I spent a week in Valencia, Spain in July doing a one week language program and living with a host family. I spent most of my time wandering around the streets of this quaint, less-touristy spot, walking for hours and interacting in Spanish. I ate Arroz Negro, or a version of paella where the rice is black with squid ink. I drank lots of horchata and sampled agua de Valencia once (fresh, sweet orange juice with a little champagne and vodka), ate arroz al horno (like a baked version of paella), and munched on Spanish tortillas, which are actually a baked egg and potato dish. And of course, I went to markets for fresh manchego, iberian ham, and fresh, perfect, peaches. This is the biggest market in Valencia, with fresh produce, fish, etc everyday until 2. It is in what looks like an old train station. And I should warn you, they don’t mess around with ham or cheese. It is serious business. Especially with some fresh bread for a euro. Mindblowingly good.
Click the more button to read about the other buildings:
The accents on the old churches are out of this world. I can’t believe the intricate carvings wound all around doorways and pillars. It takes attention to detail to a whole new level. The third picture of a church below was from a different building I happened to wander into on a Sunday, just an hour before a wedding happened. How do so many spiritual places exist, just tucked away like that?
Both of these photos below are from my walk to class.
I actually have no photos of the beach, known as the “Marvelous Beach,” as theft was very common, so I took no valuables when I went. But it had a lapping, warm saltwater ocean and was packed with chatting teenagers, families, Spanish women without tops on and men in tiny swimsuits that were purple, neon, or pink. Unironically. It would be hard to capture that sense of the teeming miles of beach with just a photo, but I can say that the sand was warm, the people were laughing, and I was invigorated, relaxed, reflective, and at peace.
