Valencia

The hotel is not at all what we expected, or at least what I expected. Sure, there is a rooftop pool **cough** bathtub **cough**, but if I were to put my whole body into it, it might overflow. And, I don't really have much volume. Internet isn't included, nor is breakfast, or anything for that matter. They wanted a deposit for towels, and this is a Holiday Inn! Having my credit card isn't enough? I refused and stared down the reception. They caved in to my silence, how do you argue with silence after all, and just gave me two towels.

So, Valencia:

So, if you only have time for a single thing in Valencia, I suppose that Paella is a must. But, if you can do two things, check out the coolest parque ever: Parque Gulliver. It's like the awakening in Washington D.C., but you can climb all over it, and there is a sweet slide. I tried to snap some photos, but being so massive, it's really not possible without an aerial view to capture it's awesomeness.

Spent the morning walking around, was ripped off at lunch, and finally tried Agua de Valencia. It's not worth it. Was contemplating a bull fight, but probably will pass on it until I have others to go with (almost everyone else here has already been, and doesn't feel that strong about going and paying for it) that have also never been. I stopped to look for my linen pants, and they were able to track down the order number for me, so hopefully we can find them somewhere. Reminds me of when Justin had his people track down the Pink Tie, and they found the last one in some warehouse in singapore, or something on that level. Hopefully, I have a similar experience.

Tonight we are going to one of the three famous Paella restaurants. I am sure famous is really synonomous for expensive, but how often am I in Valencia eating Paella?

I am thinking about doing some Mallorca exploring. It seems the cost of the ferries will be similar to a train up, not sure about the bus, but I want to see more. It will also break up the trip, that is, to Barcelona. There is a sweet hotel I want to check out called La Residencia in Deia.

Leaching internet off a local office building, so unfortunately not a strong enough signal to skype. Pages take forever to load which is frustrating, but able to post at least for now to my blog. Strong wifi is a necessity for tomorrow's lodging.

Oh, found a really sweet carry on suitcase. I am nicknaming it the mary poppins bag, it seemed small and versatile on the outside with a massive interior, it's just not physically possible. I actually am convinced that the trick is the depth of it. I asked if they had one slightly larger, same style, but it seems they don't.

I am impressed that Shiva is traveling with just a carry on. Walking around is easier for me, but not having a bag against your back in this heat would be nice as well. Also, nice to escape the label of "backpacking through Europe" and instead just be a traveler. I feel like it connotes something else. But that is for a longer discussion, perhaps over some wine. Care to join me anyone? I am looking for company for Italy, Greece, and Turkey! Starting in about a week or so...