As the old saying goes, when in Valencia, do as the Valencians do…or something like that. In these articles we try to encapsulate some of the details that make living here quite so enjoyable and help you live a little bit more like a local does.
Picture the scene
Typically, Valencia isn’t a very quiet place. Its densely packed streets tend to be teeming with life, people always coming and going, socialising or working. Cafes spill out into the street, many happy to sit outside regardless of the traffic and city ambiance. When I first arrived in Valencia, I was convinced that locals here speak louder than in other parts of Spain, you hear them calling out friends passing by, leaving voice messages on their phone or ordering another tercio. Before here we lived somewhere quieter and I was a little unsure that the reputation the Spanish have of being noisy. Arriving here, I quickly changed my mind. I distinctly remember waiting for a bus on Gran Via wondering if I could get use to the noise of life here. Now, it has become normal to me, an expression of the city that loves living outside and life on the street.
Sunday mornings are an exception to this rule, as most of Valencia enjoys a collective lie in. A moment of calm in an otherwise hectic schedule. Valencia sits sedate at this time, hiding very convincingly its size and its importance. Taking the time to go out at this time is a true pleasure. A chance to see a different face to this endlessly inventive urbanisation. With shops closed and shutters down; streets and entire neighbourhoods feel different. The early morning air is the perfect time to reflect on the week past or what the next will hold. Or if that doesn’t appeal, you could always let your mind go blank for a moment and wander wherever your nose takes you. Both are valid options at this time and there are no rules on what you must or mustn’t do.
Watch the city waking up
When one walks down the streets, observe the city slowly waking up. The sounds of large parasols and tables being dragged outside, glass shattering as it is thrown into the green recycling bins. When you see people passing by they often seem to be unassuming dog walkers. Enjoying these mornings more often must be one of the of benefits of having a dog, giving you the perfect excuse every week. Everything is all done at a pace that seems almost comically slow, like someone pressed the slow-mo button. Everyone seems content to take their time, unannoyed by little Zorro sniffing yet another lamppost. Going slow is not something that comes very naturally to me but it sure does feel good!
There are things that I do differently on Sundays that I don’t do on any other day. Rules that I follow almost religiously on mornings like this. I resist the temptation to walk fast, slowing myself down when I quite naturally start to speed up. I might have an idea in mind where I am heading but I don’t go straight there. Avoid the main roads and traffic and instead walk down streets I have not been down before. Half the fun is being not quite sure where they lead. I enjoy this moment of calm, knowing that in a matter of hours it will be gone again for another week. If you have the chance, these fleeting moments can be reflective, taking on an almost meditative quality. A type of therapy after a none-stop week
Hungry yet?
This kind of wandering goes well with a slow brunch and very often this is where I like to end up. Listen carefully to the pockets of sound, those that have braved the morning can often be found here. There are cafes open but not as many as you would imagine. I don’t normally do brunch, certainly not in the week. It’s too decadent and time consuming for any other day, but now, on a slow Sunday it seems the perfect idea. In Valencia you have many options on what to go for.
What do you fancy this morning? Valencia is a city that embraces the idea of almuerzo and that could be one option. If you do then what type of Bocadillo do you want? I have my favourites and I am sure you will have yours. If you are looking for a starting point then ask for a Serranito which is a baguette combing pork and peppers with ham and hopefully a lot of garlic alioli.
Brunch in Valencia
Fancy something a bit more sophisticated? There are also plenty of other options, you can find crepes, eggs benedict, French toast and more if you look hard enough. You earned this so my best piece of advice is to sit, linger and savour. Order that second coffee, or the Cremat. The world can wait!
I encourage you to find your own spot for this Sunday Morning but as always at The Inside Guide we have you covered, click here for one of our favourite places for coffee and something delicious to eat. Looking for somewhere to go after your brunch, well you could do a lot worse then checking out the CCCC. What’s that? Click here to find out more!
‘there are no rules on what you must or mustn’t do’
