Valencia, known internationally for.. Oranges! Yes you guessed it. We have had a lovely time here in Valencia, we are in a great little ground floor apartment near the park that once was a river that goes around the city. There are 2 bikes at this apartment which has been great. Once again we found this spot via airbnb which has proven to be great. We have ventured out and ridden along the bike path that goes along this river bed.
We needed a rest from looking at old buildings etc so we have just relaxed and did bike riding. We went down to the beach which is sandy and huge but it wasn't really swimming weather ( also we were warned that it isn't too healthy to swim there)
Funny experience last night when we went out for dinner. Tried to find a takeaway Paella cafe recommended by Kai ( owner of our apartment) but it was either shut or in a different street. Wandered around until we ended up in Old Town and discovered a little restaurant that advertised Paella for 8Euro - excellent, a cheap night out. Go on in. Hmm, Moroccan theme with hookahs on the tables and we are the first customers for the evening (it is only 8pm though). So, Spanish restaurant, Moroccan food, Belly Dancing on the TV, restauranteur can't speak a word of English. Sangria! Home made - Moroccan red, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, JB whisky, absinthe, other stuff, orange juice, fanta, more red - Buena! Ah yes, the meal. Chef slept in so initally fed random tapas selection then chef arrived but, Paella? Manana! He just kept bringing things out until we said stop. Then he brought out the mint tea. Ah, the international language of food, grog and tolerance - oh, and 59 Euro!!
Things we have found interesting in Spain; school seems to have very strange hours, they obviously have a break for lunch that is long enough to go home, then they stay until 5pm. Glad I'm not a teacher here. People seem to have flexible working hours or they don't work, that is possible as we have heard that for under 30yr olds the unemployment rate is 50%. Parking.... amazing .. cars are parked very close to each other - it is a wonder that they can actually get out of the car park, also they park right in the intersection, double and triple park- see photos . Rules are more like guidelines than rules we think. People eat very late, not sure what time evrything starts in the morning but it sure seems to finish late.
So this city brings our spanish adventure to a close. Next stop Morocco - where we join a tour for 7 days. May not update until the tour is over - not sure about the wifi.