Day 18 Valencia and Final Post

We have been so impressed with Spain’s architectural past, today we are equally impressed with what has been designed and built recently.  We visited the City of Arts and Sciences today.  A huge complex of very futuristic buildings house educational, and entertainment venues designed and constructed in the 1990’s.  Whether you love it or hate it, everyone must be overwhelmed by it.  A few pictures below.  Really quite stunning.

As we prepare to fly home, a few thoughts.  First, Spain was THE super power in the 15th and 16th century.  We have all read about the explorers and the powerful church but to see and experience what they so seriously embraced and flaunted was indeed impressive.  We, of course, saw only how the “top 1%” lived, but the culture of the time was progressive and forward thinking. And as all dominant cultures in the past and the one’s in the future, they got too powerful, overly extended and top heavy and they soon crumbled, or became non impactful as the world continued to move and grow.

Now, the food.  Excellent!  Most days we ate around 3pm for our main meal in keeping with Spanish culture. What we didn’t do was return for the late, smaller meal at 10 or 11pm! Most restaurants had the ‘meal of the day’' all for between $10 and $13.  You would choose one of several appetizers, main dishes and desserts.  It also included bread and a drink.  Really a great deal, and you were stuffed when you finished.  We took numerous pictures, but since this isn’t Facebook, you will just have to imagine!  I would return to Spain again, just for the food!

Finally, our lack of Spanish was a challenge.  Frequently, whether at a hotel, restaurant, or tourist spot, no one spoke English, not even a little bit.  Young or old, few seemed interested or able.  Although a challenge, Gloria was helpful in the tight spots, and pictures on menus and gestures or writing numbers down got us through the vacation.  Great time, great people, great food.  I would recommend Spain to anyone looking for history and a great challenge in travel.