Visible Light

 Jenni and I booked an afternoon of sailing on the Mediterranean through Air Bnb.  We got to the dock and met Maria from Seattle, on a business trip and sneaking in an afternoon on her own, and Felicia, a PhD student in genetics in Spain to present a paper.  All were fun and we had a nice relaxing time. Casper had us working a bit to help launch the sails, get the boat back at dock and eat all the tapas he made for us! Jenni enjoying the peace of the quiet sailing through the sea. Maria from Seattle: Felicia from Georgia: Casper, our captain The sailboat in this picture was owned by the former King of Sweden.  As Casper said, "he's kind of dead now."

 One excursion with the students is to an historic farm where they are famous for their wood fired paella.  So good.  And oh my the dishes kept coming.  From some beans in oil that are crunchy, to steamed artichokes, salad, patas bravas (of course), paella, roasted pumpkin and cake.   I learned that a proper paella should be able to hold the pan vertically and all stays in place!

  Seems like everyone we met suggested Casa Montana.  After a bit of a challenge, we got a reservation.  But could only have the table for 2 hours.  Thought that would be enough but were surprised.  We ordered the chef's tasting menu and for a mere 10 euro, we added the wine pairings.  They were full glasses, not tasting pours. Super fun to be at this historic restaurant with excellent service from Oscar, the need to duck under the bar to get to the back to the restroom, the amazing food that we were able to enjoy. Chef's Tasting Menu:  A selection of our most traditional tapas since 1836, the year our house was founded. Mediterranean red tuna marinated in 7 spices ·        Ceviche style but not with lime.   It had a flavorful olive oil over the top.   Acorn-fed ham 100% Iberian breed black label A fairly large plate of thinly sliced ham with some spices sprinkled over top.   I dipped the ham in the leftover olive oil from the tuna and that was decadent.

 My international tourism class has a couple of walking tours set up. The students chose the tours.  The purpose is to meet locals in tourism and learn more about the culture of Spain and Valencia.  This should help them with their projects in the class.  Plus the guides are more interesting than my lectures. I used a website called withlocals.com.  It's all over Europe and the guides are average locals who show you what interests them. Our guide was Danny from Yorkshire, England.  Says if he'd been in Game of Thrones, his family would have been Starks. Below is the site of the Water Court.  It's the oldest continuous oral court.  They meet every Thursday at noon.  Farmers with complaints about the quality of the water or if another is taking more than their fair share come here to express there concerns.  The court is made up of other farmers.. no attorneys .. who hear cases.  Most cases are resolved before the start of the court, and the decisions announced at court. They

  Here I post random photos and stories that I pick up on my morning wanderings.  I add to these from time to time.  So worth a scroll. I found this street art in Old Town.  Loved it as she's a Ginger and a Cyclist.  Just wish she did not have the smudge on her eye. Dawn on an early morning walk. A few sites along beach.   My favorite restaurant.  Yes, that is the blue of the Mediterranean at sunset in the distance. El Saler is a cute town along the coast near Albufera Nature Reserve     I love this sign at one of the entrances to the bike trail to the beach:  No musical instruments or flower picking allowed!!  I've yet to see a turtle.   Finally saw the turtle El Palmer is a quirky small village (La Mancha) with 2 streets, 3 blocks and 39 paella restaurants...yes I counted them.  See more below... El Palmar is a tiny town near Albufer National Reserve.  As I rode into town they had a sign that they were the original paella location.  Around here everyone brags about their pael