Today was orientation day at the AIP School in Valencia where we will be taking Spanish classes (yes, me, too) and where I will be teaching. The staff here is great–very helpful and well-organized. The highlight of the day was a 3-hour bike ride around town, specifically through the Turia River Bed Gardens, to la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (the City of Arts and Sciences–an architectural wonder) and to the waterfront and beach. We had a blast. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a bike, but it’s true what they say (you never forget how to, etc.) and I was proud of myself for keeping up with the “kids.” I’m having trouble walking this evening, however. 
I’m having some struggles in my apartment (no hot water, no internet access, etc.) but I’m trying to be patient in the Spanish way, and my landlady is working on it. The students seem to be generally happy with their host families; in most cases the senoras are cooking up a storm for them. Tomorrow we start Spanish classes.
Ready to go on our bike tour
We rode around the amazing "City of Arts and Sciences" designed by Santiago Calatrava.
The Palau de les Arts, the opera house.
The Hemisfèric, housing an Imax theater
The Umbracle, which houses a greenhouse and underground parking. There's also a science museum and one of the largest aquariums in Europe in the complex.
A view of the boardwalk on la playa.
Just trying to keep up.
Thanks Helen! So much fun visiting Valencia through your blog. Your photos are great. Good luck with the hot water – ugh! Your apartment looks wonderful.
Turned very cold here today with snow on the way this weekend.
Miss you.
Nancy