During much of our visit to Spain, the weather was unseasonably gray, cold, and rainy.  Thus the moment I stepped off the train in Valencia and was greeted by golden rays, my heart filled with joy, like only a southern California gal’s could.  Thankfully, the weather remained nice and mild for our entire stay, keeping me perfectly warm and sun soaked.

The Astronomer and I visited the Mercado Central (central market) on our first full day in Valencia. Built in the early twentieth century, the market was bathed in an abundance of natural light and decorated with colorful ceramics and mosaics at every turn. The domed ceiling, with its sky-high windows, was especially gorgeous.

Nearly all of the vendors were hawking some sort of raw ingredient, like meat, cheeses,  spices, or produce. A small number sold traditional groceries and household items. Unlike the Boqueria in Barcelona, not a single stall sold prepared foods. The entire space was impeccably clean, meat and seafood stalls included.

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