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Published: September 7th 2011
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Today we made our journey east to Valenica from Madrid.
After only about 4 hours in the bus, we arrived in the seaside city and began to explore. I decided to break away from the group and do my own touring day. I had a lot I wanted to see.
With a plethora of intertwining small streets, Valencia provided quite a busy day!
First I made my way to the attraction I wanted to see the most, The City of Arts and Sciences. This 1 and half mile complex is made up of 4 buildings, one dedicated to art, another to history, another to music, and the last to animals.
From the entrance to the city I was able to walk there in their large park that runs along much of the main highway.
This park is made in what once used to be a river that ran along Valencia. They had many problems with flooding and decided to re-route the river. In its memory, they built this park, free of charge and very much appreciated by its residents.
After about 30 mins walk (on very sore feet from my long day in Madrid), I
reached the side entrance to the complex.
It was absolutely beautiful. The buildings are unique on their own, let alone together. The builder is said to have used animals bones for inspiration. Surrounding the buildings were lakes of crystal blue water, flowers, and sculptures, pictures, and artwork in every form.
Although I didn't enter any of the museums (so much to see in so little time), I did go inside many of the buildings and enjoyed walking around the giant maze of buildings. I ate lunch and headed back to town.
One day I will definitely return here and spend more time enjoying the museums themselves.
Once back in town I made my way into the giant bell tower in the middle of town at the Valencia Cathedral.
After over a hundred and fifty feet high and 207 tiny steps (just what I wanted to do after walking 3 hours already), I reached the top. What a beautiful view!
I could see every inch of the town, every bascilica, every blue dome, even the two arches that still remain on the edges of the old city.
After taking my time at the top,
I made my way down. You know those tiny steps? Imagine two people fitting next to each other on them. One has the thicker part near the wall (and the only handrail) while the other practically hugs the middle pillar, using their toes to balance on the thin part of the steps, & prays not to fall.
After making it down (thankfully alive & unharmed), I just explored around the city. I have a few videos on this blog because I think it gives you a better sense of the atmosphere than pictures can.
I made my way back to The Central Market and La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Market).
While the Central Market was closed, there were plenty of boutiques and local shops open around the area & I took part in bartering for my bracelet from Valence (originally 8euro and I got it for 5).
I walked around La Lonja de la Seda, which is a very beautiful example of Gothic architecture. I also have a video of the building because again, pictures can only show so much.
After a bit more exploring (and maybe getting lost once of twice, I
made my way back to the bus with the group. Tonight we are taking an overnight ferry to Mallorca to spend the weekend on the island!
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Aunt Chris
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I have a pair of earrings - black pearl from Mallorca. I think grandma toured one of the pearl showrooms. Happy vaca! AC