Valencia has modernized in fits and starts. Outside the old city neighbourhoods are often comprised of medieval, mid-20th century and 21st century buildings side by side as in this photo. But there is one area of Valencia that was developed between 1996 and 2005 that is totally modern and architecturally stunning. It is the CIty of Arts and Sciences.
The City of Arts and Sciences is an entertainment and cultural centre located in the land left when the River Turia was diverted around Valencia to put an end to periodic catastrophic floods. Several buildings make up the City: El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, an opera house and performing arts centre.
A planetarium and IMAX cinema are housed within L’Hemisfèric. It is surrounded by shallow pools of water, and adjacent to L’Umbracle, a covered avenue of trees and plants native to Valencia. Many sculptures by modern artists are housed in L’Umbracle.
El Museu de les Ciències Principe Felipe is an interactive museum of sciences, also surrounded by water. Along one side are a series of shells which add to the maritime theme of the City of Arts and Sciences.
Finally, at the end of the river bed, almost at the harbor, is the aquarium, L’Oceanogràphic. While I did not have time to explore these buildings, Gillian, Derek and Alistair made time for L’Oceanogràphic. They reported that a large underwater tunnel showcasing sharks and other fish was particularly impressive.
We are now in Barcelona, comfortably housed in a three-bedroom, three-bathroom flat across the street from an interesting looking church which calls for further investigation. In the literature about the apartment is a strong warning against making excess noise between 10 pm and 8 am, and threats of penalty fees being levied if the police are called. To assist us in recognizing a loud noise (we think) is a red light on top of the refrigerator that flashes when we scrape chairs across the marble floor or make other sudden loud noises. We shall practise our tip-toeing techniques for the next few days.
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