Valencia -- 5th to 6th April 2006

Decided to post another entry since i feel like I m on a roll currently but the decision to blog on which city was a bit difficult, partially due to my success in being able to include pictures in my previous posts. As i had mentioned previously, i was still armed with my analogue camera on my maiden Europe trip and thus there was no soft copy to rely on. Tried scanning in my photos but the end results was horrendous so i decide to abandon the idea.

Valencia, the 2nd Spanish city on my itenary is the 3rd largest city in Spain (behind Madrid and Barcelona). A city that reminded me so much of Singapore as I walked through its streets at night. Surprising? Absolutely for who would think that i would actually be able to find a city that was so similar to ours in both feel and appearance.

First thing first, the thing that striked me most was the relatively calm feel as i took a gentle stroll at night along the path to the famed Museum of Arts and Sciences. Throughout the path, i see residents jogging and walking their dog all around, without fear of being robbed or beaten. This sense of confidence in the security of the place was not typical of most European cities as far as i know. It actually touched me so much that i thought to myself that this was a place which i wouldn't mind living in if given a choice.

And as much as i would try not to compare, the Museum reminded me so much of our Esplanade. It was built in the shape of a helmet, an aberrant just like our durian. From afar, it cuts a lone figure standing in the dark nut go nearer and as u gazed over its architetural intricacy, one will come to appreciate the beatuy of its modernist feel. And just like our dear durian, the more i look at it, the more absorbed i m by it.

Enough for the similarities, i shall now go on to the difference. Just like any other Spanish cities, there is again the usual cathedral and fort that characterised this port city of years ago. Nothing spectacular but still worth a quick glance if one likes all the historical and cultural stuff. But the 2nd thing that impressed on me a lot was again the path leading to the Museum. As i had mentioned before that there was a lot of residents hanging out on the main path but what i did not mention was the lining of the river bank just underneath it. It was a sport path made of alternating basketball court and street-soccer court interspersed with a few tennis court here and there. This is indeed a truly sports park i would say and it just add to the attractiveness of the city.

And what would a city tour be if i did not visit the stadium of my adopted supported team in Spain. The Mestalla, a famed stadium in Europe for its famed supporters did not disappoint. Located in a quiet neighbourhood, it may not cut as majestic a figure as the Nou Camp in Barcelona but it was a grand old dame no least. The simple grey walls and terraces actually reminded me of our dear old Kallang. I m not joking when i say it and its a pity i did not get to enter the stadium but i m sure it would give the same feel as our national stadium back home.

Yup and that's enough ramblings about the city of Valencia. Pretty much to talk about for a one day one night tour but it really left a deep impression on me. Valencia, a modern city mixed with old Baroque charm, a city so far but yet so similar to the one close my heart...

City rating : 4 stars