Surprising Valencia!

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What a warm atmosphere!

What a beautiful city!

Ok, I'm not here to talk about cities. My thing of the moment is open landscapes, fields, mountains, little villages... But how can I resist the charms of Valencia? Its surprisingly glamorous old town and its fabulous modern complexes!

I fell in love with this place. Almost at first sight. It took me a little while to tune in, to let the images sink my pupils. The huge squares. The ancient buildings so well looked after. Then I felt the warmth, the jolly pace people seem to move at - not too slowly though absolutely not in a hurry either. An amazing old market with juicy mediterranean and African fruit, reasonably priced. A urban haven! With beaches where I spent a whole afternoon sunbathing: in the middle of November.

There's so much to find out. Who's designed the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias? I still have no clue, but my eyes can't get enough of it! A modern Gaudi of astronomical proportions. Definitely Gaudi's legacy, from the broken tiles to the organic shapes. (I know I should do a research on the topic before writing about it, but must I? Doubt is the soul's food, so I guess I can give you a bit of hunger too) Check it out.

A flamenco eve was ok, considering this is not a traditionally flamenco area. Good music and attractive visual.

The accommodation was grand! A brand new hostel right in the heart of the old town. Friendly, clean and cheap, with free internet access and a large comfy eating room with plasma TV.

I am absolutely impressed. Viva Valencia!

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Comments

[anonymous]

Ey! they should hire you at the Valencian tourist board matey! You are doing their job for them!! hehehe It looks nice specially from here with cold ears brrrrrr....

[Sarai Williams]

The buildings of Valencia
Hey Jose, It looks and sounds like you are having a beautiful time. From looking at your pix of Valencia, I can tell you that many of those modern buildings were designed by Calatrava, a extremely innovative and brilliant architect of our time. I'm looking forward to your next adventure, tchau!

[John]

Valencia is beautiful
Someone who agrees with me about Valencia! Just next to the Plaza de la Reina was where I went to a Spanish language school for two weeks. Such a great place. Especially Calle Caballeros (or however you spell it!) where there's quite a few bars (near the Plaza de la Virgen I think) Oh and Santiago Calatrava designed the City of Arts and Sciences, see the following link for some beautiful pictures - http://www.spanish-living.com/regional/Valencia_city-of-arts-and-science.php Hasta luego! John

[Vanderlei]

Saudades...
Meu brother... que lindas as fotos... está feliz por ai... ah se não estiver. Por aqui tudo bem, bastante trabalho como sempre... Estou com saudades!! beijão