Forget Paris, my heart has been stolen by Valencia…

Yesterday was a ‘Fiesta’ (public holiday) so I had the day off to explore the city at my own leisure. My ‘mama’ gave me directions on how to get to El Jardín del Turia; what was once a river that surrounded the old city that, due to devastating floods, was redirected and converted into what is now a beautiful park. Along the way, I found myself stopping in at various stores that were open (despite most being shut for the holiday). These stores are the typical Asian general stores that would give Top Bargain a run for their Hot Dollar (see what I did there?). 2 to 3 times the size of the stores back home, these shops offer everything, from cheap toys, to makeup, hair products, underwear, clothing, suitcases and shoes! I’ve often found myself wasting a lot of time in these shops.

Once the attraction of cheap nik naks had passed, I walked onwards to el Jardín. When I heard the laughter of lots of children I found myself at the edge of the Gulliver – a huge playground built for kids based on Gulliver’s travels. The whole playground is is a huge model of Gulliver, that the kids can play on. However, despite being a big kid, I walked onwards.

The park is filled with cyclists, runners and people with their dogs. I admired the park for its beauty and missed having my own little one here to throw a ball with. Then, ‘like a sunrise’, the Palau de Artes rose into view…

Words cannot truly describe this place, La Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias. It is part science fiction, part gothic and part aquatic. Initially, it reminded me of Flight of the Navigator, and as I walked through it and past the Palau de Artes, it felt like I was walking in the carcus of an oceanic beast.

The word closest to describe this place is spectacular. And the park around it is a wonderful complement. Continuing with its arts theme, the park is filled with installations representing Spain. Some of my favourites were:

After my stroll through the park, admiring the sculptures, I realised 3 hours had passed and I hadn’t eaten anything! (¡Que horrible!) So I went in search of food, towards the centre of the city. I passed the wonderful Palau de la Música, and lots of closed shops I have vowed to explore before I leave (there are gorgeous clothes and shoes galore here and reasonably cheap! I just have to figure out how to get them back home!)

After sighing over the missed shopping opportunities of the closed stores, I ate and onwards marched to the Plaza de la Reina. Another beautiful sight surrounded by little alleyways, hiding cute cafes and more places to explore another day…

So to reiterate, between the old architecture and the new, the beaches, the shoes, the food, and the music, forget Paris – Valencia has all I need!