Valencia, Spain - Sunday walk

 I am still fighting a cough that started about a week ago and, of course, jet lag too, so today was a "take it easy day".  

Also because I slept quite badly and saw yet another sunrise.

I googled how to use the Dolce Gusto coffee maker and was glad I did as I hadn't realized it had a dial to change the cup size. The only pods I found at the grocery store were expresso so I used a LOT of milk and created a fair latte. I love European Greek style yogurt. It is so much creamier than the North American kind. Of course I googled this question and found out that it is made differently - milk from specific breeds of cows and sometimes sheep or goats, different bacterial cultures, less sugar, less (often no) gelatin or added starch and slower low temperature heating.

After my usual morning routine of 2 coffees, breakfast, facebook, emails, Duolingo and the New York Times puzzles I thought it was probably warm outside now and went for a walk.

Out of the gate and turned left (north) on "the Passeig" and realized it was Sunday, lots of people about and a couple of restaurants open.

 

The beach side is dunes, grasses, shrubs, trees and

paths to the beach.

The other side starts as apartments and hotels then low rise buildings and private homes interspersed with green space

and parking lots. I imagine this area is crazy in the summer. Such a huge beach and lots of accommodations.

People were strolling, walking, jogging, biking, roller blading and using electric scooters. It was a bit of a free for all because not everyone kept to the right of the path. There were people in winter coats but most had them over their arm and I saw some in t-shirts. I started with a fleece and vest on but shortly peeled down to a long sleeved t-shirt and was too hot.

A flock of birds flew across the path and into the long grasses. There were flashes of bright orange so I tried to get a good look.

Took a bit of googling (now a verb) but they were Common Waxwings. Native to Africa but found in Spain. First I've ever seen.

I walked until I had to choose between walking on a road or the beach and chose the beach. Sign about protecting the dunes.

3 catamarans and a Laser dinghy were awaiting warmer water. 

I sat on the stony sand and just soaked it all in - the sun, light breeze, sound of waves on the beach (video follows for those who also enjoy that sound)

I walked back along the beach for a while, lovely sea smoothed stones at the high tide edge.

Mum would have called him a "wooferly dog"

wet and bedraggled he was having a great time chasing his young owner in and out of the waves.

As I headed back off the beach I took some photos 

that I may use in future

paintings.

Someone is looking after the feral cats...food and water

I couldn't see a notch in their ears

so unfortunately they haven't been spayed.

Light lunch and then I started on a painting.