We woke to bright sun pouring into our stateroom. Room service breakfast and we headed out in search of Paella. The sun was strong and warm on our balcony, so you can imagine my surprise when almost immediately upon leaving Serenity we were confronted with a brisk wind and darkening skies. I’d dressed for summer and we found late autumn temps. Yikes. The shuttle bus into Valencia center was delayed by typical morning traffic. We began walking towards the market but I was freezing so we grabbed a cab. Exiting the cab, I spied a women’s apparel store and turned lemons into lemonade – by purchasing a new coat.

 

Here’s Timmy waiting for the shuttle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                          

 

This is the soccer stadium.

Some pics.

 

I love this market…even more than the ones in Barcelona and Madrid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These rabbits fascinated me.

Leaving the market we strolled through the streets enjoying the architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

So many paella pans and they were surprisingly heavy. So heavy that I couldn’t hold the larger ones without assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was taken with this fabric store.

 

Timmy did some research to find a representative paella restaurant. Navarro kept popping up as a first choice. We had a few backups because we did not have a reservation. Big mistake…note to self for next time…make the reservation! The restaurant opens at 1:00pm. We arrived at 12:55 as the smart folks with reservations were being seated. When Guillermina, one of three sisters who are owners, greeted us she asked for our name. I explained that we did not have a reservation and she checked her spiral notebook, saying that she could accommodate us at 2:45. I noted the outside seating and inquired about eating there. At this point it was 1:15 and a reservation for two had failed to show. Guillermina gave us their table! Upstairs! I felt like we hit the lotto! Because we did hit the paella lotto.

 

Paco suggested a lovely Spanish white with Verdura and Macabeo grapes. We loved it, crisp and citrusy …most likely due to the limestone in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appetizer of grilled calamari and tempura style vegetables.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wrote postcards to our lovebugs while waiting for the paella.

So much yummyness .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our best meals on this trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carlos poured an outstanding Moscatelle dessert wine.

We are so grateful to Guillermina for accommodating us and to Paco and Carlos for their excellent service.

We strolled a bit more, finding the post office and taking more pics.

 

 

 

 

 

Although the sun returned, it was still pretty chilly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timmy could not be restrained from visiting a pastelaria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stopping into the Bistro we enjoyed a most happy reunion with friends that we made on our very first Crystal cruise. Dana and Marty took us under their collective wing, imparting insider tips and inviting us to join their trivia team.

You might think that after the wonderful (enormous) lunch we had, we’d be inclined to skip dinner. Well, you’d be mistaken.

We did go light…Smoked Waygu beef and Ahi Tuna for both of us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devil’s food cake a la mode.

This amazing day was capped off by attending the White Party Dance in the Crystal Cove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irina Guskova and Doctor Soto.

Alejandro Salinas is the real deal. A super guitarist.