Unforgettable Aussies
  • Home
  • Books
  • Reviews
  • Stories
    • Dusty
    • Thistle
    • Sunny
    • Bonzo
    • London
    • Dude
    • Flintridge Aussies
  • Contact

My Little Town of L'Eliana.

11/27/2017

Comments

 
Picture
Let me take you on a tour of L'Eliana, the Spanish town where I live. It's a 20-minute train ride north and west of Valencia. When I moved here, I chose to live without a car and I use the train and bus systems, which are excellent. It's easy and inexpensive to get around.
Picture
The trains are punctual—so you'd better be too! They stop at each of the small towns for half a minute. That's 30 seconds for passengers to get off and others to board.
Picture
I enjoy riding on the trains. They are clean, air conditioned, and safe. I listen intently to the announcement about which stop is next to learn how the names are pronounced. Like Benaguasil, Les Carolines-Fira, and the one that drives me crazy, Ángel Guimerá. Because it doesn't sound anything like it's spelled.
Picture
Picture
I hop off at the train station in L'Eliana, which is a 12-minute walk from my apartment. Except when I miss the stop because I'm on Facebook and I end up at the next town. Like last Friday night.
Picture
Let me walk with you up the street from the train station. Our first stop is the Mercadona (supermarket) which is one of three modern grocery stores in L'Eliana. Lots of seafood is eaten in Spain, including shellfish, squid, octopus, eel, and fish. The big one is a Lubina (sea bass) that weighed in at over 13 lbs.
Picture
We'll stop at a small fruit and vegetable store tucked in along main street. They have lovely produce which is amazingly affordable. But you need to get there before it closes at 2. Traditional customs live on—almost every store closes at 2 p.m. daily for the mid-day meal/siesta and reopens about 5.
Picture
If we're up bright an early, we can shop at the Wednesday market. On offer are clothing, shoes, textiles, house plants, handbags. And if we're lucky, the Olive Guy will be there. You have no idea how delicious the olives are in Spain!
Picture
Picture
L'Eliana has beautiful parks. This one's glass mosaic sculptures remind me of Gaudi's Parc Guell in Barcelona.
Picture
The park is a favorite place for little kids to play during the day. Teenagers and families gather here in the evening.

L'Eliana's streets are lined with buildings that contrast ornate, time-honored architecture with newer, minimalist structures.

Picture
Beautiful architectural detail: Tile house number.
Picture
Traditional stone, wood and iron entryway.
Picture
Ironwork on door.
Picture
Picture
Picture
We'll pass traditional homes as we walk toward the modern Centre de Formación Persones Adultes (Adult Training Center) where I take Spanish lessons. L'Eliana also has a public swimming pool and an outdoor theater. The theater reminds me of drive-in movie theaters in the U.S., only with chairs instead of cars.
Picture
Picture
We can stroll down side streets and enjoy the feeling of being in a true Spanish town where stucco walls are painted in bright colors.
Picture
Then there's the matter of cats. Lots of cats. I thought this one might be dead until he lifted his scruffy head and looked at me. And went back to sleep.
Picture
Courtyards provide privacy, security, air, light, and tranquility. Most homes have courtyards that are encircled by stucco-covered walls. If this wall could talk, it would tell us fascinating stories about the history of L'Eliana.
Picture
I'm in love with the feeling of courtyards. There's something secretive about them. I slipped my camera lens between bars of an iron gate to snap this photo. 
Picture
We'll wind our way toward the town square. The handsome Ajuntament (City Hall) faces the square and the church. In summer, kids stay cool by running (and screaming) through the fountains. Apparently the screaming helps. I don't know how.
Picture
The beautiful Parróquia Verge del Carme (Catholic church) sits opposite the City Hall. I love listening to its bells ring out the time of day. That's such a wonderful tradition!
Picture
Right next to the church is a plaza with palm trees and the Taller Artesano (artisan workshop). The painting on the wall is maravilloso (marvellous)! Why haven't I stopped in there yet?
Picture
Although L'Eliana is steeped in tradition, there are many modern stores and trendy services available. If you'd like to go home with some fresh ink, there's a tattoo shop just two blocks from my apartment. You can have your hair and nails done, buy fashionable clothes, get photocopies made, and shop for fancy electronic gadgets.

Spain's blending of old and new is fascinating to me. I loved being immersed in the stunning historic architecture and rich cultural traditions, and yet I have WiFi! It doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for joining me on this brief tour of my little town.
Comments

      Don't miss a thing! 
      Pop your email in the box below and I'll let you know once a month about my fun new posts.

    YES. Sign me up!
    Picture

    Paula McDermid

    I love Australian Shepherd dogs and travel! Join me as I explore Europe, meet Aussies and their owners, and discover exciting places you'd love to visit.

    I moved to Europe from the U.S. in May 2017 and haven't looked back! My dream is to share with you the exquisite beauty of castles, cathedrals, and communities in the Old World. 

    I hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams. Come and explore with me!


    Categories

    All
    Adventure
    Architecture
    Art
    Auckland
    Australia
    Australian Shepherd
    Barcelona
    France
    Germany
    Holidays
    Moving To Europe
    Netherlands
    New Zealand
    Practical Matters
    Spain
    Tattoo
    Travel
    United Kingdom
    Valencia
    Wine

Site updated 01 January 2023    
ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS IN THIS BLOG ARE PROTECTED BY OFFICIAL COPYRIGHT FROM THE UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT OFFICE.
​Copyright 2023 © All Rights Reserved. Paula McDermid / Bainbridge Press. www.paula-mcdermid.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of material on this website is strictly prohibited without express and written permission from this site’s author/owner. Excerpts may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Paula McDermid and www.paula-mcdermid.com with a link to the original content.  PRIVACY POLICY