last week we packed it up and headed out for a short adventure to valencia, spain. what a fantastic city! i was enamored with the beautiful street art everywhere and quickly found some favorite artists (@deih.xlf, @julieta_xlf, Afrodita by @rosh333, @daviddelimon and i searched and searched to find a work on a wall from @pichiavo as it was this work that blew me away!). while i read up on these artists, i stumbled across an interview of ESCIF from this article and found it an interesting read and may even try to hunt down this book (unless anyone else can suggest another one?)


we didn't make big plans, we were there to soak up a bit of a different vibe and to meet up with family (always a bonus!) the city of arts and sciences was fantastic. the architecture alone was absolutely stunning! walking through it felt like being on another world all together. the attention to line was magnificent and i was so amazed at the synergy of these incredible structures both individually and together as a whole. the arts museum/building is still under construction, but i am sure it will be well worth another trip back once it opens.
we did make it to the oceanografic, which was most impressive. we love to visit aquariums and to be able to have such access to the incredible beauty that dwells deep within our seas. we spent the day at the bioparc. and while i am always conflicted with my feelings for zoos, i am also grateful to have the opportunity to share glimpses of such incredible creatures with my family, especially since one of my pirates wishes to care for animals in a zoo, while the other hopes to save them all in an effort to protect our planet! and how can you beat an area of free-raoming lemurs for pure entertainment?


we also spent a day at the museo de las ciencias (science museum) which is a hands-on wonder for any budding scientist. since albert einstein is a hero of ours, this was one we simply could not miss.
a visit must also include the colors and collection of fresh produce and goods available at the mercado central valencia. a stunning collection of color, fresh food, and beautiful building.

and while we enjoyed many great meals and tapas, there was one place that really stood out and above the rest. it is a tiny restaurant owned by a young couple. their menu is truly forward thinking and a great fusion of tastes and textures. all of us agreed, this was by far the best meal of the trip!
sometimes, the experience of a new city can be just the medicine needed to remind you of the hidden wonders that reside everywhere.