O Valencia!

Valencia was supposed to be a stop over. A one night break in a small town on our drive from Marbella to Barcelona. We had never heard much about it, other than it being a good just-past-halfway point on the long coastal road. Our first surprise came with its size. It is no small town, though the old central city is a compact maze. It is shockingly sprawling, actually, and full of crazy winding streets and even crazier drivers. The next surprise was a little more pleasant: Valencia is pretty darn cool. 

Our hostel was just on the outer edge of the old town and was, shockingly, also very nice (despite our room, which was us and another couple in bunk beds with about 10 inches between them). We didn't have time for much that night, but we had a beer at the hostel's bar and met a new Australian friend named Peter who joined us out for some tapas (the food was the only disappointment). 

The next day we set out to explore, since it really was the only day we had. We had seen strange, white, orbish buildings on our way into town, so we headed toward what we would learn to be the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. We crossed through the main park, which bisects the city beneath old stone bridges in the old bed of the Turia River, now rerouted through the suburbs because of a major flood in the 50s. This park was beautiful, full of orange trees and fountains and all manner of public amenities (including the giant "Gulliver's Travels" playground you see Michael standing on below). When we reached our destination, we were in awe. The "Ciutat" was incredible and strange. One giant, perfectly white and shining mosaic tiled buildings. It really is indescribable in words, so I took the best photos I could, but it must be seen to be believed. Google for aerial photos:) 

After wandering in the heat around the city for hours, we were very ready for a quick siesta and the happy hour liter (yes, I said LITER) of beer for 2.50 EU. Our hostel was lively and friendly, and after a few drinking games with sangria - never smart - we decided to actually attempt the 2 am pub crawl. Needless to say, despite a great time had by all, checking out was not my favorite moment of the trip.... But Valencia is another on the list for return.