The next stop of our Mel and Kel honeymoon trip took us from Madrid to Valencia on a 2 hour train ride.  We ended up scheduling our whole trip to leave early in the morning, and arrive well before noon to give us adequate time in each city.  This might not be the best way to travel for some, but because of our busy schedules and limited vacation time, we had to make the best out of our situation.  Every morning, Melody would journal about the day before, to not miss any minute detail.  All these things, including this blog, is a way for me to remember the good times, the minute details that often fade with time.

We arrived in Valencia during the normal Espana Siesta, missing out on why everything was closed during this hour. We weren’t really prepared for the Spaniards lax lifestyle compared to the US. We were accustomed to having stores open regularly, early and late.  Well, we headed away from Estacio Del Nord to have a little stroll around town, before we were able to check into our hostel.  The first order of business was to find some lunch.  Melody, assisted with a travel guide, had an idea of where we should be headed.

A small quaint town, slightly different from the major cities I’ve seen in the past.

As we headed toward our destination, we really didn’t know what to expect and how far the restaurant was.  But the wake was beautiful.  Unfortunately, our judgement of distance was way off, and on top of that the heat of summer was just beating down on us.  We slowly began to submit to the fact that, maybe we were a little too far away.  Afraid that our lack of Spanish would be the end of us, a local spotted our large backpacks and offered to help.  We kindly asked if we were able to walk to the edge of town, but she told us that it was way too far.

It’s strange, the way directions can be convoluted and confusing in new places.  Also how much change happens in any particular area.  We were looking for a specific restaurant name, so we could try the wonderful Tapas.  But we stumbled upon another restaurant, La Pilareta.  Not at the exact location, but similar.  We were the first one’s in, and it seemed like we got there right when the shop opened as well.

This was the view after we left, it definitely filled up fast.

Melody, trying out one of many tapas.

After lunch, we headed back to check into our hotel.  This time we knew how far everything was.  And the walks were definitely colorful and interesting to see.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to get into the Grand Central Market, or Mercado Central.  On our journey to the restaurant, I wanted to peek inside, but Melody’s hunger forced us to continue, and we ended up getting food instead.  This gives us some other things to do next time.

Melody outside of Mercado Central, we found an awesome backdrop for a sorority pose?

And since we couldn’t make it inside, I had to get a few more pictures before we left.  This place was lined with the iconic tiles and stain glass you would be accustomed to in Catalonia.

After checking in, and dropping off our bags, we ended up exploring the city.  Although none of the stores were open, we were admiring the architecture and beauty of the city.  We stopped by Santos Juanes Church for a quick look.

And a close up.

The streets were just so colorful, a perfect place for Melody.  We found a lot of inspiration for our soon-to-be bought house as well.

As you can see, most of the stores end up having some sort of graffiti on it, and were mostly closed as well.  But the charm of this city let us still have a few hours of exploring.

The city often reminded me of Los Angeles, with the interesting street art that was prevalent everywhere.  I noticed this was a common trend around the south of Spain.

Our dinner location later, a mural for Melody.  We also found out that no restaurants opened early. They actually open around 10pm every night.  We were used to eating so much earlier.

More street art, and the rare sightings of other humans.

The colorful pastel buildings were something you would imagine in Europe, and it seemed to have so much character.

We ended up walking all around the north part of town, which is a nice long park area that holds many bike paths.

Somewhere my inner urban explorer wanted to see, was this rundown building bordering the park. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up going.

We wandered around to Església Catedral-Basílica Metropolitana de l’Assumpció de la Nostra Senyora de València, or the Valencia Cathedral.  The “Our Lady Square, with the Apostles Gate.”

And a little fountain that was no longer running.

One of the rare stores that were open, probably due to it’s proximity to the Valencia Cathedral.

Which sold a lot of Pinonchio like paraphernalia.

Santa Catalina Church Belfry Tower as we headed back home for a siesta of our own.

El Miguelete Bell Tower from afar.

And another view of Santa Catalina Church Belfry Tower, as we explored some of the stores around the area.

And the sun started setting on our way home, with a view of Mercado Central

Doors of, unknown since I forgot from 2 years ago.

I also decided to get a few photos of Torres de Quart

The gates of Torres de Quart

After our siesta, it was time to find some dinner.  It’s pretty weird to finally see some civilization after wondering the city all afternoon.  But due as the Spaniards to and eat late!

I love the mix of lights, which gives some interesting contrast to these street photos.

More graffiti.

Streets of Valencia

And finally, some stores to wander and explore!

Melody shopping.

Jamon anyone?

And one last stop at our lady square.

And to cap off the night, we ended with some frozen yogurt at Melody’s favorite.  Llao llao.