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Published: August 4th 2009
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Well after an experience I hope is never repeated in Bene I headed for some sleep and relaxation in Valencia. What a pretty place and at this point one of the favourite places I have visited this year. It is very easy to find your way around and I stayed in a really great Hostel called HOME.
I can't actually say that Valencia has had anything that makes it stand out above the rest. I think that I was really craving a bed and some common comforts. On the first day I had 3 showers in the space of 6 hours. It felt like Heaven. I ended up plonking myself on the balcony outside my room and drank a bottle of red wine while listening to the old man play the accordian in the restaurant below. The breeze was a welcomed relief from the soaring spanish temperatures I was experiencing during the day, very surreal. Throughout the night different people came and joined me on the balcony and each wanted to know my story but I was very happy to sit and enjoy the peace by myself and did not feel like getting to know anyone for the first night. That's
another great thing about staying in Hostels. You can choose to socialise or not but the opportunity is there if you want it.
The following morning I did not wake until 1pm so I clearly needed the rest. I awoke in time to do the walking tour of Valencia and I am really glad that I did not miss it. We went to Valencia's Cathedral and saw what is believed to be the 'Holy Grail' which was kind of the highlight but I learn't many things while on the tour. Valencia's the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain it is the home of the world famous Spanish dish paella, which I had and it was delicious! I was a bit annoyed because a really lovely worker in the Hostel and recommended a place to go and have the best paella which I did, but when I got there they only served it for two people grrrrrrr. Another reason not to travel on your own. So I quickly solved the problem by ordering for two and asking for a doggy bag on whatever I did not eat. That covered
my meals for the following 2 days.
Anyway back to the facts...... Valencia hosted the 2003 Americas cup which they still appear to be very proud of. I don't know why cause I have seen the Americas cup and I fell asleep during most of the race! he he he. The ancient winding streets and Valencia buildings date back to Roman and Arabic times. The Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th century, is primarily of Gothic style but contains elements of Baroque and Romanesque architecture. I could not resist taking a photo of the gargoyle enjoying himself!!! and was the only one on the tour able to zoom close enough to see what was going on ha ha ha. Needless to say everyone wanted my email to get a copy on the photo. They said that on the 3 whole days that it rains in Valencia throughout the year the water actually does come out of his PP! LOL.
Valencia is filled with loads of squares and gardens. The largest square been the the Plaça de l'Ajuntament, which contains the town hall (ajuntament), a cinema which shows classic movies (La Filmoteca), and many restaurants and bars. Unbelievably Valencia once
had a river running right through it but after severe flooding in the 1960's the Turia River was diverted and it is now the Turia Gardens, which contains a children’s playground, a fountain, and sports fields. It takes about 3 hours to walk from one end to the other and of course, I did not even bother!
Valencia is also famous for it's orange trees that you see everywhere but no-one eats and again, it has a really great market which I prowled through and found my favourite fruit- the fig. In the museum I saw the original Valencian city which they uncovered during excavations in the 80's. It is so hard to believe that up until the 80's Valencia was ruled by a facist government. They have wasted no time in catching up with modern times.
On the second night two new girls joined my room. I can't remember their names now but that happens when your travelling so much to. We ended up joining the Hostel pub crawl and had a great night on the town. Must admit though, everyone is in their early twenties and I can really tell the difference when I start to speak to
them..... I am not getting old........ I am not getting old! The following morning I was feeling rejuvenated and was up and ready to catch the boat to my next adventure- IBIZA! Must make mental note- Valencia to visit again.
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