very nice valencia

---

well, so far valencia is my favourite city in spain!! (although, that's not hard coz it only has to beat barcelona - sorry barcelona and your fans!!) i've had a really nice few days here. yesterday was fantastic. we went on a bit of a trek out of town to factory warehouses ans had a major shopping day - very unusual for me but i loved it. i bought 5 tops and a skirt for 45 euros!! i was so impressed with my bargain hunting. it was a very long and tiring day though - so many shops. today was lovely as well. i just wandered around this beautiful, clean, tidy city. the city used to have a river running through it but it kept on flooding so they decided to redirect it in the 50s and they've converted the old riverbed to about 9kms of landscaped parks and gardens. it's a really beautiful area. the buildings are also very nice. kind of gothic style, but newish and very well kept - mostly. there's a really cruisey and calm vibe to the place, too. there's a few museums that are just or nearly finished - very funky architecture. weather hasn't been too friendly for me. it rains at night and the days are a bit overcast - still warm though (about 28 degrees) so i can't complain too much. hopefully the weather will clear up and i can go to the beach tomorrow. oh, i haven't seen any orange trees and the oranges in the supermarkets look a bit feral - i'll have to keep looking.

---