Navajas to Betera

6th November

37 miles.

All downhill - it took no time at all to drive from Navajas to Betera. The camperstop here is a mixture between an aire, just set up for motorhomes on hard standing, and a campsite, with showers and laundry facilities. We expected it to be half empty, but as the owner explained, the final race of the Moto Grand Prix season was happening over the coming week-end and the place was fairly booked up with avid bike racing fans. The downside was that the prices had been hiked up accordingly so it would have cost the same to stay on an ASCI campsite. That being said, the place is definitely the most convenient stop if you wish to visit Valencia. The metro stop is less than 300 meters away; and a ticket, sold at reception, was only €15 for ten trips. The girl at reception explained where to get on and off the train, and recommended we visit the Central Market and sample the tapas served at its bar. No greasy bacon sandwiches here, its managed by the famous award winning chef Ricard Camerana.

The people who run the Valencia Camperstop, were really brilliant, always on hand to answer questions, and real ambassadors for the city, "Number three in Spain" the owner boasted. Yet, apart from the modern showcase architecture of the new 'City of Arts and Sciences', and a passing acquaintance with the football team, we knew nothing about the city and had no clue what to expect.

It was just past lunch-time by the time we has parked-up. A sunny afternoon was in prospect, we hopped onto the tram at the nearby station called, unusually, Psiquiatric -  and headed into the city. 

I assume there is a hospital nearby, you can't imagine a British city calling a Metro station - 'Mental Hospital'.

We've had a year of city visits - London, Oxford, Bruges, Palma de Mallorca, Syracuse, New York, Washington DC, Atlantic City, Hartford, Boston, Marseilles....all kinds of places, each interesting in their unique way. Maybe though, in terms of being an engaging and lovely place to be, somewhere that makes you optimistic about humanity rather than despair of its future, then Valencia topped the lot. Here's the photos from day one....

The 'moderista' Central Market, completed in 1928

it's huge, hundreds of stalls all selling fresh produce

every transaction seemed like 'an occassion'

You get a better sense of the atmosphere of the place from a video, especially the lively cafes surrounding the main market hall.

The market was closing as we arrived, no chance of sampling the tapas, so we decided to head back tomorrow for brunch. We then headed into the centre of the city. The map we had did not have all the side streets marked. There is no better way to discover the delights of somewhere than getting lost!

Central Valencia - palm lined boulevards

medieval squares

Australian trees!

The square next to the City Hall contains the main Post Office - with what looks like a lighthouse on top....