by cwells | 2014-05-30 | Pix, Spain, Valencia, Walking
About five blocks away from my house, there is a park that used to be part of the Sultan’s garden when the Moors inhabited Valencia. Yes, that was centuries ago, but the palace grounds have been kept up extremely well, with some ruins of the previous structures...
by cwells | 2014-05-27 | Culture, Food, Pix, Spain, Spanish, Valencia
Ahhh, food. As an integral part of the Spanish culture, food is often taken to higher levels of existence through unique restaurants, incorporation into tapas-size portions, and flavorings suited to the Spanish palate. Then, there are contests. Similar to a chili...
by cwells | 2014-05-22 | Bicycle, Culture, Pix, Spain, Valencia
The Turia riverbed defines much of the life in Valencia. Following a catastrophic flood in 1957 (more on that later, gentle readers!), the river itself was diverted to an area to the south of the city. The semicircular pathway through the cityspans both old and new...
by cwells | 2014-05-15 | Air, Car, Pix, Spain, Travel, Walking
Recently, I decided to join some friends for a long weekend adventure to Karlsruhe, Germany. While we were there to celebrate Xavi’s 40th birthday, we also had a day to see Strasbourg, France. It was an excellent way to spend an otherwise gloomy day. While I...
by cwells | 2014-05-02 | Culture, Pix, Spain, Spanish, Walking
My dear friend Cristina and I decided to leave the city on the Friday before Easter. The location? Alarcón, a small town west of Valencia toward Madrid. The town itself is tiny, with a population of only 159 inhabitants registered in 2013. Its castle is converted into...
by cwells | 2014-04-30 | Culture, Holiday, Pix, Spain, Valencia, Walking
In my previous post, I introduced the Easter procession held near the Valencia port. Church-related groups held an amazing parade, complete with multiple bands, to celebrate Easter and to complete the Christian resurrection story. The costumes are elaborate, the bands...
