Valencia – city of angels

Velencia in Spain was founded by some 3,000 Roman soldiers looking for a settlement after the Iberic war. It was a battle trying to get out of Ibiza so it seemed natural to end up in Valencia after. Michele being Italian and all. :)

Sometimes flexibility comes with great price–this time literally! The flight to Ibiza wasn’t so expensive at 50euros, but flights out were outrageous, and we didn’t find out until we’re on the island. It was over 300 euros to Barcelona, for example, on budget airlines. 600 euros to Paris or Amsterdam. But finally we found Barcos a las Islas Baleares that goes to Valencia, still steep at 103 euros.

aboard Balearia

Valencia was very charming. We were here for 2 days and we feasted on tapas, local wines, and paella. Popular attractions were Plaza del Mercado, Torres de Serranos, La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the beach, and the churches. What I love more here were the religious tiled artworks found all over the place.

Plaza del Mercado

Torres de Serranos

religious tile work of art

one of the Cathedral

plaza de la virgen

sto nino image

When we tried to check out the night life (yes, because we hadn’t had enough in Ibiza), and were surprised the places were kind of slow if not empty. Only to find out the next day that life starts to happen after midnight!

So following the Spanish, we had siesta and started the night later. We went to a popular spot RADIO CITY and were fortunate that there was a flamengo show.

San Miguel Beer is not Spanish

Valencia is one of those cliche town where travelers came and decided to stay. And why not? The weather is great, you have great food, and the beach. I saw in the hostel that there are many activities organized for Erasmsus students. The night life is also happening.

But I would forever remember Valencia for different reason. After saying goodbye to Michele at the hostel, as he had a later flight, I rolled my bag towards the Àngel Guimerà  station where it has a direct line to the airport.

I could have directly purchased a ticket from the machine but there was a bit of a queue so I went to the ticket window. The nice woman in the booth told me that it costs 2.9euro but I have to get ticket at the machine, so I did. After the purchase, she even pointed me to the right direction as it was a busy station with 3 lines.

When I got to the platform 2 flights below, I thought I should keep my ticket in my wallet lest I lose it, and I’ll need it to exit. My heart started pounding when I couldn’t feel my wallet in my bag! Then I dropped on my knees and started pouring things out of my bag. Small ground of curious formed around me.

“I lost my wallet.” I declared. Or I may have just blurted my wallet. I don’t think I was articulate enough that time.

“F*ck! this is the end of my trip.” I was nauseous with the admission. My passport was in it! With all my visas gone, I have to go home. I was thinking “who would return a wallet?” I just took money and had like 500 euros in it.

I was near tears and already planning — go to the embassy, get a new passport, go home. Round the world project failed.

“Miss Cobiao?” somebody called. I looked up (am still on the floor) and it was the lady at the ticket booth, holding out my wallet!!!

I gave a cry and jumped up and hugged her! I got a small cheer from the small crowd that gathered. I was literally shaking all over.

I couldn’t make out if she found the wallet or someone found it on the floor and gave to her. I must have dropped it after buying my ticket and thought I shoved it in my bag. I didn’t get her name as the next train pulled up. ”Muchas gracias! Muchas gracias!” were all I could managed.

It was October 5, 2011 at  Àngel Guimerà station in Valencia, Spain. It was about 11am in the morning. To the kind lady at the booth that day, I thank you a million times!

It was a miracle. I thank God a million times.