On leaving Benagéber we followed the Utiel-Requena wine route towards Valencia, miles of bare terracotta earth and dark low-growing vine root stock with no spring growth yet visible This area has been dedicated to wine making for over 2,500 years but has only found more popularity for its red and rosé wines in the mainstream wine market in the last 25-30 years. We plan to try and find some of the wines in a local shop so we can try it.
Finding overnight stops ‘on the hoof’ is a new experience for us and it will be interesting to see how that goes once there are more travellers on the road. It seems from some of the overnight stop choices on recommended apps that some motorhomers are happy to park anywhere if it’s free, even if that means an uninspiring car park on the edge of town but I think we will want to find spots that are a bit more scenic, so will need to be discerning. As we are near Valencia we had selected a site that is apparently well situated for taking the tram into the city; however when we turned up around midday it was already full for the night, so an experience we might have to get used to and be prepared for. Our tour of Valencia therefore became a drive through the city, passing by some of the more modern architecture of the City of Art and Sciences near the coast – we’ll have to put them on the list for a visit another day.
Our alternative stop was a more scenic site just south of Valencia on the edge of the Albufera nature park, Spain’s largest lagoon surrounded by a landscape of paddy fields, and known for traditional fishing with nets, sunsets and traditional Albuferenc boats, a lateen sailing boat with large triangular white sail, apparently to be seen on Saturday mornings. We explored the lagoon and coast area by bike.
Before coming to Spain we had wondered how we would get on without speaking the language. In preparation Claire followed some Spanish lessons on Duolingo when we were back in the UK and it has certainly helped with vocabulary and reading information, but oral Spanish skills unfortunately don’t extend beyond ordering coffee, drinks and asking for the bill, but we won’t go thirsty or hungry. Staff in restaurants often speak English but in most other shops it’s only Spanish. In the smaller towns we’ve passed through many businesses are closed at this time of year but we’ve been able to sample and enjoy some Spanish tapas in seaside locations where restaurants are open.
Buenos dias. Que tal? Glad to hear Claire isn’t neglecting her linguistic education! I deduce that Joe is leaving things to her on that front! As you say, you’re unlikely to go hungry. The tapas certainly looked appetising – they probably reminded you of Sopranos.
Thanks for keeping up with the blog. I always read it with interest and vicarious pleasure.
I’m off to Paris for a few days tomorrow to do another “recce”. I’ve discovered that gyms are very expensive in Paris so I’m contemplating (I stress contemplating) replacing gym sessions with jogging around les Jardins de Luxembourg so I’ll be checking that out. Also, I now have my “carte blanche” for the Musees d’Orsay and l’Orangerie and we’re planning on visiting an exhibition at the former of Whistler paintings which are on loan from the Frick Institute in NY while it’s being refurbished.
Bonne continuation – or should that be buena continuacion?
Con amistad
Jill
Hola Jill y muy bien gracias. The tapas did indeed remind us of Sopranos, except we had a sea view! Great to hear you’re off to Paris for another recce and they should be dispensing with the ‘passe sanitaire’ very soon as well which will make life easier. Jogging is certainly a low cost option for keeping fit and something you can do anywhere, so could be a good option for you. Enjoy your visit and safe travels. C