Second Europe trip part 2 - Valencia and Barcelona
Continuing with the Spain trip - From Retiro park in Madrid, we started to Valencia. The route is quite beautiful - would have been more enjoyable if some stupid movie wasn't being played in the coach 😒 ( I almost missed the wonderful view on the way).
We reached Valencia after noon and stopped at Oceanographic, where we had refreshing horchata - a drink made from chufas or tiger nuts. Our hotel is quite near to Oceanographic and, after checking in, we went for a walking tour of Valencia. Like Madrid, Valencia have a wide range of architecture, however the variations are segregated. While some locations adapted contemporary style other parts retained ancient grandeur. Our walking tour took place in the latter area covering the conventional part of town.
The roads are quite narrow, it was difficult to get a complete shot of the buildings. I tired my best with my limited photographic skills.
On the way, we came across few significant structures - an underground prayer hall which is camouflaged as water tank from the top and the world's thinnest (or second thinnest🤔) apartment.
Our guide told that Spaniards are known to be very religious, which is evident by the number of churches everywhere. Our tour ended with a visit to a famous church in the area (forgot the name again😓).
We were given a 15 min break as there was some service going on.
Inside the church, visitors are expected not to speak loud, if not maintain total silence. Our guide had to struggle to address the huge group in low tone.
After walking tour, we returned to our hotel. That day, we had Spanish dinner. The pallella wasn't prepared in traditional manner but customized for Indian group🙄. I was so glad that I didn't opt for Italy tour, if I didn't get to eat Italian food in Italy, I would've gone super crazy.
Next morning we went to oceanographic.
It housed so many varieties of birds and I saw flamencos for the first time.
A huge aquarium
And my very first dolphins show🐬. The trainers and dolphins seemed so happy together, I felt like asking if they have intern program I could join 🙋.
After touring in Oceanographic, our group gathered at the front. There are few Ferrari cars near the entrance/exit which we could ride for 10 mins (for 50 or 60 €). Apparently, it is one of the tourist activities and is available in many places but tour manager mentioned that the price charged near Ocenographic is comparatively quite less. It was still felt steep for me and I didn't go for it🤑.
From there we started the journey towards Barcelona. We saw few famous architectures designed by Calatrava while leaving Valencia. Our guide told some story about the airport he designed - something about natural air conditioning or climate control system, I cant recollect 😕.
We also came across a bride completely decorated with flowers - they change them 3 or 4 times a year. We didn't even stop there and I couldn't take a picture either 😒.
The time I spent in Valencia is quite less and, even though it wasn't in my travel list, I felt like staying a bit longer there. Considering the number of places I want to visit in Europe, I wonder if I would be going there again anytime soon 😟.
We reached Barcelona in the evening. Our tour manager gave us about an hour to settle in and get ready before we head out for dinner and the Flamenco dance show.
Since we would be going to Costa Brava the next day, and I didn't pack any beach wear, I went out with the hope of finding a place to shop. The receptionist told there are 2 shopping malls near by and - one is quite close and other is about a km away. Either she showed the wrong direction, or I went the other way, it took me 15-20 mins to reach the mall. It was a warm evening and there is no pedestrian crossing signals. I got stuck couple of times and wanted to head back, but kept going. Finally I found the mall, however, I had only 5 mins left and I couldn't buy anything. I ran back to the hotel just in time rest of group came down - everyone looked so fresh and dressed up for the show while I was drenched in sweat 😡.
The Flemenco show hall was smaller than I expected, and fully packed. Our tour manager already informed us that they don't follow rules and let more people in than the hall capacity. As he suspected, half of us ended up standing the entire show.
Later we went for a walk, had dinner and returned to the hotel
The next day, we were to go to Costa Brava, but in the morning we did some sightseeing. We went on a walking tour through the streets of Barcelona which ended at Sagrada Familia - the famous
church designed by Antoni Gaudi which is under construction for more than 100 years. Apparently, when Gaudí was questioned when the church's construction would be completed, he replied that
his client have no deadlines 😀.
While I was busy trying to take pictures of the famous church, there was a procession going on right next to where we were standing. It was so quiet, we almost didn't notice it.
When I was working for BBVA, our manager used to tell us about Spanish culture. One of the interesting things he mentioned was that if a person stay in Spain for a month and attend a festival every day, there is a good possibility that he/she wouldn't be able to attend all the festivals happened in that month 🙂.
From there, we went to Parc Guell (I googled the name this time 😌), designed by Gaudi, which contained some interesting structures.
And the house Gaudi spent his final days, which was designed by his assistant.
We reached Costa Brava in the afternoon. Our tour manager left us there till evening. We had lunch and headed to the beach. As I didn't bought any swimwear, I went around few shops but couldn't find anything I like. Luckily, I got a track suit with me which I changed into and went to the beach. (I didn't take any pictures in Costa Brava, this one is some other beach in Barcelona)
They have few ropes tied to mark the swimming area which was quite convenient. However, I had very high expectations for Barcelona beaches and I couldn't help but feel disappointed. May be, it was not the right time to visit.
We reached hotel around 8 p.m. and our tour manager informed us that we had to check out next morning as we would be going directly to airport post lunch. He also gave us directions to the shopping mall next to the hotel which was about to close in an hour 😒. We were quite tired and not at all happy that we didn't get time to shop before and he told that the mall opens at 9 in the morning and we would be starting by 10. I ignored the voices in my head telling me to not to wait till end, and went to bed - it was long day and I was bit tired.
Next morning, I woke up early, got ready, finished packing, had breakfast and ran to the mall sharp at 9 and it was not opened. Someone informed that it would be opening at 9:30. I didn't want to go back and waited in the park nearby. Fortunately, the mall opened at 9:30 without any delay. I went in and directly to the Sephora counter, grabbed 2 lipsticks (because I don't have time to decide between them) and few masks and ran to the till. There is no one at the till, understandably, as there were no customers yet. I rushed the sales personnel to open the counter and paid the bill, somehow managed to explain the situation in spanish to the amusement of the lady who came to the counter🤓. Then I ran back to the hotel with barely enough time to get my bags down.
We then drove for a whirlpool tour around the city.
We took a quick look at some famous building - I think its a museum, which we only saw from outside.
I have no idea what this structure below is
Then we visited a foot ball stadium
Olympic flame by Calatrava in front of the stadium.
And to a hilltop view point
Around noon, we returned to the same place where we went to the dance show 2 days before and got some time to walk around before heading for lunch.
Post lunch, we said good bye to few members of the group who joined the tour in Madrid and made their own return travel arrangements, and drove to the airport.
I read somewhere that there's a famous fountain in Barcelona and it is believed that if we drink from the fountain, we will visit the city again. I didn't get to visit the place but I do hope to go there again. I'm not very fascinated by Barcelona, but I would love to explore other parts of Spain.
At the airport, after getting the boarding passes, we came to know that there was a delay in flight as there is some sort of air traffic issue in France and they don't have any information on how long the delay was going to be. We checked in our bags and went through the security check. I compensated lack of shopping time in the trip and got few tees from Massimo Dutti and Zara, prices were same as stores outside though. Also from duty free, I got a bottle of sangria for my friend, a bottle of olive oil and a box of chocolates 😋.
I thought the delay would be 1-2 hours and there would still be good enough time to reach home from airport, relax, pack and start the Scotland tour next morning (the pick up was at 4:30 a.m). But there was no sign of boarding even at 8 p.m and I started panicking😧. Finally they started boarding at around 9:30 and by the time I reached Heathrow airport it was past midnight and the train station was closed😨.
I will write about how I reached home and about the Scotland tour in the another post. And to Spain it wasn't adios but hasta pronto!!!
We reached Valencia after noon and stopped at Oceanographic, where we had refreshing horchata - a drink made from chufas or tiger nuts. Our hotel is quite near to Oceanographic and, after checking in, we went for a walking tour of Valencia. Like Madrid, Valencia have a wide range of architecture, however the variations are segregated. While some locations adapted contemporary style other parts retained ancient grandeur. Our walking tour took place in the latter area covering the conventional part of town.
The roads are quite narrow, it was difficult to get a complete shot of the buildings. I tired my best with my limited photographic skills.
On the way, we came across few significant structures - an underground prayer hall which is camouflaged as water tank from the top and the world's thinnest (or second thinnest🤔) apartment.
Our guide told that Spaniards are known to be very religious, which is evident by the number of churches everywhere. Our tour ended with a visit to a famous church in the area (forgot the name again😓).
We were given a 15 min break as there was some service going on.
Inside the church, visitors are expected not to speak loud, if not maintain total silence. Our guide had to struggle to address the huge group in low tone.
After walking tour, we returned to our hotel. That day, we had Spanish dinner. The pallella wasn't prepared in traditional manner but customized for Indian group🙄. I was so glad that I didn't opt for Italy tour, if I didn't get to eat Italian food in Italy, I would've gone super crazy.
Next morning we went to oceanographic.
It housed so many varieties of birds and I saw flamencos for the first time.
A huge aquarium
And my very first dolphins show🐬. The trainers and dolphins seemed so happy together, I felt like asking if they have intern program I could join 🙋.
After touring in Oceanographic, our group gathered at the front. There are few Ferrari cars near the entrance/exit which we could ride for 10 mins (for 50 or 60 €). Apparently, it is one of the tourist activities and is available in many places but tour manager mentioned that the price charged near Ocenographic is comparatively quite less. It was still felt steep for me and I didn't go for it🤑.
From there we started the journey towards Barcelona. We saw few famous architectures designed by Calatrava while leaving Valencia. Our guide told some story about the airport he designed - something about natural air conditioning or climate control system, I cant recollect 😕.
We also came across a bride completely decorated with flowers - they change them 3 or 4 times a year. We didn't even stop there and I couldn't take a picture either 😒.
The time I spent in Valencia is quite less and, even though it wasn't in my travel list, I felt like staying a bit longer there. Considering the number of places I want to visit in Europe, I wonder if I would be going there again anytime soon 😟.
We reached Barcelona in the evening. Our tour manager gave us about an hour to settle in and get ready before we head out for dinner and the Flamenco dance show.
Since we would be going to Costa Brava the next day, and I didn't pack any beach wear, I went out with the hope of finding a place to shop. The receptionist told there are 2 shopping malls near by and - one is quite close and other is about a km away. Either she showed the wrong direction, or I went the other way, it took me 15-20 mins to reach the mall. It was a warm evening and there is no pedestrian crossing signals. I got stuck couple of times and wanted to head back, but kept going. Finally I found the mall, however, I had only 5 mins left and I couldn't buy anything. I ran back to the hotel just in time rest of group came down - everyone looked so fresh and dressed up for the show while I was drenched in sweat 😡.
The Flemenco show hall was smaller than I expected, and fully packed. Our tour manager already informed us that they don't follow rules and let more people in than the hall capacity. As he suspected, half of us ended up standing the entire show.
Later we went for a walk, had dinner and returned to the hotel
The next day, we were to go to Costa Brava, but in the morning we did some sightseeing. We went on a walking tour through the streets of Barcelona which ended at Sagrada Familia - the famous
church designed by Antoni Gaudi which is under construction for more than 100 years. Apparently, when Gaudí was questioned when the church's construction would be completed, he replied that
his client have no deadlines 😀.
While I was busy trying to take pictures of the famous church, there was a procession going on right next to where we were standing. It was so quiet, we almost didn't notice it.
When I was working for BBVA, our manager used to tell us about Spanish culture. One of the interesting things he mentioned was that if a person stay in Spain for a month and attend a festival every day, there is a good possibility that he/she wouldn't be able to attend all the festivals happened in that month 🙂.
From there, we went to Parc Guell (I googled the name this time 😌), designed by Gaudi, which contained some interesting structures.
And the house Gaudi spent his final days, which was designed by his assistant.
We reached Costa Brava in the afternoon. Our tour manager left us there till evening. We had lunch and headed to the beach. As I didn't bought any swimwear, I went around few shops but couldn't find anything I like. Luckily, I got a track suit with me which I changed into and went to the beach. (I didn't take any pictures in Costa Brava, this one is some other beach in Barcelona)
They have few ropes tied to mark the swimming area which was quite convenient. However, I had very high expectations for Barcelona beaches and I couldn't help but feel disappointed. May be, it was not the right time to visit.
We reached hotel around 8 p.m. and our tour manager informed us that we had to check out next morning as we would be going directly to airport post lunch. He also gave us directions to the shopping mall next to the hotel which was about to close in an hour 😒. We were quite tired and not at all happy that we didn't get time to shop before and he told that the mall opens at 9 in the morning and we would be starting by 10. I ignored the voices in my head telling me to not to wait till end, and went to bed - it was long day and I was bit tired.
Next morning, I woke up early, got ready, finished packing, had breakfast and ran to the mall sharp at 9 and it was not opened. Someone informed that it would be opening at 9:30. I didn't want to go back and waited in the park nearby. Fortunately, the mall opened at 9:30 without any delay. I went in and directly to the Sephora counter, grabbed 2 lipsticks (because I don't have time to decide between them) and few masks and ran to the till. There is no one at the till, understandably, as there were no customers yet. I rushed the sales personnel to open the counter and paid the bill, somehow managed to explain the situation in spanish to the amusement of the lady who came to the counter🤓. Then I ran back to the hotel with barely enough time to get my bags down.
We then drove for a whirlpool tour around the city.
We took a quick look at some famous building - I think its a museum, which we only saw from outside.
I have no idea what this structure below is
Then we visited a foot ball stadium
Olympic flame by Calatrava in front of the stadium.
And to a hilltop view point
Around noon, we returned to the same place where we went to the dance show 2 days before and got some time to walk around before heading for lunch.
Post lunch, we said good bye to few members of the group who joined the tour in Madrid and made their own return travel arrangements, and drove to the airport.
I read somewhere that there's a famous fountain in Barcelona and it is believed that if we drink from the fountain, we will visit the city again. I didn't get to visit the place but I do hope to go there again. I'm not very fascinated by Barcelona, but I would love to explore other parts of Spain.
At the airport, after getting the boarding passes, we came to know that there was a delay in flight as there is some sort of air traffic issue in France and they don't have any information on how long the delay was going to be. We checked in our bags and went through the security check. I compensated lack of shopping time in the trip and got few tees from Massimo Dutti and Zara, prices were same as stores outside though. Also from duty free, I got a bottle of sangria for my friend, a bottle of olive oil and a box of chocolates 😋.
I thought the delay would be 1-2 hours and there would still be good enough time to reach home from airport, relax, pack and start the Scotland tour next morning (the pick up was at 4:30 a.m). But there was no sign of boarding even at 8 p.m and I started panicking😧. Finally they started boarding at around 9:30 and by the time I reached Heathrow airport it was past midnight and the train station was closed😨.
I will write about how I reached home and about the Scotland tour in the another post. And to Spain it wasn't adios but hasta pronto!!!
Comments
Post a Comment