That morning it took us much longer than expected to tidy up each of our apartments. It was easier for the girls side as we did not cook there. However the boy's side took a lot more effort. We ended up with a big bag of leftover food to give to the cleaners there.
I felt a bit sad as I closed the door of the apartment for the last time. It was a home for nine days, I will miss the luxury of my own room, private bathrooms and a fridge.
Martin had dropped his luggage off at the airport that morning and had came back to help us clean up as his flight was not until the late afternoon. He saw us off at the train station too. The train station is quite special because in the middle of the station is a green oasis filled with trees and running water.
Before we parted ways Martin led us in a prayer of thanks giving for our trip I got a bit teary eyed. It really is a rare chance to be able to have a group of friends travel together and have so much fun. It was sad to know these times must end.
Sentimental thoughts didn't last long, as we boarded the train again for more traveling, this time we are heading to the coastal city of Valencia.
I was expecting Valencia to be much cooler than Madrid since it was a coastal city, I was not mistaken, but the weather here is even more unbearable! Turns out Madrid is dry heat and Valencia is wet heat!
The humidity here is not as bad as HK, but I still had the familiar sticky feeling on my skin as soon as I step outside of an air conditioned room for longer than 5mins.
Aside from this discomfort though, Valencia is still a beautiful city, it's main attractions are the beach, paellas and the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (city of arts and science).
Our first stop was to get to the hostel first to drop off our luggage. We are staying at Hostel de Cid, 10 mins walking distance from the train station.
A tip for travelers, there is a tourism office at the station which you can buy the Valencia travel card, and concession tickets to 'the Ciudad'.
With the Valencia travel card you also have discounts to multiple attractions that will save you both money and time. We found the staff at the station much friendly than inside the central city. Perhaps because it is less busy there and they have more time to assist you.
We are sharing a three bed hostel room. Regretfully this place is not air conditioned. We have been supplied with a large fan instead.
A very friendly cat was at the reception to greet us as we walked in. She had so much fun playing with the strap from my umbrella! She actually hooked onto my bag straps and wouldn't let me go when I tried to get up to my room!
We had booked ourselves earlier at the train station information centre for an evening movie viewing at the Hemiferic at 'the ciudad'. We had a bit of a rest then headed out for a stroll and the post office.
This is the main post office's ceiling.
The temperature here was 37oC. It is a sticky and hot feeling. Therefore we opted for a lighter lunch option.
Yogurt and fruit for lunch.
The next place we entered to escape the humid hear was in El Cortes Ingles department store. This is a huge department store that is multi story with supermarket and cafes. From more upmarket boutiques like Loewe to more budget brands you can all find it here in this department store. My mum can spend a whole day in this place!
We took a bus to the ciudad and was surprised by the modern architecture and beautiful setting. Here are some of the pictures.
This is an outdoor astrology learning area!
We brought a Concession pass to the Hemiferic, Oceanografic and the Science museum. This first night we booked for a session at the Hemiferic theatre.
We walked around nearly the whole complex after approximately 2 hours.
This little doggy was having a great time splashing in the water pools.
Look a dinosaur! It moves and roars at intervals!
We spotted a Carrefour nearby with McD sign, we headed that way and found ourselves in a very comfortable mall. The city girl in me stirred to the familiarity of such an Americanized shopping complex.
This is the Carrefour, remind anyone of The Warehouse?
We had dinner in an Italian restaurant in the mall. The interior had been decorated like Venice.
The pesto for this pasta was delicious!
We then went to see the short movie at the Hemiferic. It is a dome structure theater that offers near 360o viewing.
Look at us with the head set, we are Star Wars extras!
The movie we attended was called Born to be Wild. A documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman about rescue parks of baby Elephants and orangutans.
It was quite an old documentary but still very touching. Sometimes we have to question ourselves how much of the earth's resources that we consume do we actually use? Are we helping or destroying this planet?
I didn't find the large curved screen too impressive, I guess modern IMAX mega screens has already over taken this technology.
Some Night photos, the Hemiferic has been designed to look like an eye, with night lights and the reflection of the water the eye becomes visible!
The night is still quite humid. I found myself sweating despite the cooler temperature.
We missed the last route 35 bus back to the city and had to catch a taxi, the fare cost more than 7 euros. By the time we got home it was well after midnight.
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Location:Calle de Palafox,Valencia,Spain
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