Hola from Valencia! I have the opportunity to study abroad here for the next three months. I've been here for a couple weeks now and starting to adjust to the different lifestyle, customs, language, and city. It feels like a dream. Time simultaneously feels stopped in the moment and spanned throughout a lifetime. I always knew I wanted to study abroad and I the first place that came to me was Spain. I first started studying Spanish throughout my four years of high school. I continued studying Spanish in college, and now I'm here taking five classes, completely taught in Spainsh, to come back to the States to finish a few more classes and have a major in the Spanish Language. It just made sense.
A few things that I'm adjusting to right now are the timing of meals (and the type of food), the slow pace we keep throughout conversations and "plans," and of course, learning how to move in the city by means of transportation, conversations in Spanish, and operations in life with my host family and new spaces.
Within the first couple weeks, we've done a lot of exploring! I want to share a few favorite things we've done so far.
1. Enter the City: Torres de Serranos
This is one of two entrances to the center of the city that were built in the 14th century. As a medieval town, Valencia was surrounded by a wall. This will take you to the historic district which is home to the bustle and energy of the city.
The Carmen Neighborhood is the heart of the city. It's cute and combines the historical buildings and feel to the modern activity of today. You will also find Colón street which is an area where you'll find a lot of retail shops and people. The older architecture takes my breath away after each corner we turn.
The biggest and most beautiful market in Valencia, you'll be able to find almost any fresh fruit, veggie, meat, fish, or bread you need.
While walking in the historic district near the central market, we actually just happened upon it! It's about 3 ft wide and I'm not sure if anyone lives there anymore.
Duh! There is a different protein in the milk here, so my tummy is happy. Gelato is always a must to cool off while enjoying the sounds on a bench in the center.
We were looking for coffee so instead of resorting to our map to find one close to us, we just told ourselves that we would go into the next one we saw. It ended up being the next shop in our route and we found ourselves here. It's so rewarding to find scrumptious places on your own!
There are eight bridges in Valencia that connect the north to the south over a dried up river bed. This one, lined with flowers, is my favorite so far! They are real flowers and they get changed out for special events and the seasons. I'm excited to be here for a bit to see a new color scheme!
Valencia is a vibrant city with athletic people. There are always people walking, running, or riding bikes in the old river bed. It's now a garden area with pathways, ponds, and palm trees. It's a beautiful place to enjoy the sunshine while having shady options too!
9. Be Spontaneous: Jump In a la Playa de Malvarrosa
One of our first nights here we went to the beach and ran into the Mediterranean Sea. The water was warm and it felt like a hug. I definitely want to go back with nothing and hang in the water a while to float in the salty sea.
xo, Hallie
Gorgeous Hallie. Thank for sharing and keeping us updated!
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