"Oh, What a Circus, Oh, What a Show"

After a leisure day of shopping and reading, Kendra, Sarah, and I decided to take advantage of our three-day weekend in Valencia and hit up a discoteca. We were originally going to meet up with some other people who knew of one by the beach, but they changed their plans and since we did not purchase cellphones here, they were unable to contact us. However, we were not to be deterred and decided to go to one we had heard about from someone else.


L'umbracle Terraza was amazing! It was a slightly pricey entrance fee, but after our failed attempt at the free discoteca, we wanted to be sure of a better experience. It was located in a terrace lush with Mediterranean plants looking out on the City of Arts and Sciences where the opera house, aquarium, and science center are located. Scattered throughout the garden, large red balls cast a soft glow while couches with canopies and mod chairs around tables with candles provided intimate seating for a drink and conversation. There were reserved sections of the garden for VIP and even one of the bars was roped off. On the far end of the garden was the DJ and a dancing space. This weekend is the Formula One Race which I have heard is very popular in Europe, and one of the cars was on display in the garden where people were having their photos taken.

The lower level of the terrace contained an enclosed dance space with a fog machine and lasers. We felt a little out of our element, but it was so much fun! I have never seen so many chic and beautiful people in my life! Our entrance tickets might have said "Normal Chica" and we might not have been able to stand in certain parts of the garden, but for the night, we felt like VIP! It is not a world that I necessarily crave or desire to become a part of (I am pretty content with archeology museums and walks through the park with friends), but I am really glad I went for the unique experience.

The metro and bus system do not run after 1 am so we grabbed a taxi to head back home and climbed into bed a little after 5 am. Today we plan on taking it easy. We are going to the one of the parks to feed the ducks, reading, playing cards, and possibly watching a Flamenco show.

Speaking of shows, the World Cup is a very big deal here, and last night Spain played its third game and won against Honduras. Kendra and I watched the game and cheered as the ball soared into the net and sighed as Alfonso, number 14 and my favorite player, was injured. All of the cafes outside our apartment have TVs set up to watch the games each day, and last night, we could easily hear their cheers wafting through the open window. Spaniards also really like fireworks, and every time they go off, my first thought is that it is a gun! Maybe by mid July it will not startle me anymore.