Voyager of the Seas: Valencia
Just off the cruise shuttle bus, I noticed clear markings on the sidewalk. Depending on what you wanted to visit, it was clear as to which way to walk. We wanted to head into the city centre so we followed the directions for the city bus. Very easy to find and just across the street from the port area, we jumped on the city bus for the price of 1.50 euro per person. Just inside the bus, was a “tap” machine for payment… but it wasn’t working. Thankfully, a member of the ship’s photography team was on the bus. She translated for the driver AND lent me 6 Euro as round-trip payment. We agreed I would find her in the photo area in the evening. Which I did… and gave her 20 Euro as a payback and giant thank you!!! She saved us!
One of the fun parts about “old town” or “historic center” in foreign countries, is you never know what you will find… somehow the streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants are more attractive to my eye. When I turn a corner, look down the long street and see a spire, I am overjoyed! Before wandering too far, I took a photo of the street corner I would need in order to get back on the bus to the ship.
Parks are always a fun place to begin an adventure. Our Valencia adventure began in La Xerea at Jardines de la Glorieta. Filled with park benches, statues and fountains, it was a stark contrast to the surrounding large buildings! This respite in the midst of city chaos, is somewhere I would spend most afternoons if I lived in the area.
Our visit could not be better timed…Jacaranda trees are blooming! The contrast against the neighboring white buildings, caught my eye. Of course, I had to take a gazillion photos! Again, I realize my camera needs to come with me from now own. iPhone photos are not nearly as satisfying…
Also inside this garden area, giant banyan trees! The root systems on these trees are intriguing. Valencia has the Australian species. Had we ventured on the Turia Gardens, we would have experienced banyan lined pathways to walk through. Darn… next time. Actually, there are a lot of “next times” with Valencia. As a port switch from Alicante, for some reason, I didn’t take the time to research. This would be a place I would like to return and spend the night. There are a few locations I would like photos of at different times of the day/night… so a return visit will be planned.
Opting for a less crowded route, we headed down this calm street. As I post these photos, I am taking notes on things I need to start doing or do better. At one time, I paid more attention to detail… street names, park names, restaurant names. Returning to locations previously visited should be easy with experience, but I have been lax in my details. This street is a perfect example… it was quiet, off the beaten path, yet led to a popular touristy area. When I get myself settled in Malaga, I can take time to research.
Fun sights along our walk. Street art is always entertaining… some quite unique. Small balconies are sometimes decorated with items other than laundry… like flowers and plants!
As can be expected in any European city… I found a doorway on the side of a cathedral. Would I possibly pass by the church? No way…
In an attempt to find the exact name of this cathedral, I realized that Valencia is FULL of large, ornate churches. We did not visit the Cathedral of Valencia. Add this to the list of “must see” next time! That list is really growing. We actually happened upon Inglesia de Santo Tomas y San Felipe Neri, located in the Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer. This amazing example of Baroque style church, was built between the years 1727 and 1736. Small chapels on the perimeter of the nave, displayed very intricate art and sculpture.
As in Ponta Delgada, light shines through the domes located in several locations around the building. In retrospect, I should have known that this was not the main cathedral because it wasn’t crammed full of people. We definitely had company of tourists with us, but not what you would expect in the largest of churches.
Each side of the nave was lined with arches. Corey had to duck a little to get through them. Tiled floors leading to each arch, with a treasure waiting. The above photos were in between a couple of the arches. The workmanship on cathedrals and churches leaves me in awe every time!
Bright and ornate, this chapel to the left of the alter had a more modern touch than most. Intimate in size, it still had the flooring, wall tile and sculpture of the main worship area.
As I stroll through each of the churches we visit while traveling, I can’t help but envision the challenges of creating these architectural wonders. Building a dome like this, high off the ground, with intricate detail had to have taken time, skill and a degree of bravery.
Stepping outside the church, I can’t help but notice the simplicity of the brick structure. From outward appearance, I would never have known of the ornate interior. The stature and trimmings are elaborate compared to the straight lines of the outer brick design.
Walking back through the garden area, we stopped to admire a couple of statures. Initially, I was intrigued by the one on the left thinking it was a headless someone… it was not. This sculpture was focused on the cape. In doing a little digging, it appears the cape sculpture was donated by a civil, nonpolitical group formed in 2008. Their focus was, and still is, on ending the deterioration of society. It was amusing to see other photos of the same sculpture on the right… with a bird on the head. Seems to be a popular resting spot for birds!
Commonly seen around European cities, motorbikes and scooters line the street. With narrow streets and crazy traffic, this is a convenient mode of transportation. Back to the ship we go… easily found our way to the city bus pick up location. Three euro for the two of us, returned us safely. This little excursion out, provided me with several things to do on a return. Hubby and I will be back here as a slightly longer port stop in November. My list of what I want to do and how I will get there, has been prepared. Can’t wait!
