Semana Santa in Valencia

I spent the Easter Holiday Day weekend with four fabulous friends (Catherine, Johannah, Marty) in Valencia Spain (southeast coast of Spain). Its the 3rd largest city in spain, and from all the construction go on we quickly released it will be home to the 2007 America's cup. Valencia is the city where "El Cid", Spain's national hero, fought against the Moors, but is probably most well known in the US for its delicious oranges - and there are plenty of orange trees. A flood of the city caused the resident to re-route the river, so in the old river bed you find parks, playgrounds, fountains and new cultural buildings and museums. The modern cultureal centers are a stark contrast to the old historcial city centre.

We quickly settled into the Spanish lifestyle of sleeping in late, cafe con leches, a stroll along the beach, seistas, dinner at 9:30 of sangria and paella (watch out for the paella negro - its black from squid ink!) , and out late to hear "authentic spanish" music at a club. We also fit in some shopping and sightseeing. Desserts were not overlooked either, I made it a serious effort to have gelato, at least once a day. Not to mention the hot chocolate so creamy you need a spoon to eat it!

It was a wonderful four day escape from Oxford filled with lots of laughs. A great way to recharge before starting my third and final term.