Valencia Hotel Center

The Hotel Valencia Center wasn't bad, it just wasn't good.

First, it is not in the best location. It is a mile from the beach, another mile from the old city center, but close to some museums which I am not up to visiting.

The parking garage was a challenge to squeeze into. How I did it without scraping the car in the narrow passageway will remain a mystery. The rooms are large and spacious, television with American channels, if your into that, and a large modern bathroom. And as always, toiletries abound - a toothbrushe, a comb, soaps, shampoos, and a few surprises. There is a pool, that Will is off to right now, and a fitness center.

Breakfast was great, consisting of an assortment of cheeses, meats, eggs, rolls, fruit, coffee, and juice.

valencia

Last and first, Valencia was the last city to withstand the forces of Franco's nationalist forces. It is first in expressing a feeling of the new Spain and new Europe. It is Spanish, but it is different.
Old Spain certainly still exists. Senoras fan themselves to keep cool in the midday sun, couples walk the beach front, but there is also the feeling that life must be enjoyed. Children fill the streets playing soccer, couples stroll with child in hand. Life in Valencia is alive.

valencia

Valencia held out longer than any other city against the forces of Franco's nationalists forces. When in Valencia, one realizes that something has changed from the rigid conservatism of Madrid. The people of Valencia are different. The attitudes are more liberal. Their freedom is expressed in the way Valencians live their lives.



Valencia is a beautiful city with wide beaches, good food, and gentle waves.

ah valencia!

First impressions are not always accurate. My first impression of Valencia was that of impossible traffic and congested streets. But that was until Will and I found our way to the beaches of Valencia, which stretch wide and as far as the eye can see.

On the Playa Levante, one discovers the abuela of paella restaurants, the Casa Pepin. It is the first of many restaurants that line the beach front. It is the most popular of all the restaurant. First, an appetizer of calamari or mussels, or both, then, a beautifully prepared pan of paella for two. This is the restaurant of Ernest Hemingway. It is a treat for the eye and the mouth.

how to get anywhere in valencia

How to get anywhere in Valencia - you ask directions.

I am lost in Valencia. I think it is a common ocurrence, since the streets change names every block or so; nothing is straight, right, or left. Stop number one, somewhere in the old town area, I ask a gentleman standing next to a kiosk that sells maps to the city. "Donde esta la Avenida de la Francia?" I inquire. Person number one is puzzled, doesn't understand. Person number two is helpful, but doesn't know. He goes to the kiosk vendor who pulls out maps, can't find it, and then sends us down the Calle Rio. Stop number two, next to the hotel Westin, somewhere near the beach, three people standing outside a museum all give advice and send me off. Stop three, two ladies shake their heads in disbelief at how I got to where I am. They point to a red bus turning onto a large street and say go that way. I hear the word "treni," which means train and I am off in pursuit of the train station. A couple of minutes later, there is the train station, and I know I am getting close. Next person I ask works in a grocery store. He points, says, "directo," and I guess I am just about there.

Lo and behold, there it is, the Avenida de la Francia, one hour since I arrived in Valencia.