I decided to a little more solo traveling and spent Saturday and Sunday in Valencia, Spain! Although it is the third largest city in Spain (and Sevilla ranks number 4), there wasn't a terrible amount to do, so my time there was just the right amount! Also, I found out that in Valencia, there is a dialect of Catalan (called Valencian) that can be found throughout the city; after a few hours of seeing a slightly familiar language, I finally remembered that it resembled that Catalan that covered the street signs and metro stops in Barcelona. Although I did not get the chance to go to L'Oceanographic (I ran out of time to make it to the aquarium, and I wasn't especially keen on the 20 euro admission charge), the world-renowned aquarium that is part of the City of Arts and Sciences, which is an avant-garde science park designed by architect Santiago Calatrava (really neat arcitecture) , I did go to the Museo de Ciencias Principe Felipe (which was kind of like Durham's Life and Science Museum in some ways, which is HANDS DOWN THE BEST MUSEUM EVER). I also got to go to the beach, even if it was pretty cloudy, and catch some rays, wander around the city, witness a PILLOW FIGHT and a random Vespa motorcade, as well as see Degas' ballerina sculptures at the modern art museum. I quite enjoyed the time alone and met some nice fellow travelers at my hostel, like Leonardo from Portugal who is on a 2-month long bike journey that started in Barcelona and will take him back to his home in Portugal. I also watched my first bit of AMERICAN television, considering the hostel was tuned into Discovery Channel--American Chopper, MythBusters, the like--what a treat! So even though the weekend wasn't too incredible eventful in itself and Valencia isn't as exciting as some of the other locales I've visited (or plan to visit), it was a much enjoyed break (and an opportunity to do some of my own, basic, yet delicious meal preparation...no FRIED FOODS for once). So there you have it, O, Valencia! I've included just a few photos below, mostly to show you the spontaneity that was the pillow fight...
Pillow Fight!
Degas' Ballerinas
Torres de Quart
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