Oh, such a perfect day...

So... Friday evening, into the city to meet up with Los Valencianos (Haroun, Tom, Sam and Abbie). A lovely evening comparing notes (aka Talking Like Teachers. There was some Laughing Like Teachers, too) in a small local bar, then a short, meandering walk to a local Syrian restaurant for late food and a few more drinks.

The plan was to get up early the next morning, but as these things go, it was a leisurely start, five attempts at making a plan, abandoning the plan and heading for a bike hire shop that Tom passes on his way to school. Steven had joined us by this point

Bike hire - best decision of the week. Valencia is ideal for cycling; it's cheap, flatter than Amsterdam and there are bike lanes everywhere.

We set off for the coast, cycled north along the beach and stopped for lunch at Port Saplaya. My first taste of paella - Valencian style - delicious!

Port Saplaya seems to be an exclusive little holiday village / marina, with lots of boats moored alongside pretty apartment buildings along with a few restaurants and bars. Well worth a visit.

Refuelled and rested, it was back on the bikes to go along the wide beachside boulevard for walkers, runners, skaters and cyclists to enjoy the sights. 

At this point the afternoon took a dangerous turn, when two or three bikes collided and I was thrown from my bike and hit the ground with a sidewalk-splitting crash. There was an ominous silence while the others checked to see if I was dead. I wasn't.

As my injuries were more emotional than physical NOBODY put there first-aid training to use, but it only took a matter of seconds for the whole gang to turn on Sam and point the finger of guilt very firmly in his direction. Sam was very apologetic, but I can't talk about it too much more as the matter is now in the hands of my solicitors. 

The group - clearly now cowed by the shadow of potential tragedy - cycled on, battling their tears. Back into Valencia through streets of old buildings and into the beautiful park. It's a fantastic mix of ancient and modern architecture, fountains, green spaces and picnic areas that runs through the heart of the city.

Oh - and a bird pooped on Tom's head. Perfect end to a perfect day!