En route - España

MAY 2 & 3, 2012

In typical fashion, international travelling through airports and terminals can be frustrating. Leaving Toronto, the plane was delayed and then held at the gate for connecting passengers. Ultimately, this combined with painfully slow passport control and baggage handling at Barcelona, made us late for the train to Valencia. We thought we were pretty clever having our seats pre-booked – but as it turned out our only option on the next train was 1st class, (nothing special!) and seats in different coaches. But really, it wasn’t too bad and we arrived in Valencia by mid-afternoon. This is a reminder that you can’t count on planes to be on time and its always longer that expected to get out of an airport. The train station at the airport is in a different terminal to where we arrived, so that meant a shuttle bus.

Hotel Husa Dimar is really well located in Valencia. Walking distance to the centre and also to the lovely Turia Gardens park, which stretches along the reclaimed river bed beside the city core. The city is very liveable; not too crowded with tourists and full of friendly, happy-looking Valencians enjoying their city. We quickly noticed how well the pedestrians, cyclists and motorists integrate. Some of the dedicated bike lanes are on the side walk, so you do have to keep clear of those when walking. Everyone obeys traffic signals, even crass jay-walking Canadians, like us, quickly fall in line. Peter enjoyed the big range of motorcycles and took note of local riding customs, in preparation for our riding adventure.

We took some time, strolling around the city centre, enjoying the narrow back streets and classic European lifestyle. Neighbourhoods were lively and densely spaced apartments are charming with colourful facades and wrought-iron balconies. We chose for our first meal to dine on the Valencian specialty of paella; washed down of course with a good red wine.