---

Such a contrast

There are so many ancient sites to see in Valencia and throughout Spain that many travelers miss or ignore one of the most beautiful complexes to be seen anywhere. The City of Arts and Sciences (Valencian: Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Spanish: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is a marvel of modern architecture. We were not sure we would be able to visit this complex of buildings. It was not close to the historic district where our hotel was located. One of the desk clerks told us which bus to catch. We decided to be brave and head out in a bus we knew nothing about for a destination which was 'somewhere' in this enormous city. After all, if it did not go where we wanted to go or if we didn't know when to get off, the trip would still be interesting. And, if a bus goes one direction, surely there will be another returning from where we started our adventure.

We almost missed the stop.

We were on the bus about 30 minutes when it rounded a corner and stopped. The doors were about to be closed when we realized that this is the stop we want! Quickly we jumped off the bus. Once traffic had cleared we crossed the street and entered the complex of beautiful buildings.

Modern marvels

Without modern materials these buildings would be impossible. We marveled at the architecture. The El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía is an example. The long roof that extends and curves downward with no support awed us. It must be cantilevered. I can see no other way for this long free-standing roof to not collapse. The roof consists of laminated steel clad with concrete and mosaic tile. I thought it looked like a cruise liner coming into port.

---