Quick overnight in Valencia, Spain

I obviously am not the one who overnighted, as I was the hostess, but I thought this would be a good way for me to let others know what one can do in a short time in this city full of contrasts.

I picked up our four young guests at the train station around noon. My friend's daughter, her husband and the brother and sister-in -law, all had just spent four nights in Barcelona and had had a great time.

They had a lovely apartment in the Gothic area contracted through FriendlyRentals, Maribel's favorite company, it seems.

We loaded the car and took a short tour of the city towers, driving past the Torres de Quart where one can still see the cannon ball dents made by Napoleon's invaders.

Then past the IVAM, modern Art Museum, along the river road until Torres de Serrano, looking across the river at the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Royal Park next door. We drove straight to the Science Center complex for a view from the car on our way to the beach where we had a well deserved drink at a seaside bar after walking around the America's Cup port area and actually driving along a portion of the Formula One track, fences and all.

We then went for lunch, assuming the guys were hungrier than we, to the fresh buffet called "Fresco". It is 8.95 for unlimited, fresh," make your own salad" bar, then various pastas with different sauces, paella, soups, etc. Dessert is fresh unpeeled fruit and frozen yogurt. They even had chirimoyas as a fruit, which is one of my favorites.

The unlimited capuchinos were welcomed as we stayed and chatted with my husband who was able to join us although a bit later.

Then out to the countryside to rest a little at home before our marathon evening to come. Since they were only staying one night, I knew we would be up late taking advantage of the old town and Barrio de Carmen when it gets atmospheric.

First we set off to the Science Center for some photos. The ATP Tennis was being held there, so there were a lot of tents and stands with all sorts of info. We ran into several friends of mine, which was fun. With the new Agora, this complex certainly is unique, although I am not a friend of this architect's lack of sensitivity for function and staying on budget, among other aspects of his mega projects.

We later drove to the center of town, and luckily again found a parking place not far from where we hoped to end up. (One could take two of the buses that run along this route).

We walked along calle de la Paz, admiring the facades of many of the palatial homes along this once/still impressive avenue. We took a short spin around the Cathedral area and rushed off to Bar el Pilar, famous for mussels, shouting waiters, and almost every type of tapa, before the crowds made it impossible to get a space at the bar. We were lucky again, and had room of the 6 of us along the bar while we waited for our number to be called for a table.

We ordered mussels, patatas bravas, sepia a la plancha, montaditos de chorizo and ensaladilla rusa. Our table didn't come up until we were almost finished with these tapas so we passed it on to the next group and just stayed comfortably at the bar. Dinner was about 11 euros/person.

Several beers later we then off for a stroll admiring the lit up central market and Lonja Wold Heritage building. The Barrio del carmen was hopping, with the crowds in the streets and pouring out the entrance of the smaller pub restaurants.

We stopped to admire the ceiling of the oldest pharmacy in Valencia. It is now a corner pub with as many people peeking in to check out the ceiling as there are having a drink inside or at one of their outdoor tables.

We ended our evening stroll at Chocolate Valor to have some chocolate and churros. The churros were really almost "porras" a wider piece of fried dough and were some of the best I have EVER had. We sprinkled sugar on the hot dough before dipping them into our chocolate as fondue.

We shared 3 chocolates and ended up getting first a dozen churros... but then asked for another half dozen more.

Before going home, we drove around to see the Ceramic museum alabaster facade lit up at night, the plaza of the original Valencia University and the City Hall square. Our route home also took us again past the two remaining towers so we could see them also lit up.

Saturday morning we had a leisurely breakfast and headed off to the Central market and to see the interior fo the Lonja building. We then strolled to Santa Catalina for my guests to try Horchata and fartons. It, too, was a real hit. The fartons were excellent as was the horchata. This horchateria has very nicely decorated tiled walls with scenes from the Valencia countryside.

Another stroll through the old section ending up at Café Lisoba for our last coffee/drink before getting them to their 15.50 train to Madrid, their last stop on this lovely 8 night adventure.

It certainly was fun showing these young couples around. The weather also held up, which certainly helps to make a day in a new place more pleasant!