Valencia-Spain

So, off to Valencia - we caught the 9.00am bus and for the next 3.5 hours enjoyed the journey to Valencia stopping at small towns along the way. It was nice for Harry to see some of the Spanish countryside instead of having to drive through it.

Our hotel was next to the bus station and close to the historic centre so it was all very convenient. After checking in, we went for a wander to get our bearings and make plans for the next couple of days. The Lonely Planet guide is a great source of information and we made a list of all the things we wanted to do and see. We decided that we would spend the following day exploring the old town (Historic Centre) which was going to keep us busy for a whole day and the 2nd day would be spent at The City of Arts and Sciences which is a major cultural and entertainment complex set up by the Valencia Regional Government.

After dinner at a nearby restaurant we returned to the hotel to have an early night in preparation for our explorations the following day.

Day 1

The Historic Centre is fairly compact and once we had got a copy of the town plan from the tourist office and got our bearings, we were off. Nearly every town has it's bull ring, Valencia was no exception and it's museum was quite interesting. 

Onto the station, an impressive Modernista building, opened in 1917. The main foyer is decorated with ceramic mosaics and murals. 

 Another impressive building is the Mercado Central. Valencia's Moderista covered market which was constructed in 1928 but given a new lease of life since it's recent 11 million Euros refurbishment. 

This is The Plaza de la Virgen which shows the splendour of some of the buildings here in Valencia.

Lunch was patatas bravas and fried prawns at a pavement cafe and once refuelled we were on our way again. A visit to the Cathedral and then to end the afternoon a visit to the botanical gardens which was an oasis of calm from the busy streets of Valencia. Established in 1802 is was Spain's first botanical garden with lots of mature trees and plants and an extensive cactus garden. A place to see free flying parrots in amongst the trees and somewhere for Harry to make a new friend.

A long and tiring day but very enjoyable and the bath waiting for me back at the hotel was bliss!!

Day 2

The Jardines del Turia are a 9 kms stretch of gardens, a mixture of playing fields, cycling. jogging and walking paths, fountains, lawns and playgrounds and have been constructed on the site of the now dry river bed which runs through Valencia.

It was a very pleasant walk from the hotel, through the gardens to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). There was much to see there which would have taken several days - on this occasion we chose to visit the Oceanografic Centre. We paid our entrance fee and were delighted to find that we had been charged the reduced rate for pensioners but when we thought about it, realised our jaunt to the city must have aged us! Oh well, it comes to us all - we had a great day at the Oceanografic Centre and here are some photos that we took of our day there. 

 

We rounded off the evening with a lovely meal at the hotel with thoughts of our return to Calpe the next morning.

So, until next time when we shall have to find new adventures for you all.

Lots of love

Kath and Harry xxx

Calpe - Spain (episode 4)

                                                       

                                                  HAPPY NEW YEAR

And, to start off the New Year, Harry and his pal Ray celebrated in style - another dip in the Med. a little colder than Christmas Day but they were still crazy enough to do it!!!

The week prior to New Year saw us out and about, making the most of our time here on the Costa Blanca. A morning's walk behind the camp site ended up as a 3 hour hike, off the beaten track along dried up river beds and the like. 

We were tired and ravenous when we got back to camp so over to the camp restaurant for the dish of the day - a hearty rabbit and potato stew which was absolutely delicious. Regional Spanish cuisine at it's best and all for only E3.50.

Calpe is a thriving fish port with it's own auction market which is open to the general public. Every day at approx 4.30pm the fishing boats enter the harbour, land their catch and for the next couple of hours there is a frenzy of activity and the whole spectacle is fascinating to watch especially when the odd octopus decides to climb out of the fish box onto the conveyor belt or make the leap to freedom (short lived) onto the floor. If you look closely on the photo there is an octopus on the floor. Lots of different types of fish all being sold at next to nothing - it's all very fast and furious.

The walk back along the beach at sunset was pretty special too. 

Another day we took the tram to the nearby town of Altea and spent a very pleasant day exploring the old town and walking along the promenade. We trundled back into camp at 7.00pm worn out but delighted with our day. 

At New Year the gang of 8 went to a nearby restaurant where (some of us) danced the night away, enjoyed the finger buffet and brought the New Year in in style. we didn't have too late a night - there were some in our party who had plans for New Year's Day!

On the 2nd January we were all invited to a buffet lunch on camp. It was a lovely warm and sunny day and a good time was had by all relaxing by the pool terrace.

We haven't done any cycling since we have been in Calpe but ever determined to try and keep fit we often go for long walks. We decided to walk along the coast (in the other direction to what we had done previously). It was a very pleasant walk and not too strenuous. We came across a bar/restaurant on the water's edge where we enjoyed a beer before the long trek home.

On the 6th January it was the 3 Kings Celebration - a public holiday which is celebrated in great style. The evening before there was a procession through the town and local people and tourists turned out in their thousands to watch and celebrate. It was a great atmosphere and a great time was had by all.   

We have decided it's time for us to have a short holiday (be careful with your comments) - so tomorrow we take the coach to Valencia where we have booked into an hotel for 3 nights. We are looking forward to exploring the city, maybe a little shopping and of course having a bath!!!

So until next time when we hope to have tales of our time in Valencia.

Hasta luega

Kath and Harry xxx