Valencia, Spain - travel and arrival

Last year I splurged and flew first class when I went to Thailand. Mark told me it would spoil me and I would not want to go back to economy. He was right. I again splurged for the flights to Spain. I really just wanted to sleep better and not arrive so exhausted. On the way back, daytime flights, I am taking economy.

This meant that after Rick dropped me at the airport, got checked in and through security, I could sit in comfort in the KLM lounge, eating and drinking for free. Then just walk to the gate and walk right on the plane. I'd really like to get used to this (but can't justify or afford it regularly)

 

I settled into my "pod" with champagne and water.

With the safety video KLM's Delft theme started.

Along with cushions, a blanket,  and a little pouch (containing a sleep mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm and hand lotion) in the pod, there was also a menu for dinner, breakfast and drinks, to order from.

I had a light meal: soup, salad and a desert. Chris asked if I would get real cutlery. Yes!

Lying down I did get a good four hours sleep but then they cruelly turn on the cabin lights and hustle you to have breakfast as the sun is coming up.

The Delft theme continues.

I was also given this little ceramic house with gin inside it.

 

KLM's Delft houses started in the 1950s as a clever way to bypass regulations against airline gifts by presenting miniature Dutch houses filled with Bols gin, making them unique cocktail vessels for World Business Class passengers. These sought-after collectibles, replicas of real Dutch buildings, became a permanent tradition, with a new house introduced annually on KLM's October 7th anniversary, keeping pace with the airline's age since 1994, and growing into a major cultural phenomenon and collector's item.  AI summary.

The one I have is the 106th design. They are for sale on etsy priced from about $15 and up, depending on their rarity.

I landed in Amsterdam where it was cold, grey and rainy. Which actually was a relief because flights had been terribly disrupted by winter snow storms over the previous week and there was another one coming.

 

There wasn't a lounge close to my gate and Amsterdam airport is huge, so lots of walking. So I sat and people and plane watched for a couple of hours before boarding a "city hopper" for the 2hr flight to Valencia.

 

I picked up my luggage, called the hotel for the shuttle and was in my room by 5:30 to read this rather effusive welcome letter

which was accompanied by water and a slice of apple cake. That was supper because I was too exhausted to go looking for food. I managed to stay awake until 8pm and slept on and off until 6am. Wide awake so down to breakfast and then taxi to the apartment.

From the balcony. I did a little unpacking but wanted to get out into that sun and to grocery shop before the jet lag set in again.

This is Passeig Maritim 9 Octubre which is pedestrian and runs along between the buildings and the beach.

October 9th in Spain, known as 9 d'Octubre, is the official Day of the Valencian Community, commemorating King James I's conquest of Valencia from the Moors in 1238, symbolizing the region's identity, autonomy, and cultural heritage, while also being the feast day of Sant Dionís (Saint Denis), the patron saint of lovers AI Overview.

A pathway through the dunes

 

brings you to a long sand beach.

Sunny and clear, about 14 degrees, but a cool wind so I was wearing a fleece. Most people were in winter coats.

Looking back at my building

That's my balcony. It faces East and is in the shade of the L of the building so I don't think it will get sun in the months that I am here.

It was a 15 minute walk to the grocery store and I was really flagging carrying this lot back. (backpack for the heavy stuff and 2 bags)

First grocery shop $46 Euro (About $75) There is another grocery store so I will compare them for prices and variety but for now I have breakfast, lunch and a couple of dinners covered.

The rest of the day I spent finishing unpacking, organizing, bringing in the laundry that had been left to dry outside and reading. Pretty wiped out but trying to make it to 9pm tonight.