Valencia 2. Tag

We=148:3-on the move

second day Valencia

After a short Qigong session, breakfast at the hotel early in the morning (8 a.m.). Then booked bikes straight away at the hotel and picked them up around the corner.

Through the Turia riverbed to the City of Arts and Sciences; designed by Calatrava and beautiful. Plus sunshine! There were reflections of the buildings in the water - again beautiful. There were also the trees “in the water”; probably cypress. Of course they weren't in the water. The planters only gave that impression. Depending on the perspective, the buildings always present a new image. Very difficult to put into words. Go there and take a look. This is really worth it.

But our trip should continue to the city beach - or rather drive. However, the route for cyclists was not as easy as described in the travel guide. At least we managed this route and then the sea and the harbor lay in front of us. The sun held back a bit, but then came out with a lot of force. There was another surprise here: a boat formed from jets of water. The sails too - but they weren't switched on while we were there. We also planned a paella Valenciana at La Pepica - but we weren't hungry at all. So we biked a little further to the harbor and had a drink there.

We took a different route for the return journey to OCEANOGRAFIC. Was easier than expected. We had thought for a long time whether a visit there was worthwhile. After Barcelona we had our doubts.

We then pushed those aside and bought tickets. There were no long queues at the checkouts or at the entrance.

So I spent the entry fee for three people (104.10 euros) and took the risk. It was worth it! We were there for about three hours and saw all the stations. Each one was worth it. From a wide variety of jellyfish, to moray eels and sharks to beluga whales, all sea creatures were there. Even the little seahorses had a pool. The stations were all well attended - but not overcrowded in February. There are lots of animals in the outdoor areas. From crocodiles to turtles to flamingos, green-footed moorhens and spoonbills, there was also a great diversity to marvel at here.

And then finally a dolphin show. These are also really worth seeing. Unfortunately, sea fog rolled in and then it became cooler and uncomfortable.

Even if all of this could scream animal cruelty, I have to say that the fish had a fair amount of space (of course not as much as in nature - but that is also clear), and there was always enough opportunity for the animals in every aquarium. to retire. The dolphin show was also for the benefit of the animals because 1. they were able to let off steam and 2. their vital signs were measured, which helps prevent illnesses. The owners also breed fish, turtles and other animals and then release them into the wild. So a much better experience than Barcelona.

Back on the bikes and back to the drop-off station. We couldn't hand in the bikes until 5 p.m. We then went around the houses again, enjoyed a water/beer outside and then had a delicious dinner near the hotel.

This was our second day in Valencia.

See you soon