Hello, again, Blogonauts!

My train from Frankfurt to Freiburg is a bit late, so what better way to pass the time than updating you, my intrepid fellow-itinerants.

During my last few hours in Valencia, Toby humored my request to see the Central Market. Wandering there, we found a variety of Monday street markets where locals were selling (and buying) everything from unfathomables to unmentionables.

Along the way we passed through Valencia's Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is a delight. The boisterously Baroque city hall spans an entire side of the square, and as if in competition, similarly bedecked buildings surround those that remain. Spanish urban architecture is of a style unreplicated in other places I've visited. Buildings everywhere are clad with decorative filigree, statuary, and even patterns of spires. Those that sit at a crossroads are often topped with often rounded towers, which of course provoke questions like, "How the heck do they use those unique spaces?" (You can see some examples in the photos for this day's meanderings.)

After some twisting turns we found the hulking Central Market. Its exterior is an artful combination of concrete columns, ceramic tile, and iron works. Inside, it is a massive mish-mash of meats & munchies, fish & fruits, souvenirs & spices, veggies & victuals. Adding to the kaleidoscopic mayhem were crowds of open-mouthed cruise ship tourists who had little interest in buying the ubiquitous dangling hams. (In truth, I'm more like them than I'd care to admit. My only purchase was a souvenir mug.)

After the typical 2:30 lunch, we took a breather before it was time for me to head to the airport. Aside from some delays in the flight, everything went smoothly, and my destination today is Freiburg im Breisgau, where I'll spend a few days introducing myself (and perhaps you) to the city.

Time to catch a train, so blog to you later!