Spain...

So we sailed through the straits of Gibraltar, on our amended itinerary.

Many on board (including me) were very disappointed that this was as close as we got to the Rock.

I can't say I was too excited about visiting Valencia, or next and final stop for my leg of the journey, but oh boy was I surprised.

This tour was with Get your Guide, and organised by someone I had met on the cruise. It was a walking tour, which I didnt realise until the lovely Irish guide was telling us in the heat, outside the terminal!!!

But it did not disappoint. Valencia, 15/10. Will definately return, and could live here....

The first part of the tour was in the new part of the city, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

The city of arts and science is absolutely amazing, and our very informative guide told us all about the overspending that Calatrava is prrobably best known for in his home town, but the buildings were absolutely stunning, and included fish symbols, eyes and a whale rib cage!!

Every angle showed a completely different perspctive, and the museums themselves seemed to be really interesting. Unfortunately, we only got to explore the outside, which is also used for concerts and festivals.

Then we all took a taxi ride to the old city, where there was a surprise literally around every corner.

First the market, which was full of locals buying fruit, meat and vegetables in a purpose built and amazing building.

Then as we walked we saw many beutiful churches and buildings, many squares and piazzas and some beautiful architecture.

Photos don't really do it justice. It was so beautiful and such a vibrant place, with tourists and locals filling the small streets.

The tour also included tapas, and we were led to a beutiful couryard restaurant, where were had many courses and wine pairings. Incuding Cava, which is my new addiction!!! Spanish champage with naturally formed bubbles!

The guide was just amazing, and it was such a special day.

Which also brought me to my last night with an amazing group of frinends, who unfortunately were all sick and couldnt join me for the last night. MAny tears were shed tho...

And so ended the first part of my journey.

Packing was such sweet sorrow.... Where did I get all this stuff, which I now had to navigate solo to London!!!

Hello new adventure.