Very happy in Valencia

After a very relaxing time in Peniscola on the beach, we headed south to Valencia - orange eating territory - and our friends whom we met in Vietnam earlier this year, Phil and Denise Barker. Well, we have been treated like royalty for the past couple of days and have had a great look at Valencia. Phil and Denise live in the old town and knew all the great places to eat and drink and we did a bit of both of those. Valencia has diverted its river around the city and turned the area into a huge park with amazing buildings and ovals and running tracks etc.  One area based on Science and the Arts is architecturally astounding - actually Tomorrowland was filmed here. We walked many kilometres in this parkland enjoying the sights of Valencia.  

On our full day there we caught the tram down to the beach and had a swim and lunch on the beach. Of course oranges were always on the menu. 

We didn't really know what to expect of Valencia but we both loved it, particularly living in the old town and our long walks with our friends. Thank you to PHIL and Denise for your exceptional hospitality. Look forward to returning the favour soon. 

This morning we headed off to Cuenca, 

a small town with an interesting old city built on a gorge, and have arrived this afternoon at Belmonte, where Spain's most complete castle stands. We have got great accommodation here.  Spent the afternoon exploring the castle which was closed for renovations. We just pushed the gate open and wandered around. John even got up on the wall. If we had something bigger than the Fiat we could have popped a suit of armour in as there was no one there. 

Belmonte is also Don Quixote country and there are quite a few of these beautiful things dotting the countryside. 

All is well and we are loving Spain.