Valencia, Spain - March 2022 - Farewell Valencia!

 Valencia, Spain - March 2022 - Farewell Valencia!

     A month long stay in Valencia has provided the opportunity to become comfortable in our neighborhood and in Old Town. Staying in an apartment in an urban area gave us a chance to observe residents as they went about their daily routines. We met a lot of friendly people and even had a chance to get to know a few Valencias. Many monuments, buildings, pieces of artwork, and events filled our days but the people we met made wonderful memories.

    Here's to the;

Dutch cyclists who picked me up and dusted me off after a fall from a bike.

Fellow paella class students and our chef instructors who made the class lively.

Older couple from Belgium who we met in a coffee shop and they discussed how as one grows older they become wiser and more empathetic. 

Friend, Farrin who met on our first day and became someone who we could go to with questions and for lively discussions about life!

Friend of Farrin, Emilio, who greeted us with a big smile and added colorful language to our discussions about life!

Young couple who assisted us when we found a girl who had become separated from her family. 

Local pizza shop employees who were always ready to reserve our table and were so patient when we tried to order.

Young women from the UK who graciously offered to help us find one of our favorite restaurants and even marked it on the map!

Waiter who taught me how to order a draft beer. (make a motion like you are tapping a beer)

Waiter who explained Valencian Water and made us a pitcher of the local drink.  

Three young men who sent a bowl of a local dish to our table after we asked them what they had ordered.

Couple from the UK who introduced themselves at our favorite pizza place. We ended up being moved to a new table by our waiter, Paco, so we could continue our conversation!

   Yes, we made a lot of acquaintances and made even more memories! 

   During one of our last days we climbed the tower at the Serranos Gate. Built in 1932 by the master Pere Balaguer. It was the northern gateway to the city on the route that connected Valencia with Aragon and Catalonia.

Learn more; Torres Dels Serrans

A few more shots from our last days in the city we have learned to love - Valencia, Spain!

(To see well with the eyes you need to see with the heart.)

A toast to Valencia with Valencian Water!

Farrin on the left and Emilio on the right. 

Cones of ham!

Sangria at a neighborhood bar. 

Sangria Recipe

One of our last times going through the Serranos Gate.

"Viajar sigue siendo el modo mas intenso de aprendizaje."

(Travel is still the most intense mode of learning.) 

~ Kevin Kelly

Valencia, Spain - March 2022 - Barcelona

 Valencia, Spain - March 2022 - Barcelona

     A short train ride, a few days away from Valencia and reservations at an ancient library turned into a hotel and off we go! Barcelona here we come! Lost of plans equate to many steps and miles walking throughout the city. A little planning including purchasing tickets and making reservations made the trip even more jam packed.  

    After checking into the library (hotel) we made our way to our first experience. Dinner at Els 4 Gats! This restaurant was opened in 1897 and quickly became a meeting point for artists including Picasso. The dining area has so much character and the food was delicious. Learn more; Els Quatre Gats

     The next morning we had tickets for the Picasso Museum. Lots to learn and so many pieces to enjoy. I thought of all my friends who are artists and how they would enjoy this museum. Hopefully the photos I am sharing give you inspiration. 

     So much to see and experience. Walking for miles each day gave us a lot of time to observe and enjoy.

The black barricade is operated by truck drivers and lowers so they can drive in that lane. 

Huge monument of Christopher Columbus. 

Another restaurant we dined at was Casa Culleretes established in 1786. It offered authentic Catalanan cuisine. This website describes these unique dishes.  

     Barcelona is known for outstanding architecture. We had reservations for a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia. This basilica was the passionate project of Antoni Gaudi. We learned a lot during the hour guided tour. Learn more; La Sagrada Familia   

Our tour guide who did an excellent job. 

Guadi had a school built for children of his team.

This display of numbers was important to the artist. He was 33 years old when he started the project and each row/column has the sum of 33. 

More photos from our Barcelona adventure. 

The Palua de la Musica is a concert hall built in 1905 and designed by the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. 

  We have already started a list for our next visit to Barcelona! We have just a few days left of our Spain adventure. Let's see what Valencia has in store for us before we say good-bye to this beautiful city.