That I really love it here in Valencia!
An interesting aspect of the city is that there is such a neat combination of the very old, rich history, as well as the modern. For example, yesterday my friend Jordan and I explored a cathedral (with an awesome fresco on its ceiling, and a hall of fame with statues of the patriarchs), a UNESCO World Heritage site called the Silk Exchange, and other parts of the historic district. Then, we went for a run through the river down to the City for Arts and Sciences, which has sweet, very modern architecture. Yes, we ran through a river; in the 1960s, the river that runs through the city flooded, so they diverted it around the city, and the old riverbed got converted into a park that runs through the city. It's quite nice!
Another element that is different in Spain is the timing of a day, specifically here in Valencia on the weekends. During the week, we normally don't eat lunch until 2-2:30, as the siesta time runs from then until about 5. At this time, schools and businesses open back up, I return to classes, and then we will eat dinner around 8-9. However, during the weekends meals might get pushed back another hour, and then even after that most of the young adults will go out to cafés to hang out with their friends. It is certainly a different life, and while I don't mind the afternoon naps, it is a bit tricky to adapt at first.
Also, this morning we took a bus half an hour north to the city of Segunto, where there is A CASTLE. Okay, so maybe it is only the ruins of the castle, but still it was awesome to be able to see where three civilazions over the last two millenia have lived. There is a Moorish section on top of the one side of the mountain, a Roman section on the other, and then in the middle they were connected during the middle ages. It was so cool to be able to see history up close, and be able to touch everything... And climb it too! Unlike everything in the United States, there were pretty much no rules, and no railings. It was great. Plus, we had an awesome view of the ocean, and a distant view of Valencia.
About to eat dinner, so I'll write more later!