From Prague To Atlantic Coasts VIII.

The 7th Day (Sunday) - Crosswise Valencia

Sunday was dedicated to Valencia sightseeings. So, we went out early morning into metropolis of one million of people, being curious, whether this town would be more attractive as Barcelona, our previous target. We parked our car not far from railway station, at Calle de Filipinas, bordered with nice clayed inhabitated houses along one part. So, as the first task, we looked for a place where it would be suitable to have a breakfast  and to tranquillize our hungry stomachs. We entered one house shop and got there some sweet pastries, bananas and cold bottle of pure water, the best drink for such walking excursions.

So, The Town of Arts and Science (Ciudad de las artes y sciencias) became a main target of our foot walk. It is a pearl of Valencia, created from EUR-funds, which we noticed at yesterday´s arrival to the town.

According to the map, we had to walk remarkable section of the way, so we looked forward to that we could better make acquaintance with local streets. The architecture reminds Barcelona but, frankly speaking, the streets were not so busy, but it was a Sunday. So, we reached soon city centre, where we had the chance to admire beautiful park, seven kilometres long (Jardines del Turia) in dessicated river-bed of Turia-river. You can find there Palacio de la Musica, since 1980, a seat of Valencia Orchestra. A walk in a shadow of trees in park was a welcome chance for rest in the increasing sun heat. So, the silhouettes of the first buildings of Museum of Arts and Science were appeared in front of us. The buildings acted in very rapturous and monumental impression, so, we were in a hurry, in order to be there quicker.

The building of Museum Arts and Science was built according to plans of Santiago Calatrva, Spaniish architect (1951). The complex is formed with eight buildings (some of them are not finished), such as: L´Hemisferic, El Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe, L´Umbracle, El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, El Puente de l´Assut de d´Or, L´Agora and Valencia Towers. However, it was beyond our efforts to see everything, the noon came, and we had a lot of things to see. So, we decided to visit Museum of Science, the building, spreaded on the space of more than 40 thousands of square metres. Its form reminds a whale skeleton. So, inside, we could enjoy an unforgettable show from the world of science - various scientical experiments, which could be unceasingly tested. We saw superheroes of Marvell Comics House in its life-size, interactive entrance into human body, the exhibition regarding climate warming and many other things. The cost of all such attractions was quite reasonable - EUR 7 per one person.

After such sightseeing, we wished to eat real Spanish meal. We tasted, within scope of such cuisine, gaspacho, Andaluse soup, served in cold way. Frankly speaking, we did not like it too much. Further, we tasted paella, a meal, similar to risotto, containing pieces from sea-fish gifts. After such refreshment, we continued our walk in city centre towards its historical nucleus.

We entered there through Torres de Serramos Gate. The sun dropped from the sky and the streets were full of people in the meantime. We remembered that a final match of  FIFA soccer world campionship would be effected, and the teams of Spain and the Netherlands would play a match. So, many persons in the streets were decorated, from this reason, with flags in Spanish national colours. We enjoyed these picturesque small streets, and arrived to Plaza de la Virgen, where we entered one small pub-bar, ordering coffee and glass of beer, in order to relax, have a look at this final match, and, after a while, to continue our walk, this time to our parked car. In the square, just opposite Nuestra Senhora de los Desamparados Church, Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of Valencia Government, is to be found.

We passed tens of coffees, overcrowded with people, desirously following each mitute of the match. To tell the truth, the soccer is the second religion for Spaniards, and it is much more strong, when their football team reached final of such prestigious competition. The roads were empty, and even taxi-drivers, staying at pavements, listening match-course from radio.

So, we decided to go to the beach, situated a couple of metres only from our camping place. It was really a pleasure to be on deserted sand, breathing sea air and listen to sea noise. All people in camp experienced fully last minutes of soccer match, at during any moment which could cause a score-change, everybody vigorously rejoiced, or presented his fright when Spanish goal was menaced. The fact that Spain won at the end, caused verbally joy explosion. The roaring motor vehicles passed through roads, the persons in camp jumped with a joy and made merry. On the other hand, we took the shower, killed an invasion of mosquitos, and the sleep came finally at midnight.

Next chapter: In magic power of Granada night

Text: Maxim Kucer & Jakub Štantejský

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: Maxim Kucer & Jakub Štantejský