Sunday, Feb. 28, 10
The big deal in Valencia that the guide was proudest of is the 2004 Americas Cup- a sailing event that cost the People of the city 200 million Euros to get their infrastructure in place to deal with the crowds.
In one area of the city we walked around and through a group of buildings by the architect Santiago Calatrava. His creations are ultra modern and absolutely unusual. When you see the pictures, I’m sure you’ll agree. One of the buildings is the largest aquarium in Europe. There is a Science and Arts Museum, an Opera House, a building that includes an I MAX theatre and planetarium. The Purple (or blue) building has no designated purpose, but is rather just a multi-purpose building which can be used for expositions, fashion shows, concerts, or whatever. They are just amazing looking.
This morning about 7 am we heard loud booms and thought it was some heavy machinery. We heard later from the local guide that since tomorrow is Mar. 1, the fireworks signaled the beginning of the Fallas celebration which lasts until March 19.
Many stalls around the streets, when we took our walking tour, had people selling books, coins, paper money, stamps and comic books.
We toured the Longha building. Built in the 15 Century, it was a building set aside for merchants to meet together and make their deals. Along with the main meeting room, there was an “orange” courtyard, filled with orange trees (of the sour variety)
Also later added to the building were two rooms for use as a Maritime Court. It had a really intricately carved ceiling.
Toward the end of our walking tour, we had some time to do a bit of shopping. I saw a large meringue (cookie?) with two colors. I was trying to figure out how to recreate it, but I never bought one to get a close look.
As our walking tour was over, we all met upstairs in a “horchateria” and enjoyed a glass of the Spanish “national” drink HORCHATA (or-cha-ta). It was rather like a really thin vanilla milkshake and very tasty. I may have to go online to get a recipe. Our tour manager, Greg, mentioned that one ingredient is tiger nut. Not sure what we could grind up to replace that, hmmmmmm . ------ This site explains the ingredients and process of making horchata.
We walked around the Cathedral, but did not go in. This is around noon on a Sunday morning and the area in front of the church was packed. There were families, and there were tourists, and more than one musical groups (sort of like a marching band in uniform).
We visited the Serrano Towers, the only part of the original wall around the old city still standing. It had various uses, as a prison, and a warehouse.
Well, back on the bus and we’re headed to Barcelona. During some of the ride, Greg, the Tour Manager told us what to expect on Tuesday, when we head back home. He talked about forms we need to fill out, about VAT receipts, and about the Collette evaluation forms that need to be filled out and returned to him before the end of the trip. It was helpful when he reminded us about each hotel and the major meals we ate at each. He reminded us to be clear and thorough in our responses, because they are read and attended to.
Since it is set in Spain and was such a famous movie of its day, he showed the EL CID movie w/ Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren from 1961. ------- It is a L O N G movie with an intermission. I did not pay attention to most of it, instead finishing my Baldacci book. We had another rest stop to keep our driver “legal” with rest breaks and then finally drove into Barcelona about 6 pm.
Three of us ventured out on our own for supper. The Gelato was wonderful and the souvenir buying was quite satisfying.
We don’t have to have bags out in the morning and the bus doesn’t leave for the Barcelona tour until 9….. so….........YAWN
I’ll see you tomorrow. Hasta Luego.
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