Valencia...much more than freshly squeezed orange juice.

Life has indeed thrown me an interesting diversion...well, a ticket to sunny Spain actually.   It is not without unreserved glee that I have emerged in stunningly majestic Valencia. Long suffering in reputation as the poor cousin of bully boy Madrid and 'tres chic' Barcelona, Valencia is more than worth a fleeting visit.  Beautiful tree lined avenues and plazas, an aesthetically atmospheric and historic city centre and two most passable city beaches accessible in the time it takes to apply a tanning lotion. What more could one ask for?  Valencia has quickly become one of my 'must visit again and stay longer' cities.  Of course, one can not survive on sites, sun and sand alone, there are the all important evening victuals to consider. On each street corner and in every leafy plaza is a restaurant, bar or small cafe that is more than happy to welcome you with the delights of their kitchens. Tapas and a relaxing tipple is the perfect siesta breaker in the early evening and is almost obligatory amongst the local population. Not wanting to break with tradition, I have smoothed away the remenants of my light afternoon nap and have settled into a comfortable chair on a shady corner for some tasty tapas and a delightfully fruity, locally spiced Sangria.  Mmmmm! A long evening ahead I feel.