October 9

Valencia Day!

Happy Valencian Day! I walked outside of my building at noon to watch, what looked like the Bonofest, taking place. There were benches set up and tents lining the walkways and bridge. The smell was absolutely amazing and there were flags lining hanging above our heads.

Our first adventure was out to the parade where, when it ended, the Valencian's sang the Valencian Hymn. The parade itself was very scattered and not that spectacular, but it was very cool to hear everyone sing (in Valencian) with their flags waving in the air. After that we walked to the Plaza de La Reina to "watch" fireworks, yep, fireworks at 2 pm. It was INSANE. They had strung the fireworks throughout the center of the plaza and when it was time to start they ignited the string and the fireworks went of accordingly. You couldn't see anything of course, they do it more for the rhythm of the noise. Personally, I felt myself trembling from the powerful explosions. We were up close and could see them go off.The smoke cloud covered the square and it sounded like bombs were going off. Dara and I got a photo, of course, in front of the debris and then we strolled back to Garnet.

The Serrenos Towers, which were once the entrance to the city, are right in front of our apartment and were free to visit. Naturally, Dara and I ventured our way to the top to finally say we've been up the towers. We made it just before the man started kicking us out. Once we got back on the ground we went to the bridge, where there were people selling jewelry, bags, candy and anything they thought had value. Dara went to scope out her parents after that and I went in for a nap. :)

Once I woke up it was after 6pm and I 

assumed I missed the 2nd parade, because everyone left to watch it at 5. I was wrong. I went out in search of food and I had to plow through crowds of people standing on the sidewalks of all three plazas. I could hear the bands playing in front and behind me, that was nice. Earlier in the day the parade consisted of a "band" of what looked like mini oboes, not an appealing sound. These bands however, were all brass, it was much better. There were also several camels and people riding the camels through the streets. The parade that started around 5 didn't end until I started walking back around 8.

Caitlin and I got gelato together, once I got back, and then we stopped in to see Mike, the guy with the place that doesn't open until 8pm and closes around 4am. We'll be gone this week and he'll be gone the next week, so no greasy food at 3am for us for awhile...