After 2.5 years, I don’t have a return ticket to Valencia, Spain and it is bitter sweet. I’m so grateful for my time there, all the wonderful people I met and the beautiful places I’ve seen. As one chapter ends another begins. The best is yet to come in 2019!
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Summer is coming to an end and I want to soak up as much sun as I can. Thanks to my dear friend Cecilia from my Javea trip for linking me up with Laura from Madrid. Not sure when Laura and I would get the chance to meet personally but she just so happened to be coming to Valencia for a camping trip with friends. She invited me to join them at Playa de Oliva. I took an hour and half bus ride from Valencia and spent the day with great people.
Because mama raised me right, I didn't show up empty handed. Sangria and a music speaker to make for a great time at the beach. La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of every August in Buñol, Spain.
I had heard of this madness before but never had the chance to go, until now! I was hesitant to go because I have a weekend trip to Ibiza the next day, but you only live once. I bought a last minute ticket and left Valencia at 6:30am. When I arrived around 7, I was greeted with Sangria. The party always starts early and ends late in Spain! #WheninSpain While wandering the street and seeing buildings covered in tarps, I met a group of American girls and asked if I could join them. They were on a trip booked through an agency bringing college girls together on different excursions. We pre-gamed and cheered on the brave attempting the "Palo Jabon". It is a two-story greased up pole with a Spanish ham at the top. A serious Mulan, I'll make a man out of you Moment! No one ever reached it but it was definitely entertaining and made the time pass by. At 11am the tomato filled trucks made their way through the street and the hour long food fight began! Beware of how sardined you will be when the trucks pass through. I had been told I brought the wrong goggles because of the nose piece but it worked in my favor. The smell was HORRIBLE! I took my googles off for a second to stop and take a good look at everything and I instantly regretted it. Left me gagging! Afterwards, I was rinsed off by the locals and their water hoses. I had such a great time but definitely one of those things you only do once! *I bought my shirt "Enjoy Now" from Bershka for 1 euro. I planned to trash everything I wore but decided to keep my shirt for a memory* After a long flight and a quick trip to Paris, I am finally back in Valencia with one of my best friends, my sister, Natalie! She was here for 12 days and I wanted to make sure she had the best time. Here are 10 things we did together!
1. We rode our bikes through the City of Arts and Sciences, past Malvarosa and Patacona Beaches to Port Saplaya, the Little Venice of Valencia. Snapped a few photos and sipped Vino Tinto de Verano by the harbor. 2. Still jet-lagged we decided to make the most of our day and rode our bike to Malvarosa beach to watch the sunrise. We took a devotional called "Flourish" by Margaret Feinberg and it was a great moment with my sis just feeling grateful to be there together on the beach. 3. Taking a break from the sand we went PROA Pool & Rest for lunch and sunbathing. 4. Us girls can eat! One thing we are not going to do is starve. One night we had dinner at Sorsi i Morsi on Calle Conde Altea then ended the evening at Clandestino, a hotel bar near the center. Another night at Panorama on the water with views of the beach. 5. Afternoon in the city center. We stopped for cake and coffee at Straivori, a beautiful cafe with really cool decor. We sat outside with a view of the Plaza de Toros. Afterwards, we walked towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to Ateneo Sky Bar, where we sipped cocktails and watched the sunset. 6. Day at Sea on a Sailing Catamaran. We bought our excursion tickets under the flags at the beach and spent the day at sea soaking up the sun and eating paella. My favorite part was jumping off the boat and into the water hand-in-hand. On our way back to the port we were able to FaceTime Myra and share the moment with her. Love you My! 7. When in Spain, it is an absolute must to see a Flamenco show. The best place in town in Cafe del Duende, They have shows every Thursday to Sunday! 8. Roaming around Ruzafa. Ruzafa is the hip district of Valencia. There is no shortage of coffee shops, cafes with cute terraces, boutiques and art galleries. We took pictures of the beautiful buildings then rode our bikes to Mercado Colon for a smoothie. Afterwards, we went to see Puente de Las Flores (The Flower Bridge) to stop and smell the roses. The flowers are here year-round and its always a great spot for a picture. 9. Natalie wanted to grab a few souvenirs to take home so we went to the old town district, El Carmen. Here you can find plenty of souvenir shops and old parts of the city walls including Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. The streets are small and filled with cute cafes, boutique shops and graffiti murals. But first, we had brunch in the center at Federal cafe and I enjoyed their signature dish, the eggs Benedict. While leaving we had a major laugh attack in the ally. The throw your head back, don't make a sound laugh mixed with tears and some loud high pitched scream laugh. It was the ugliest and most beautiful moment. 10. We went dancing at L'Umbracle. At night, it is an open air club that connects to this biggest nightclub in Valencia, Mya. It is located in the City of Arts in Sciences and is surrounded by "The Walk of Sculptures", an outdoor art gallery. Download the Exceed App to put your name on the list for free entry or discounted drinks. I am going back to Texas tomorrow for my best friend's wedding! Taking the day to shop for the perfect wedding gift! Hoping she loves the abanico (Spanish for hand-fan) I got her from Abanicos Vibenca, a super cute store located in the center of Valencia.
While walking the city center I came across Carrera de la Veronica! Stopped at Goiko Grill on Calle de La Paz for the Kevin Bacon Burger and a beer. Also came across these beautiful balconies by Federal Cafe and a store called "Mi Pequeno Lucas" thinking of my bro. Can't wait to see my family! |
AuthorTraveling alone has been the scariest, most liberating, and life-changing experience of my life, so I thought I would document it. My blog is named Table For 1 to inspire others to lose the fear of being alone and to get rid of any self-doubt. You deserve anything and everything you work hard for. Categories
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