Things in Spain and Valencia that foreigners find weird

Posted by Lucy on 8 junio, 2016 2 Comments

Last month, the nation's favourite cultural magazine, Vice, published an article called Immigrants explain what shocked them most about the Spanish culture [in Spanish]. It inspired me to do a similar version about Valencia even though, as you'll see, the majority of things on this list may as well be geared towards Spain in general. Here's our take on some of the things that shocked us most about life in España. Before anyone gets uppity and starts commenting profound thoughts like "Go home and don't come back then if that's how you feel, you dick", please note that this post is by no … [Read more...]

Cosas de España y Valencia que les parecen raras a los guiris

Posted by Lucy on 8 junio, 2016 1 Comment

El mes pasado la revista cultural favorita del populacho, Vice, publicó un post llamado Inmigrantes nos explican qué es lo que más les chocó de la cultura española. Y me inspiró hacer una versión para Valencia aunque, ya veréis, que la mayoría de las cosas que figuran abajo también van para España en general. A continuación se puede ver lo que chocó más a mis amigos guiris de la cultura valenciana y española. Antes de que vayáis soltando comentarios en plan "Si no te gusta, vete a tu país y no vuelvas, cabrona", que sepáis este post no sirve para criticar a España/Valencia/TÚ en lo más … [Read more...]

Las Fallas

Las Fallas. To those of you who are familiar with Valencia’s biggest, loudest and most fiery fiesta of the year, these two small words may conjure up chaotic images of flames, smoke, noise and crowded streets. Batten down the hatches, Fallas is here. Read more here: Fallas is coming! Fallas 2015 in photos

#Fallas2015 in photos

Posted by Lucy on 25 marzo, 2015 1 Comment

As the final tear trickles down the cheek of the fallera mayor, Valencia looks mournfully into the smoke-filled distance and, like a phoenix flying out of the ashes, announces the silver lining that is the arrival of #Fallas2016. That's it. It's over. Se acabó. But, like every year, emotional falleros take to the web to reassure each other that, in a mere 350 days, they'll be back to causing a nuisance. Meanwhile for others: Peace and quiet return. Your liver breathes a sigh of relief. Spring is welcomed. Here are some photos of Fallas 2015: Caloret, misteleta, fallas y … [Read more...]

Fallas is coming!

Posted by Lucy on 23 febrero, 2014 5 Comments

The smell of smoke is in the air, there is a neverending cacophony of masclets and mobile discos and a gaggle of Valencian children, with no sense of danger whatsoever, are using you as firework target practice... Batten down the hatches - Fallas is upon us. Prepare yourselves for what will probably be the loudest, most fun-filled, drunken and sleep depriven week of your lives. That's right, between the 15th and 19th of March Valencia turns into party central in order to commemorate San José. So what are you likely to see/hear? - Fallas - Hundreds of wooden and papier-mâché sculptures … [Read more...]

Spotlight on: Ruzafa

Posted by Lucy on 4 febrero, 2014 4 Comments

Ruzafa, a barrio located to the south of Valencia city centre, has, at least for the past 3 years, been a neighbourhood frequented by cool kids, hippies and self-proclaimed artists. Before becoming it's "up and coming" self, Ruzafa was previously a neighbourhood primarily inhabited by Latin American, Maghrebian and Chinese immigrants. Ruzafa's new identity is reflected in the amount of quirky bars, vintage shops and alternative nightclubs that now populate the streets. Because of it's arty-farty reputation, Ruzafa also boasts many examples of street art. One artist that springs to mind is … [Read more...]