Valencia is OLD
People have lived in this area for over 2 thousand years! I would not be surprised if they discovered that the Garden of Eden was here in Valencia. Many of the monuments that are just a walk away ... are hundreds of years old! That is us in the Serranos Towers - the gates of the city - built in 1394!
In the US, I love museums that show how people lived in the "olden days" (like when my dad was young). Here, many people work and live in buildings are that hundreds of years old. Our friend Julia works in the tower of the city hall (built ~300 years ago). 
Valencia is NEW
They are always building and fixing things around town ... so there are many new things. My favorite is the City of the Arts and Sciences. The architechture is amazing to see from the outside. You don't even have to go inside.
The Queen Sofia Palace of Arts ("Helmet") has concerts, operas, and other performances. The L'Hemispheric ("Eyeball") has a planetarium, Laserium, and Imax cinema. The Prince Phillip Museum of Arts and Sciences ("T-Rex") provides interactive edu-tainment for all ages. The Umbracle is a beautiful walkway with trees and plants and its architecture complements that of the museum. You would never guess that it is the top of the parking garage. Then there is the Oceanarium - one of the biggest in Europe.
Valencia is WARM(er than Chicago)
We cannot wear our swimming suits in the winter-time (some people don't even wear their suits in the summer) ... but a light jacket or sweater is usually plenty during the winter months. Best of all, the sun shines almost every day. Right now (February), I am writing this while sitting on our terrace. The sun is so bright, I have to squint! I'll cherish the wrinkles that I get.
Valencia is COOL
Last year, Valencia hosted the 32nd America's Cup (world sailing championship). This August, there will be a Formula 1 race through the streets of Valencia. We probably won't see much except a blur ... but it is still really cool!
There are lots of PARKS
A river runs through Valencia and into the Mediterranean Sea. Numerous times throughout history, the Turia river has flooded and caused a lot of grief (and death and destruction).
About 50 years ago (shortly after a flood), the city of Valencia decided to re-route the river around the city. The riverbed was converted to a park ... the Turia is almost 10 kilometers long (over 6 miles). I love it! I love it! I love it! And that's not all. Look at a map of Valencia - there's LOTS and LOTS of green. Many of the parks are quite elaborate too. They are great places for a relaxing stroll or a game of hide and seek.
BEAUTIFUL Beach and Sea
The Mediterranean sea and adjoining beach are a 10 minute train ride (or 30 min walk) from our house. The sea and the beach are beautiful in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night.
The Mediterranean sea and adjoining beach are a 10 minute train ride (or 30 min walk) from our house. The sea and the beach are beautiful in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night.
In a pinch, you can find people who speak ENGLISH
English has been taught in primary (and secondary) school in Spain for many years. So, many Spanish people understand a basic level of English. Besides that, there are quite a few foreigners in Valencia who speak English. (So, it is not a good idea to talk about how cute some boy is ... because he just might understand what you are saying! Right, Jolie?)
The people are NICE
Okay, people don't walk up to you on the street and hug you like Leo Buscaglia. And when you smile at people, sometimes they look at you funny. Once in a while, you will encounter someone who is impatient or acts rude. But when I wear my fannypack backwards underneath my jacket (and, therefore, appear pregnant), people on the train and bus offer me their seat. When I need assistance and vomit some phrase in Spanish, they strain to understand and help me. Sometimes, they politely ask me to speak English. They still don't understand what I am saying but it sounds a lot better.
Festivals and Fiestas and Fireworks
There are so many reasons to celebrate and I think Spain celebrates all of them with parades and parties. Valencianos seem to favor fireworks. As I'm writing this, not a minute passes without a BANG and a BOOM. Once in a while, we hear a little *pop.* I told the kids that those little ones are the type that we can cross the border to Wisconsin or Indiana to get. Most are bigger and louder.
There are so many reasons to celebrate and I think Spain celebrates all of them with parades and parties. Valencianos seem to favor fireworks. As I'm writing this, not a minute passes without a BANG and a BOOM. Once in a while, we hear a little *pop.* I told the kids that those little ones are the type that we can cross the border to Wisconsin or Indiana to get. Most are bigger and louder.
It is Vibrant!
There are fruit and vegetable stores everywhere. People are out and about - sometimes, just to be out and about. There are several universities in Valencia ... so there is an atmosphere of vibrance and intellect (and many cheap restaurants and bars that cater to the students ... like 3 beers for 1 euro!).
Museums and Art Galleries
There are fruit and vegetable stores everywhere. People are out and about - sometimes, just to be out and about. There are several universities in Valencia ... so there is an atmosphere of vibrance and intellect (and many cheap restaurants and bars that cater to the students ... like 3 beers for 1 euro!).
Museums and Art Galleries
There are all kinds of museums and art galleries (many of them with free admission). Bronson and I spent hours in the military museum. I got lost with the lost travelers in the Beneficiary Museum. Matthew, Yana, and Maria actually looked at a few sculptures and paintings while Elena, Bronson, and I walked briskly through only the main hallways of the Belle Arts Museum ... it took us 45 minutes. It is huge!
There are Thieves
Okay, it is not perfect. Like most places these day, you need to be EXTRA careful. I had my wallet stolen last summer and the GPS was stolen from Bob's rental car. We've witnessed or near-witnessed other incidents on the street, in the train, and at the beach. Ouch! You can't be too careful.
