A Busy Week in Valencia

Girls by the aquarium and museums on Sunday.

It’s been an eventful week here in Valencia. I am basically operating by the idea that if I am going to be traveling outside of the city I live in on weekends, I really ought to be exploring my own city more during the week. So, this week we kept ourselves busy seeing older parts of the city, spending time on the Mediterranean, etc.

Churros and Chocolate! 

Sunday: After seeing an Imax movie about sea monsters in ancient times (“seeing” is a bit of a stretch considering my glasses were broken…), four friends and myself explored the largest aquarium in Europe for a few hours. How lucky for us that it is right here in Valencia!

Our walk to the bus stop from the beach.

Monday: Brynn, Maddy, Katie and I spent the afternoon and evening in the Plaza del Torros shopping, eating, and chatting. I finally got to try churros and chocolate, which of course was delicious.

Pitstop on our Valencia walk. GREATEST treat of all time.

 Tuesday: Katie and I struggled to get to the beach. Sat at a bus stop for 30 minutes, then walked 20 minutes to a different stop, and then spent 20 minutes on the bus… The heat made it a little more unbearable, but when we got there it was worth it. Such a beautiful evening on the Mediterranean.

The top of the city gates. 

 Wednesday: After class we tagged along on another class’s field trip around the older part of the city. We were able to climb to the top of the city gates, see some ancient ruins that have been pretty well preserved, and explore what was once a prison for rich merchants. Lots of stairs and walking, but EXCELLENT views of the city!

View of Valencia from the tower of the prison.

Thursday: Katie and I had our first class cancelled, so we took the opportunity to explore Valencia’s famous central market. Aisles and aisles of fresh meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, pastries, etc. were fun to see. We both enjoyed fresh squeezed juice – Katie picked watermelon and I had kiwi strawberry. I also bought a container of sliced mango and ate the whole thing for lunch. Mmmmm. After class, we spent another afternoon at the beach and came home to the best meal ever (that I requested): PLAIN NOODLES, BUTTER, GARLIC, and PARMESAN CHEESE. I literally had never been so happy! That night we went to a well known discoteca in the Artes y Ciencias area that was very fun.  

Fresh fruit in the Valencia's Central Mercado. 

 Friday: In a few hours I’ll be in another plane heading to Brussels in Belgium. Stay tuned! :)  

FRESH juice!!!

Cute old men checking out the meat selection.