We left Barcelona for Valencia on the 4 pm train, arriving at about 7. Ann & Brian met us at the station and we walked to their apartment. The boys were happy to see us, but also pooped after the school week and ready to hunker down for a bit.
So we took off with Ann!
Surprise! We visited another church!
We found a delightful spot for tapas, and I tried a yummy local beer.
We got our bearings a little bit…
And took off for the park. Jardin del Turia (Turia River Gardens) is a huge garden/park located in what was formerly a riverbed. There are, indeed, gardens…also foot and bike paths, soccer fields, a children's playground called Parc Gulliver, and more, all leading to the City of Arts and Sciences.
We happened upon an Alternative Craft Fair in the park, just before closing time.
Maddy & Annie found some amazing handmade shoes, and each came home with a pair!
I found an adorable dress for Gin (modeled by Jun, below).
And some lovely earrings for myself.
Made by Anna Panyella Joies. I can't stop wearing them!
And we walked, enjoying the park and admiring a few of the beautiful bridges overhead that cross over it. We made our way to the City of Arts and Sciences and, once again, found ourselves agape.
It's gorgeous, day (this photo taken a few days later) or night! Hi-tech, sci-fi, modern… very Star Wars-y. And the whole thing — everything — is covered in mosaic tile, almost all of it white. Incredible.
By then it was about midnight and it had been a long, busy day. We head back to the apartment and to bed. Mack kindly gave his room & trundle bed up for the girls, and I slept in Addy's room. We were on the 6th floor, had a tiny shared balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows — it's really a cute apartment! The boys were thrilled to camp out in a fort they'd made in the living room, so it all worked out.
It was nice to know that we'd be there for a few days/nights, too! To be continued…
I am totally “agaped” too, beautiful photos.
And the shoes . . . (mouth open too) !!
Have more fun.
Valencia is beautiful! and what wonderful photos!! (did you end up taking your “big” camera after all?)
Oh those shoes…and your earrings!!! It does look like such a beautiful place…maybe a bit magical.
Spain’s churches are beautiful, and I really love that orange blossom and rice beer, handmade shoes, your earrings, and the rest of the city! I almost bought similar earrings about 20 years ago, and have thought about them several times over the years with some regret. Off to search etsy!
Again . . . I’ll say it again . . . Wow. Wow. Wow!!! The sites are incredible — but THOSE SHOES!!! And your earrings!!! Wow. Wow. Wow!!! It looks like you had a GREAT time — and how fun to spend time with your family, too. XO
Those shoes! Wow! But, those earrings! I love them! Oh my!! Thanks for sharing the link to the artist! XO
Another post of eye-candy! The shoes are fantastic and I love, love the earrings. Gin will look so cute in the dress! The streets, the buildings, the churches are so amazing and very different from anything I’ve ever seen. Thank you for taking me along!