VALENCIA

The mere mention of Spain invokes images of a most enchanting and vibrant nation. Spain is a treasure-trove of arts and an affluent culture brimming with fabulous flamenco music, history, paintings, old-world architecture, literature, cinema, sports, bullfighting and fiestas! The exuberance and passion of the Spaniards and the glorious predictability of the summer weather have been attracting tourists for countless decades. It is a exuberant country drenched in the historical pageantry of empire and conquistadors, the artistic legacy of Goya and Picasso and the romance of Don Quixote, Papa Hemingway and the International Brigades.

Valencia, Spain is the very embodiment of the Spanish character and spirit, brimming with cultural richness. It was founded in 138 B.C. by the Romans and is the third largest city in Spain, with a population of over 800,000. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by beautiful beaches and dotted with parks, gardens and museums. Valencia's unique architecture is especially interesting with its excessive Gothic and elaborate facades.

Besides the distinctive Gothic architecture of Valencia nature has also lent a hand to forge part of the city's interesting landscape. Valencia is home to what is considered to be one of Europe's longest, thinnest parks. In 1957 the River Turia burst its banks and was redirected, leaving an empty gully right through the city's center, which has been filled with parks. The expanse between the San José and Serranos bridges is especially good to stretch your legs.

You're sure to be impressed by Valencia's vast variety of craft enterprises, providing products made with brilliant imagination, excellent skill and master artistry. Carved ivory and hand painted exotic woods are amongst the Valencian specialties. Woodworking has long been traditional in the area, and guitars, castanets and pipes are some of the articles still made today. Leatherwork and silk also have a long history behind them, and now find one of their major outlets in adornments for the fallas. Metalwork of yesteryears is still applied in the manufacture of jewelry, goldsmithing and lamp making. Furniture is another of the outstanding representatives of Valencia's famed artisans numbering in the thousands. The creations of famous Valencian designers are easily within reach at excellent quality and price ratios. Coinciding with the city center are the main shopping streets, La Paz, Colon and Plaza de Ayuntamiento. There are shops here specializing in the very latest design trends.

On Sunday mornings, the milling crowds in Plaza Redonda (behind Plaza de la Reina) denote feverish commercial activity. Anything can be found there, from leather bags to second-hand watches. Many of the central streets are named after the trades that were carried on there in former times, and there are still some practitioners of the old popular handicrafts today. For fine wickerwork, go to the well-known Calle de Las Cestas (street of the baskets). There are also a lot of fan-markers and goldsmiths, but the region's main handicraft is without a doubt ceramics. The pottery and ceramic shops are all over Valencia, and sell their wares directly to the public.

If you like Spanish cooking this is where Valencia really comes into its own. Valencia has over 100 restaurants and cafes within six different barrios (districts) catering to various different tastes. In these magnificent eateries, one can taste some of the best dishes of traditional cooking. You will have many occasions to enjoy the Valencian Paella, one of the most excellent dishes in the world of cooking, originating in the countryside and market gardens, which surround the city of Valencia. The Valencian Paella is without doubt the most memorable delights of Spanish cuisine.

Valencia is truly one of the most interesting destinations in all of Europe. A fascinating city rich in old world charm, elegance and glamour, which really make for a pleasant visit and a extraordinary experience. It's an experience you will remember forever and a memory that will last a lifetime.

Live Spanish provides the opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge of Spanish language, literature and culture, both through classes and through direct contact with the Spanish people who are willing to temporarily share their homes in Valencia, Spain with sincere students. It's a wonderful and rewarding opportunity well worth taking advantage of. Contact us today!

Fallas 2002

Live Spanish
Avenida Ausias March 32, Pta. 4
46006 Valencia, España
+ 34 96 328 3408
+ 34 96 320 7832
Cell + 34 657 383 490
learnspanish@livespanish.com

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