How time flies…

by Kim-Ling | Dec 17, 2012 | Navigation, Travel, Valencia

So I’ve realised it’s been over a week since my last post. What have I been up to, you may ask? Well lots and then at the same time, not much. Needing some time to recover from some ‘blogger’s block’ and rest my tired legs from the epic week of walking, I spent a little more time in my room studying and reflecting (as opposed to the sightseeing-every-minute week I had prior). One epiphany I had, during my reflection time, was along the lines of Dorothy’s sentiments of “There’s no place like home”, however for me, I’ve found that no matter how wonderful or exciting a city is, having someone to share it with firsthand only makes it better. Whilst I love sharing my adventures with you peeps, I am counting down the days until my other half arrives 🙂

However, being solo in the city has not stopped me from enjoying myself. Since my last entry I have been to two free concerts at the Palau de la Música which were beautiful, inspiring and a wonderful way to spend consecutive Saturday mornings.

I also was lucky to meet Gulliver whilst on his travels and see girls dressed up in the traditional Valencian dress outside the cathedral.

I also checked out El Rastro; a market not unlike a Trash & Treasure, however on the Sunday I was there, it was more like Trash & More Trash. For anyone thinking of going, I wouldn’t waste your time. However, there are some lovely sights to see walking back to the city centre from there.

And of course, with food being one of my muses, a friend and I checked out Valencia’s version of Chinatown (however in this case, more like China street). Whilst I love my Spanish food, I realised quickly upon biting into my first bite, how much I love and missed my Chinese dishes. “You had me at dumpling…” I also explored El Mercado Central; a food market based in a beautiful gothic building. I tasted Turron, a sweet bar made essentially from almond meal and honey (which I love) and Horchata, a sweet cold drink made from a plant of some sorts (that, I didn’t like so much).

And of course, my other muse is shopping. It’s amazing how easy it is to pass the time and walk kms and kms without realising it when shopping. I think if there were shops in the gym, I would certainly get a better workout! I have done plenty of window shopping in stores like Zara, Blanco, Mango, Malaya (my favourite as I can actually afford it!) and Desigual (another favourite, however can’t justify the prices… Yet). And to ensure I am immersing myself in the Spanish life, I’ve bought a few Spanish cds. However, up until yesterday, I had managed to hold off on purchasing shoes. Yes, I know, what was wrong with me? The problems I’m facing is 1. The lack of allowed weight I have left in my suitcase (before being charged a ridiculous amount by the airline), and 2. The immense amount of shoes I already have (and therefore, lack of storage space) at home. However yesterday, I couldn’t hold back any longer and and gave in to my S.O.D (Shoe Obsession Disorder). Whilst they are not for everyone, I love them…

And one other thing I’ve enjoyed whilst here is the drama in the previously mentioned show ‘Mujeres y Hombres (y Vice Versa), currently featuring dreamy Christian. It’s become a long-running joke with my ‘mama’ that I am a big fan of Christian and his journey of finding ‘the one’…

And it is on that note, I shall love you and leave you (so I can make it home in time to catch the finale!)

Hasta luego peeps!

NB: I’ve since realised it wasn’t the finale, which is fine by me, as it means I have more chances to swoon!

Back to school

by Kim-Ling | Dec 4, 2012 | Navigation, Travel, Valencia

Yesterday began bright and early for my first day at school. It felt extremely eerie to rise long before the sun (it was dark and the street lights were still on, despite it being 7am).

Thankfully, the sun decided to show its beautiful face in time for me to find my way to the school with the lovely help from a strapping Spanish lad who I met on the bus. Yes ladies, they do breed them well here 😉

Anyway, my classes went well and I think I spoke more Spanish in the 5 hours here than I spoke in a month of classes at university. I am really looking forward to the classes ahead. Hopefully it will also help me speak more with my “mama” who is absolutely lovely. I think she had me from the moment she called me “princessa” (and the ongoing offering of food also helps!). She also loves her Spanish tv, which I too am starting to enjoy; especially last night’s offering of a reality tv dating show (again, displaying the finest Spain has to offer).

I spent the rest of the day exploring parts of the city (mainly the shops – a girl has got to keep her priorities, am I right ladies?). I was even mistaken for a local by one of the street volunteers (otherwise she was just desperate to get a signature or something). It was the first time I didn’t mind being stopped in the street for “a moment of my time” 🙂 She quickly let me pass when she realised I didn’t live here or speak enough of the language to save the world or whatever it was the company was trying to push. Can I also just add, that my love for McDonalds has only grown since coming here. And no, not because of the food (despite my addiction to their golden nuggets and chips). It is due to their free wifi, clean toilets (which require a combination to enter, provided on the receipt), and the knowledge that if you want a cheeseburger just like home, you will get one (and for only 1€!).

And on that note, I am off to lunch… Hasta luego peeps!