[spanglishyall]

It's #Navidad in #Valencia and our community Christmas tree is lit in Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). This is our second holiday season in Valencia and it was a happy surprise to see that the tree is adorned with different ornaments this year. Swipe through to see a close up of the colorful embellishments from this year’s tree, and a detail picture of the monochromatic design from last year. #christmas #christmastree #christmaslights #feliznavidad #bonnadal #españa #ayuntamiento #lasluces #arboldenavidad (at Plaza del Ayuntamiento) https://www.instagram.com/p/B553VtAKQYg/?igshid=1b6zc2jydhps4

[spanglishyall]

It's been raining here for a few days. I realize that it's December, and it's not snow or sleet, so I shouldn't even mention it. But, I will, because rain in Valencia is like snow in Atlanta: when it happens, life comes to a slow-moving slog, if not a halt altogether. In my blog post from earlier this week, I mentioned one aspect of #citylife that is drastically different than what we knew. Here is another difference, when you walk pretty much everywhere, you stay put when it rains. There are exceptions, of course; people go to work, kids go to school; Amazon still makes deliveries. But I can tell you that those of us that don't have to venture out don't leave the house. In the autumn, Spain experiences several long days of significant bursts of big, ploppy rains. Typically this weather phenomenon (it's called "la gota fria") happens in September or October and is followed by cooler winter temperatures. This year we have had 3 gotas frias, presumably because the temperature keeps rising back into the upper 20ºs between rainfalls. Gone are the tourists snapping selfies in #plazadelavirgen. There is zero chatter rising up from the cafes. It is quiet save for the falling rains. #rainydays #Valencia #españa #gotafria #quiet #expatlife #expat (at Plaça de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5sbzOklYhH/?igshid=h1mxqqerxdxh

[spanglishyall]

Valencia Day is on 9 October and recognizes the day that the city was returned to the Spanish. This is a regional holiday and it heralds the Medieval Market on Serrano Bridge. It is one of my favorite celebrations for the colors, smells, and tastes--it can be a bit overwhelming for the senses. This year I got to share the day with my parents. We walked the bridge and chatted, and I was so happy to share one of my favorite festivals with my favorite people. I realized that I never posted any pictures from the market, so #latergram it is. (at Torres de Serranos) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5R6jaGq6mL/?igshid=1vz1jcocbzdr8

[spanglishyall]

It's been a minute since I posted a picture of our living space. I love the salón y comedor in our apartment. Simple and uncluttered, the windows get to remain the star of the space. #stillsearching #coffeetable (at Plaça de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5JCs33Bfgr/?igshid=1rrxc6l4fz91r

[spanglishyall]

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It's Saturday night, so we must have music on the plaza. #plazadelavirgen #valencia #españa #expatlife #citylife #band #music #musica (at Plaça de la Mare de Déu dels Desamparats) https://www.instagram.com/p/B47xoLXhM4M/?igshid=1j8nnq42oco60

[spanglishyall]

Congratulations to @cafedelashoras for 25 years of wonderful drinks and fabulous style! A special shoutout to Leslie AD for a great poetry reading and @gkwcommunications for the invite. #valencia #ceiling #stars #opulence #chandelier #igersvalencia #españa #overthetop (at Café de Las Horas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wrWi9BXeN/?igshid=qxewx4wvm5da

[spanglishyall]

See those three spheres hanging off of the tower? They’re a new addition to El Micalet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Translated from our local paper,: “The set of the three balls, depending on their position and the number of them, informed the merchants and citizens sector about the sighting of a ship. This unique system was in operation around 50 years, between 1841 and the end of the century, as explained by Arturo Monfort, director of Innovation and Port Development of the Valencia Port Foundation. At the time, the Board of Commerce of the city distributed throughout Valencia some sheets with the codes of the port telegraph so that merchants and citizens in general could know the meaning of each combination.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The sample of this historical communication mechanism is part of the exhibition 'The Historic History of the Port of Valencia', which includes a sample of engravings on the historical evolution of the port and its commercial relationship with the city of Valencia between the 17th and 19th centuries. The exhibition will be open, with free admission, until next November 10 in the Rellotge del Port building.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While I understand and appreciate the historical significance to the city, I hope they come down at the end of the exhibit too. (at El Miguelete) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tcTRIKaxx/?igshid=n5ak9ellr9qg

[spanglishyall]

We are surrounded by music so it is no wonder that artisans of all kinds are found tucked into the nooks of #Valencia. #luthier #artistry #taller #strings #valenciagram #igvalencia #music #art #artist #stringinstrument (at Taller de Lutheria · Sergi Martí) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByD3pLTCBXn/?igshid=xqbwujwnzsj7

[spanglishyall]

When it's this glorious, I don't even mind waiting for the bus. #valencia #ciutatdelesartsilesciencies #artsandsciences #spain #evening #blueskies #nofilter #calatrava #pinkandblue https://www.instagram.com/p/ByBIip1CApI/?igshid=jd3rg9f7bon3

[spanglishyall]

When you get a call from your friend saying "We were gifted too many #loquats from an #organic orchard, do you want some", you don't ask what a loquat is, you say thank you. Then you eat the most delicious fruit you've ever tasted. Thank you @gkwcommunications they are so #delicious! #thankgregtoo #eater #foodiegram #eattheworld #delicious #smartfoodchoices #eattherainbow #vegan #whatveganseat #vegansofig #eatclean #fruit (at Valencia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx9dn3ji4Q2/?igshid=1h42prn174j5u

[spanglishyall]

Did you know that #paella originated in #valencia? Though most of the world thinks of paella as Spanish, in Spain it is seen more as a regional dish. And here's something to blow your socks off, authentic Valencian paella doesn't contain seafood (my pic is from La Tavernaire in Rusafa and isn't authentic either; it's #vegan). #rice #Spain #food (at Valencia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhfrZklo8R/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x59h8hv54dt7

[spanglishyall]

Dogs have their EU passports even if the rest of us don't. #europe #europetravel #passport #pettravel #dogs #fourleggedfamily #expatlife #wanderer #wheretonext #🐶 #🐕 (at Valencia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhX4--F74z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16jmt1wisvl4k

[spanglishyall]

#Fallas ends with La Crema; each of the gorgeous works of #art that have dotted #Valencia this week are burned in an epic public display. We chose to watch La Crema of the Falla Infantil at Torres de Serrans...couldn't bring ourselves to watch the big gals burn. (at Torres de Serranos) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvOFjcdFrn-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=m87gh1y66kro

[spanglishyall]

Walking back from Estacio del Nord from the southwest (trying to avoid the crowds forming for the mascletá un Ayuntamiento), I came across this lovely gal. I especially love her #freckles. (at Valencia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvFI7AElmuM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dhg89qho0xk3

[spanglishyall]

Isn't she stunning? The second photo gives a sense of detail & scale of the #falla. If you look closely, you will see average-sized people in the very bottom right corner of the second pic. #fallas #fallas2019 #Valencia #españa #art #artistry #lasfallas (at Torres de Serranos) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvD8xpdF4M3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b6rxdxl07mj5

[spanglishyall]

#Fallas2019, has begun and we are enjoying the magic that only #fallas can bring. This gem is in Plaça de la Santa Creu. #Valencia #expatlife #españa https://www.instagram.com/p/BvCRkXPFRU-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dfewfnltm1ur

[spanglishyall]

The first of the #Fallas going up. So excited for #fallas2019 (at Plaza del Ayuntamiento) https://www.instagram.com/p/But01LNlQhG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wjbjptgxgd3i