From Prague To Atlantic Coasts VII.

The sixth day (Saturday) - Let´s go to Valencia!

The alarm-clock was arranged to nine o´clock morning. After breakfast, we entered local self-service shop, and bought  some foodstuffs, as follows: cornflakes, milk, bananas and small croissants. All expenses were EUR 7 - 8 (it was a pity, because a breakfast in Formula would be cheaper!).

In the morning, we wished to spend our last hours in Barcelona with a visit of famous football stadium, Nou Camp, home of FC Barcelona Club (however, my friend was not too enthusiastic in visiting of such monument!). Anyway, at first, we were forced to be familiar with a network of Barcelona roads, nevertheless, we reached stadium complex within 30 minutes. However, small problem with parking occured, as stadium environs were full of cars of similar enthusiats as we were. We found that the entrance ticket cost EUR 20 so, we gave up the intention to visit the stadium (the emtry amount was too expensive), and finally, we had to be satisfied with a fact that we could admire the stadium from outside only.

The GPS navigation received a task: direction Valencia! Distance 400 kilometres, let´s go!Anyway, from the beginning, we wished to avoid paid highway toll. So, the only logical way was, to turn aside into inland, bordered with Iberia Mountain Range (Sistema Iberico). After several kilometres of dangerous, winding, and rather adventurous drive, owing to narrow character of the road, we climbed up to relatively high level. To tell the truth, we partially lost the way, but, on the other hand, this hilly countryside became very good object for taking photo-pictures. Anyway, more detailed sightseeing of such unpeopled country, where we could follow, except several weekend villas, several totally deserted and dilapitated estates, was a little complicated with fuel level stand of the vehicle, which was necessary to be filled in, as soon as possible. Finally, we found petrol station, characteristic with an atmosphere of Wild West - everywhere deserted countryside with bush, and strong wind. We filled in the vehicle with fuel, and ordered two espresso coffees, as a long way expected us.

However, the way is passing slowly, and finally, when we started to meet some trace of civilization - villages - we had to drive with 50 kms speed only. We found that rounded bounds are Spanish speciality. We started to be accustomed to many-lines rounded bounds, with traffic lights on sides (it happened many times that we passed the place on red light). Being surprised with circuits which were interwoven by another road, we met even rounded bounds equipped with retarders (something similar was noticed also in case of one highway). Thanks to such „embellishments“ we became witness of several chaotic situations. In short, this is real delicious matter for somebody who could experience such event for the first time.

Valencia

We started to study a guidebook, where the cheapest accommodation could be got. According to such information, El Saler, „cheap and solid“ camping place, distant approx. ten kilometres from city centre, would be the ideal location. And it was true, we had no time or state of mind to look for something else. The unit price cost EUR 24 per one night (two persons, tent and a vehicle) seemed to be rather good, making comparison to those, we had to pay before. We were pleased that the camping was not too full. So, we constructed our tent, put there sleeping bags and went out, in direction to city centre. The sunset came but the air temperature was quite high, 30 °C. After several minutes´ walk, we decided that the car could be parked in local El Saler Shopping Centre. Despite the fact that there was nearly nine o´clock p.m., the subterranean parking place was overcrowded with vehicles, and the same was to be followed in the shopping centre. We were very hungry, so we ate our meals ,trying to penetrate, through crowds of buyers, back to our vehicle. Finally, we understood that so called „consumption culture“ in Spain is rather more phrenetic as in our country. We were amazed at the fact that local families spent Saturday evening with shoppings, and we preferred the return to our car.

At exit bolt, we tried to use the card, being ready to leave the place. The automat informed us that the card was unvalid, and we tried to applicate it with many ways. Several car-drivers, standing behind us, understood that our „performance“ would take longer time period, and transferred to another bolt nearby. So, I went to payment automat, and display informed me that it was not necessary to pay anything. I was unable to understand it. When I went back to the car, even the other drivers tried to help us, asking which problems we had. I was rather nervous, trying to claim at some shoppiong centre service person. And suddenly, the bolt was lifted ! We laughed at such strange moment. In a camp, inside illuminated social cottage, several foreigners were sitting, drinking wine or beer. The Spanish and German languages were dominating. We went to bed at midnight approx.

Nex chapter: In streets of Valencia.

Text: Maxim Kucer & Jakub Štantejský

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Maxim Kucer & Jakub Štantejský