The Hardy Wench

My ticket for the Art gallery included two visits to churches nearby so feeling much refreshed after a great sleep, I decided to head into the city centre again. I headed first to the church of Saint Nicolas which as recommended by Nuria is known for it’s light show; the entrance was in a very unprepossessing side alleyway but once inside it was clear why this church is known as ‘Valencia’s Sistine chapel.’ The ceiling was totally covered by paintings of biblical scenes and cherubs a plenty. The sides of the church contained several small chapels each dedicated to different saints, each with a story as Tod in the audio guide. I was delighted to see as statue of Saint Anne (My namesake!) the mother of Mary in one of the chapels.
It was announced that the light show was about to begin so, I sat (as advised by Nuria, in a back pew. The church came to life with beautiful moving lights depicting flying cherubs all over the ceiling along with blooming flowers and what looked like shooting stars. With the musical accompaniment it was so atmospheric, and so well put together. Definately, another priority for visitors I would say.

One more church later Sant Juan which was also impressive and beautifully restored, I found myself at the Central market. This is the largest covered food market in Europe; the stalls were a blaze of colour with a huge variety of all types of fruits, vegetables, hams, cheeses, wines, fish and seafood. Huge pans of assorted Paella were serving up lunch., Some of the stalls sold drinks and cones of salami and cheese which, locals ate while chatting, creating a social space not just a shopping area.

I continued my wandering around the city, the now pedestrianised Plaza Del Ayuntamiento, the Bullring, El Corte Ingles; all landmarks I remembered from my time here so many yers ago. I was surprised that ‘El Correos,’ a favourite meeting place was now a telecommunications museum as the need for postage must have declined here as well!

I encountered some bomberos attending to a tree which had partially blown down in the high winds. I made my way to the Metro station and headed for home. Having walked nine miles in total I was very relieved when Ana, Nuria’s daughter picked me up from the Metro Station in L’Eliana, it had been a long but really enjoyable day!