Valencia

While a large group of the Kennedys were dancing the night away in Asheville, I headed to Valencia. I was really excited for this trip because Valencia is the home of paella and trying the dish was top on my priority list! A group of us went to a small restaurant near the beach and experienced homemade paella. The minimum order size is for two people and you have to wait 40 minutes (standard) while they perfect the masterpiece!

My first paella experience...it did not disappoint!

We saw the cathedral and climbed to the top of the tower to see some views of the city. We also saw the City of Arts and Sciences, which is a group of buildings including, the opera house and the "Eye." Most of the buildings were designed by Santiago Calatrava-the same guy that designed the Milwaukee Art Museum...Valencia is his hometown.

On the left is the opera house and in front is the Eye.

We saw the indoor market-which is huge-as well as the museum of Fallas. Fallas are giant floats that are made every year in the spring. There is a giant festival, and all but the 1st place float are burned at midnight on the last day of the festival.

Ham legs hanging in the market.

After touring the city, we headed out towards the beach and saw the giant Aquarium. It was a combination of outside exhibits and indoor tanks, etc. The best part was walking through the tunnels and having the fish swim right at you...I've got some nice pictures of shark mouths! Then, we had a little R & R time at the beach, so I got to stick my feet in the Mediterranean Ocean! Not too shabby...