Valencia, Spain

Posted on September 17, 2023 by lindaharley

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, which happened to be a question on El Cazador, the Spanish version of The Chase. It has something for everyone, with a beach, marina, old buildings, great restaurants and a superb public transport system.

We bought the Valencia Travel Card, which gave 3 days on any of the buses trains and trams, as well as a free drink and tapa in the cafe at the top of El Cortes Ingles, and discounts on the entrance to other attractions.

Its central market is famous, and houses a stunning array of meat, fish, cheese, fruit and veg, as well as other items.

We visited the cathedral, which has a beautiful octagonal tower, whose windows are made from thin stone.

Another highlight was a visit to Oceanografic, part of the City of Arts and Sciences.

It is made up of different zones, such as tropical, temperate, arctic, and is home to some mesmerizing jellyfish, a pair of beluga whales, sharks, rays and turtles.

There are 2 tunnels where you can walk underneath the fish tanks, as the various creatures swim over and around you.

The cafe serves and nice selection of sandwiches, coffee and beer, while underneath there is an amazing restaurant, Submarino, where you can dine while surrounded by a giant fish tank.

Plenty of restaurants do a “men del dia” for around 10-13 euros, which includes a drink and bread. A glass of wine was around 3 euros. Favourite breakfast was tostada with tomato pulp, served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

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Cowfest Northern Ireland 2023

Posted on September 17, 2023 by lindaharley

Cow cowls are worn by parkrun tourists as an easy way of recognising each other on our visits. You can wear them at your home event as well. Cowfests started a few years ago as a way of selecting one event on a particular day that tourists could try to attend as a meet-up. In 2022 they were spread geographically, and NI had its first one at Knockbracken Reservoir parkrun.

Special selfie frames were produced for the different regions, and I have been carefully hanging on the the Norn Irn one all year.

In 2023 the venue chosen was Citypark Craigavon. Venues ideally have good facilities, parking, loos, cafe etc, as well as being easy to get to.

The core team at Citypark embraced the whole idea, and had a special cake produced.

RD Johnny sported cow ears and tail, and jingled his cowbells.

The cafe did a special bacon bap and a cuppa deal.

Tourists came from far and wide – Steven Alder and co flew in from London on the 6 am flight and were catching the last flight home again. A couple from Lincoln had been here for over a week, and had done their 200th event barefoot at Narin beach the previous Saturday. Others had been spending a few days seeing the sights.

Someone came up from Cabinteely, Dublin.

The selfie frame was very popular, though it was difficult herding all the cows together for a group photo.

There was lots of laughter and sharing of stories and memories. Someone even remembered me from when I produced a bottle of Bush whiskey for those who had “double Bushied”. And the crack continued in the cafe afterwards.

It was fantastic to see so many people, and big thanks to the team at Citypark for making us all so welcome.

Now, I’d better store that selfie board safely till next year!

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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