Valencia, My Heart Belongs To You

I have found the place for me!

After 2 buses, 3 metro trains, a 40 minute flight and 1 more metro, my roommate Marcy and I arrived in Valencia last Thursday. The directions to our hostel were... interesting. They included steps like "Follow this street until you come to a square. Keeping the store Showgirls on your right, keep going. You will also see a church." We made it to the hostel without too much trouble but whatever Showgirls is I can guarantee you it's been closed for at least a while. No sign of it. Friday night was mostly just tapas, wine, exploring our neighborhood and chatting with our Austrian hostel roommate.

Friday was our big day. We got going around 10 and walked over to the Mercat Central a few blocks away from our hostel. We were both instantly in love. If the Minneapolis farmer's market and Global Village came together under one beautiful domed roof, it would be Mercat Central of Valencia. Rows and rows of fresh meat, fish, bread, cheese, pastries, vegetables, and FRUIT! We tried Valencia's famous oranges. ¡Que deliciosas!

Om nom nom

Only in Spain...

Valencia is a deceiving small. Walking across about 3/4 of its length only took about 25 minutes, which was amazing considering it was in the 60s the whole day. First stop: the Oceanogràfic of the City of Arts and Sciences! The "City" is a series of about 5 amazing buildings including an art museum, science museum and Europe's largest aquarium! I didn't really get any good photos in the aquarium but here is a photo of a few of the buildings.

Not outer space. Just Valencia.

After seeing beluga whales, seals, sharks and a dolphin show with a Disney soundtrack, we walked to the Mediterranean Sea. Just in time for sunset! There's something truly amazing about sitting in front of the ocean/sea and just listening. Absolutely gorgeous.

 

Saturday was about 70 degrees (perfection) so Marcy and I bought picnic supplies from the market and walked to the Royal Gardens for the afternoon.

Un laberinto 

Bird sanctuary in the Royal Gardens

After a beautiful afternoon in the gardens and a stop for coffee, we headed back here to Toledo. There's not much else I can say other than, if you ever get the chance to see Valencia, GO. And take me with you.