Watching the Sailboats in Valencia

Streets of Valencia.
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From Toledo we headed back to Madrid and then from Madrid to Valencia.

America's Cup, the sailing competition, is being hosted in Valencia this year, and we decided to check it out our first day. Traditionally it's supposed to be held in the Country that the last team who won resides in. But the last team to win was Switzerland, and since they don't have any ocean, they offered it to be hosted here. While the real racing doesn't start untill June and July, there are still some races going on.

Reputed to the only Holy Grail recognized by the Vatican.

On the new docks made for America's cup.
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We don't really think sailing is much of a spectator sport though. The boats were too far away to see anything, and they only had one big TV to watch them on. So far most things at the dock are still under construction. The place was pretty deserted though the day we came, with all the restraunts facing empty patios. It's a shame too - they are all brand new and modern and have beautiful views. But of course with that comes a heafty price we weren't willing to pay.

So far we have been going a bit overbudget on our trip, and so now we've begun really pinching the pennies to compensate. We're not in any trouble, we just need to have a bit more control! But it's so hard when your in Europe surrounded by such good food.

In the top right corner you can see the only live screen they had to watch the races.
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The next day we headed to the Saint Mary Cathedral of Valencia. This is reputed to the only Holy Grail recognized by the Vatican. The Pope has even drank out of it. It also had St Vincent's withered left arm. His real arm, in a little display box.

Religion is a strange thing.

Overall, Valencia was probably our least favourite city in Spain. It was very dirty there, despite efforts of the streets cleaning crew. Nor did it have any of that Spanish charm that Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona had.

St. Vincents left arm - ick.
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This was our last stop in Spain, and overall we've really enjoyed being here. Every day has been sunnier then the last, the people were very friendly, and we got to polish up our Spanish at the same time. We're going to miss it, but we look forward to the next phase, across the water to Italy.