Off to a wet start this morning, in fact our guide for the morning was late because of flooding. Got to the beautiful city of arts and science, created by Santiago Calatrava.
This breathtaking area contains an aquarium, museum , performance hall (opera house) as well as a world famous bridge. The whole complex was created to bring people to the city of Valencia, and at a cost of 1.9 billion dollars, it has succeeded!
Made our way to old town where our guide pointed out the old performance venue located in the river park. This park is not by a river, but actually in a dried up river bed. The river dried up from over use up river, and the city made the most of it by turning the area into a park. What a lovely spot that weaves through the city for miles. Filled with beautiful lush vegetation, it is a wonderful place used for running, bicycling, strolling, as well as performances.
The rain had stopped, as we began our walking tour of old town. Saw the city gate, and off through some lovely streets as our guide told as a little of the history of Valencia. Valencia was once the wealthiest city in Spain, if fact this is where the money for Columbus’ voyage came from here!
Valencia is known for it’s oranges and rice, which is why paella originated here. In fact, following the discovery of the new world, the port became less and less important, and Valencia fell in hard times.
Continued to see more beautiful squares, cathedrals, and fountains before saying goodby to our guide.
Decided to stay by ourselves in old town, where we explored and came upon the huge Central Market. This beautiful building contains all types of food stands, including some of the most unusual seafood I have ever seen.
We purchased some figs, before continuing through the market. Decide to try an empanada (yummy) and sandwich topped off with Aigua de Valencia Vaso, a local cocktail containing orange juice, cava and other alcohol.
Left the market to continue exploring, stopping at a cafe for a light lunch. Decided to try to meander to the park, and follow that back to the hotel.
On the way we passed the bullfighting arena , rail station, and lots of shopping!
Found the entrance to the park, kind of got turned around, but because of that, got to walk through an outdoor market of food venues and artisans. After which came upon a beautiful grove of trees. This unusual trees had unusual trunks, with gorgeous pink orchid like flowers!
Realized our mistake, turned around strolling through the park, and eventually made it back to the city of arts and science, taking in a different view.
Returned to the hotel, and with a little time, decided to visit the next door department store before a cooking class, where several other tour members were spotted!
It was soon time to go to our Paella cooking class. A small group of us went to a marvelous class where we dawned aprons, were given some sangria and snacks, and began our cooking.
Our instructor began with the cooking of the meat while we chopped, and peeled, getting the vegetables ready for the paella, and another dish,a Spanish omelette, or tortilla. Also mixed together the ingredients for our dessert, which was a type of lemon cake.
Took turns cooking the paella and the omelette, followed by a delicious dinner of both, served with wine, of course! Topped of with the fantastic cake served with gelato.
Back at the hotel, off to bed, as it’s been a very long, but fun day.