Valencia

Our arrival into Valencia was quite early - much too early for normal functioning! Few stores were open, with the exception of the train station cafe. Surprisingly, it was a perfect stop for the first taste of Valencian fresh squeezed orange juice. Mmmmm...delicioso. The cafe con leche and sweet rolls were also divine!

Valencia is a place where one should spend several days; our one-day stay was not sufficient to experience the flair of the city. In one direction, Roman or Muslim architecture can be viewed, in another direction, modern, Calatravan designs.

Before beginning the daily tour of a new location, we visited a large mercado to pick-up bread, cheese, and other goodies for lunch. The next destination was the cathedral of valencia, and the chapel which is the home of the Holy Grail. Christ sipped wine from this chalice during the Last Supper. The other attractions within this church are 2 paintings by Goya. After the audio-guided tour of the church, we were all spent and ready for a serious siesta, so a few of us were off to the hotel.

Later on, we met for a delicious dinner at the port; Did you know the home of Paella is Valencia? It was fabulous! The skillets were huge, as they will not prepare paella for one! As you might have guessed, no one left hungry!

The night is young, but we are all pretty tired and ready to head to our final destination. We´ll soon be in Barcelona....See you there...Love, LeeAnn