football Club . ATHLETIC CLUB MUSEUM The Athletic Club Trophy and Exhibition Room allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past of the Athletic football club. As a result, this museum boasts over a century of football treasures. Among other things, you can see the evolution of the tools of the sport and admire some of the oldest trophies won by Athletic in a collection that dates back to 1905.

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TRAVELING TO BILBAO Vizcaya and therefore Bilbao is connected by means of one of the best motorway networks (toll and free) in the whole country, and the city is the communications hub for the north of the Iberian Peninsula.

MAPS AND INFORMATION ABOUT BILBAO

MAP OF BILBAO BROCHURES OF BILBAO: OPTION 1 , OPTION 2 , OPTION 3 , OPTION 4, OPTION 5

BILBAO TRANSPORT MAPS VIRTUAL VISIT OF BILBAO OFFICIAL BILBAO WEBSITES BILBAO TOURIST WEBSITE OTHER INFORMATION INFORMATION ABOUT THE U.S. IN SPAIN

U.S. CONSULAR OFFICES IN SPAIN

YEARLY TEMPERATURES IN BILBAO

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 48 48 53 54 59 64 68 68 65 60 53 49 43 43 46 48 53 59 62 62 59 55 48 45 53 54 59 60 64 59 73 74 71 66 58 54 9 9 11 12 15 18 20 20 19 16 12 10

Avg. Temp. (° F) Lowest Temp. (° F) Highest Temp. (° F) Avg. Temp. (° C) Lowest Temp.(° C) Highest Temp (° C)

6

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9 12 15 17 17 15 13

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12 12 16 16 18 21 23 23 22 19 14 12 125 124 79 86 78 73 45 63 106 121 119 155

Raining (mm)

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ESSENTIALS BEFORE YOU GO

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DOCUMENTATION

• Check theexpirationdateof your passport, if it iswithin 6 months of expiration; consult with the consulate and airline website whether it needs to be renewed before you travel. • Generally, US citizens do not need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days. Please be sure to confirm with Spain’s Embassy or Consulates . • If you are planning to drive, you will need an International Driving Permit ( IDP ), which can be issued by either AAA (Online) or AATA (by mail). • Consult travel insurance companies and get a plan that covers your time and planned activities in Spain. • Scan your passport and keep a copy in a place that is easy to access for you while abroad (pen drive, cellphone, cloud service) • Make sure you have fulfilled the airlines’ requirements for luggage in advance. • Makesureyouprintout theaddress for yourfirstnight’s accommodation and keep it in your carry-on luggage. • Airline apps work reliably most of the time to scan yourself through the boarding gates, but just in case your battery dies or the app malfunctions print a copy of your boarding cards. • Keepananalog copyof your important contacts inyour wallet. That way, if something goes wrong and you cannot access your phone, you can still get in touch. • It is hard to generalize but we recommend our visitors carry at least 100 euros in cash per person to cover meals out and other incidentals for a day. PRE-BOARDING INFORMATION

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

• Spain uses the standard European two-pin rounded plugs and the voltage is 220V. Bring an adapter to fit the plug and a converter if your device is not dual-voltage. • You must be 21 to rent a car. There are no maximum age restrictions. • Contact your bank in advance to ensure that your credit and/or debit cards are activated to use in Spain. • Contact your cell phone provider to ensure your phone is enabled and/or unlocked for international travel. Depending on the amount of days you will be traveling, you may consider acquiring cellphone service from a provider in Spain. Spain Renfe Pass : This high-speed train pass allows the bearer to travel around Spain in a very flexible and inexpensive way. Customers can choose passes of 4, 6, 8 or 10 journeys, to be used within 1 month, and you can buy it 6 months in advanced. It is valid for all AVE Long Distance and Medium Distance trains. It includes additional discounts on museums and other tourism products. You must remember to reserve each leg of your trip online or at the station to ensure you have a seat! Some cities in Spain sell passes to use unlimited public transportation for a specified time in the city and surroundings, therefore if you are interested, check availability.

SUGGESTIONS

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APP RECOMMENDATIONS

Trip Advisor: Gather information about attractions in the city and ranked them based on user rating

Google Maps: Allows you to download your entire itinerary and view it off-line, plus maps of the city, transportation and more Culture Trip: Gives recommendations about attractions, restaurants, art, music, history, and more

Lonely Planet Guide: Recommended attractions in the city you are visiting

El Tenedor: Search restaurants by location, cuisine or even by discount. Reservations can be done via app. WhatsApp: Messaging app that allows communication among people in different countries via Internet, popular in whole Spain

Google Automatic translation with different inputs like images, text or audio Translate:

Word Reference: Language app, superb for single words, especially modern slang and regional variations

INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS AND OTHER SET OF VARIABLES CONVERTION APPS ( ANDROID / APPLE )

Unit

USA

Europe

1 Feet (ft.)

0.3 Meters (m)

Distance

1 Mile (mi)

1.6 Kilometres (Km) 454 Grams (gr) 0.45 Kilograms (Kg)

Weight

1 Pound (lb.)

Currency

1 Dollar ($)

0.91 Euro (€) (fluctuates - as of Oct 2019)

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