valencia

It was a long drive from Granada to Valencia. Unfortunately, we had the same driver that we had on the trip to Granada. However, there wasn't much of interest so we just enjoyed the scenery and snoozing. We stopped at a non-descript place for a bite of lunch. Then back on our way.

We had nothing planned for our first day in Valencia. It was Sunday and there was NO traffic in the downtown area where we were staying. All the streets are closed to vehicular traffic until noon. We thought we might be able to walk to just ourside the area and get a taxi but we were wrong. Eventurally we made our way back to the hotel and waited until we could get a taxi from there. We decided that we would go to the new Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias - (City of Arts and Sciences). This is an incredible complex of buildings and exhibitions. We were only able to see a very small part of the exhibits.

Not only are the exhibits outstanding but the architecture is extraordinary. It was one spectacular building after another. Fortuinately, they had wheel chairs. Otherwise it would have been much too difficult for Granny to get around the museums.

On our way out, we passed by these "ponds" where kids of all ages were having a good time in the water. Click HERE to see a video of one of the activities.

Monday we started or touring by visiting the Lladro factory. Unfortunately no photography was allowed except for these couple of displays showing the works being carved. After the Lladro visit we stopped for a pastry and milk.

One wheel of the transport chair broke off while we were in Granada. Using all my engineering skills, I was able to tape the wheel on so the chair could be used. See the tape on the left front wheel!

Next stop was the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados. This is a church not too far from the mercado. It has a beautiful altar and a magnificent cupola dome that was painted by Antonio Palomino.

It wasn't a long way from the basilica to the Mercado Central. This is one of the largest markets in Europe. On the way to the market, we stopped for a moment to see the "narrowest" building in Europe. It measures 105 cm (41.3 inches) wide. You can see it wedged between the two buildings with balconies.

We saw only a very small portion of the market. However, what we did see looked fabulous. Veggies, meat, nuts, eggs, fish, more nuts, and more nuts. And bread, and more and more and more.

To wrap up our tour of Valencia we went to a restaurant near the harbor for a paella lunch. We started with a glass of wine, some clams and a salad. Then came the main course - paella. The clams and salad were very good. Unfortunately the paella was not to our taste. Maybe we have the wrong idea of paella but this was not even luke warm and I'm not a fan of cold rice and seafood. However, we ended on a high note with some nice desserts.