Valencia, Spain to see lovely Lauren

Ryanair was a little terrifying but it was cheap. It's basically a bus in the air, but that works for me.

Lauren met me at the airport and here she's showing me what part of Valencia she lives in.

Perfect weather (high 80s)+ beautiful architecture=:D

Local drink: HORCHATA! But not the Mexican kind, this is pure sweetened nut milk and it is AMAZING.

A talented local artist. Lauren bought one of the exact view she had from her place! Had I say because these were her final days living in Valencia. She has now up and moved to Barcelona!

Mas Horchata

Refreshing Amstel in a can on the way to the beach!

Pretty playa

Everyone walks everwhere and carries these carts with them! So we headed to THE MOST AMAZING open market I have ever seen! All of the local farmers , butchers and cheese artisans sell their goods here six days a week. This place was HUGE and had EVERYTHING, fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, seafood, you name it! It was loud and bustling and wonderful. We stocked up on a little of everything and ate all of our very Spanish meals home cooked by Lauren at her penthouse apartment!

Lauren made the most delicious mussels I have ever tasted!! We found them at the market, I guess these special Mediterranean mussels are only available in June and July so we lucked out!

Animal rights activists picketing outside the city building with their dogs :] I love it.

Ahaha, Lauren reenacting a scene we witnessed when we opened her door to see two dirty men leaping up from sitting on her stoop with an array of needles and well, we're guessing something illegal.

Plaza de Toros (Valencia's famous bull fighting ring)

Museo de Bellas Artes

:]

So many pretty streets and buildings! Valencia is Spain's second largest city.

Behind Lauren is Valencia Cathedral built in the 13th century and home to the Holy Grail! Valencia is a busy city but the nightlife is only mediocre. Nothing really "starts" before midnight so we spent a couple evenings out walking around to experience the nightlife. We went to a couple bars and clubs but truly we had more fun just walking the pretty streets and taking in the interesting folk roaming around!

I had a such a lovely time visiting Lauren and Valencia! It was SO good to catch up with one of my favorite and most interesting people I know! Lauren is truly the eternal traveler. I wish her the best in Barcelona and wherever next her travels and life take her! I will surely be there to visit. Besos.