Valencia: A Fling, Not a Forever Love

Ah, Valencia. The city where I thought I had found "the one," only to discover—after a two-month deep dive—that it was more of a summer romance. A passionate, whirlwind affair, but alas, not built to last. Don’t get me wrong, I still like Valencia, but love? Nope. Let me spill the tea on this Mediterranean tryst: the good, the bad, and the downright baffling.

Why I’ll Always Have a Soft Spot

1. Fango, The Pottery Gym: My Happy Place
This gem of a studio saved the trip. Whether you’re crafting or just soaking up the creative vibes, every potter - novice or seasoned - must visit this studio. Dani, the owner, is incredibly kind and super talented making it the standout experience of my stay.

2. The Sea: A Salty Slice of Paradise
The Mediterranean is always a good idea. Even in spring, the beaches were alive with sunbathers and swimmers. The surrounding neighborhoods? Absolutely enchanting.

3. Our Airbnb: Cozy Grandma Vibes
Our apartment felt like a warm hug—quirky, lived-in, and charmingly imperfect. It was a great base for exploring the city, complete with balconies that soaked up Valencia’s sunny disposition.

4. Neighborhood Nirvana
Each district in Valencia offers its own unique flavor. From the historic streets of Old Town to the artsy charm of Russafa and upscale vibes of La Gran Via, exploring these pockets of culture was a delight.

5. Walkability: A Stroller’s Dream
Walking in Valencia is pure joy. Parks cut through the urban sprawl, offering green detours and a chance to dodge dog poop (watch your step!).

6. The Cemetery: Quiet, Peaceful, and Full of Stories
One of the most unexpected highlights was a serene walk through one of Valencia’s cemeteries. I have a soft spot for these places—they’re peaceful sanctuaries with stunning headstones that celebrate life as much as they mark its end. It was a beautiful contrast to the city’s constant energy.

7. Metro Magic
Though stations are spread out, the metro system is reliable for covering long distances. It’s a solid backup when your feet need a break.

8. Bike-Friendly Bliss
While we didn’t bike, Valencia’s cycling infrastructure deserves a shoutout. Bike paths crisscross the city, making it an ideal spot for two-wheeled exploration.

9. Green Spaces Galore
Turia Park and beyond offer plenty of places to breathe. Just don’t get too distracted by the views—you might step in something left by a less-considerate canine friend.

The Dealbreakers
1. Valencia Has Two Volumes: Loud and Louder
There’s no such thing as "quiet time" in this city. From the fiesta-filled streets to the morning construction symphonies, Valencia’s soundtrack is relentless. Noise-canceling headphones are not optional here; they’re survival gear.

2. Mugging in Turia Park: A Scooter Heist
Picture this: A serene walk through Turia Park turns into an adrenaline-pumping action movie. We were in the perfect spot to help, but we didn’t realize what was happening until it was too late. One moment, everything was calm; the next, we saw a man sprinting after a scooter and a woman trailing behind, tears streaming as she tried to catch up. Her purse had been snatched, and the thief was already speeding off into the distance. Lesson learned—parks here aren’t just green; they’re also "thrill zones."

3. Gym Life: Chaos and Cell Phones
Finding a good gym in Valencia is like searching for Wi-Fi in the wilderness. Overcrowded spaces, gym-goers endlessly scrolling on phones, and scarce CrossFit equipment had us gym-hopping just to complete a workout. Efficiency is clearly not their strong suit.

4. Sundays: A Day of Rest, Literally
Need groceries on a Sunday? Too bad. The entire city collectively naps on this holy day. Even the cafes join the strike, leaving you wondering if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a real-life siesta documentary.

5. Housing: Squatter’s Paradise
Turns out, owning property in Spain is a game of high-stakes Monopoly. Between tenant horror stories and squatter laws that practically invite long-term guests, housing here is... let’s say interesting. You know it’s bad when your Airbnb host and hairstylist start dishing out war stories.

6. Water Wars
Who knew water could be a luxury item? Valencia’s water plans cap usage, and we got dragged into a plumbing blame game when our Airbnb’s pipes decided to rebel. Pro tip: Be ready to defend your hydration habits.

7. Functionarios: Bureaucracy at its "Finest"
Government workers in Valencia redefine inefficiency. Buying a train ticket at the main station involved an hour-long wait and a nonsensical number system that rivaled a Kafka novel. Add strikes and non-operational trains, and you’ve got yourself a transportation adventure.

8. Homelessness: A Sobering Reality
Despite Spain’s socialist ethos, Valencia struggles with homelessness. Tent cities in parks and warnings about night-time safety made it hard to ignore the stark contrast between picturesque streets and the underlying social issues.

Final Verdict: A Great Visit, Not a Forever Home
Valencia has charm, no doubt. It’s vibrant, sunny, and endlessly walkable. But after two months, the romance faded. It’s a city that’s perfect for a fling—a heady, whirlwind experience—but not a long-term commitment.

Would I visit again? Absolutely. But move there? Hard pass. Sorry, Valencia, it’s not you... okay, maybe it is.