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Valencia - Land of Paella


Featured post on IndiBlogger, the biggest community of Indian BloggersI was taken back when I was told that paella (pronounced payea) was the national dish of Spain; surprised because it was basically a variant of what Malaysian know as 'nasi goreng' and that rice could be a staple food in a region in Europe. Rice was introduced to this region in the 10th century by the Moors in Andalusia, making rice eating a custom in this region. Valencia is well known for its varieties of paella.

Paella - the rice is of the round ended variety, bomba rice. ©FG
Seafood paella, pick your choice: rabbit meat, snail, squid with black ink. ©SKCL

Around the railway station ©FG
High Street ©FG

Like opium to the masses, every town in Spain has a football team to showcase the prowess of the local boys. Everybody is happy; the boys who have their soccer stars to look up to for aim in life, the local populace are kept busy anticipating their favourite team's next outcome, the local thug with his betting racket, the local council with revenue, the club with selling tickets and memorabilia, the country with the proud yell of nationalism and the Malaysian bookies who decide the success or fall of the clubs. 
Valencia FC stadium - Mestalla ©FG
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The confluence of people exchanging their produce is the precursor of business activities. The Central Market of Valencia is an important landmark for visitors. Around this iconic structure are many sites of historical significance.
Even the Market (Mercado) is a tourist attraction ©FG
Jamóne ©FG

Aesthetically pleasing and pleasant to olfactory senses - Valencia Mercado Central ©FG
Around the Central Market ©FG
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In the vicinity of the Virgin Square ©FG
Cathedral of Valencia ©FG

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Valencia is an important port city. In the 15th century, it was an important trade centre before its role dwindled as the trans-Atlantic dealings became more lucrative. In its heydays, the area around the Central Market was abuzz with activity. Many a priceless deal were inked under the roofs of The Silk Exchange building, the structure considered one of most attractive and architecturally important of ancient Valencia. 

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Look at the intricate woodwork over the ceiling and be mesmerised! ©FG



3D effect flooring ©FG

Fine masonry ©FG

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Gothic ceiling ©FG



The City of Arts and Sciences is an ultra-modern looking nouveau designed building thathouses exhibition halls, museum, recreational water park, oceanographic centre and an opera house. Unfortunately, it looked grossly underutilised with hardly any activities on-going.
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