The biggest surprises

 A few days after we arrived in Valencia, Mitch’s sister Lori asked us what was the most surprising. A few days in we were still processing everything. But after being here for almost three weeks there are a few things that are standing out. 

Let’s start with the grocery store. Every store has a seafood or fish market on site. We’re talking whole fish, shellfish, crustaceans, squid etc on ice. Most of them still have faces and if you get to close the smell can be overpowering. But it’s the Mediterranean…the seafood is so fresh! 

 

My picture is from far away because I didn’t want people to think I was a total weirdo taking pictures of the dead fish!

The grocery stores also have these areas with hanging pork…like the entire hind quarters of hogs hanging. I’m not really sure of all the details but I’ve seen them take a leg down and shave “jamón” right off the bone. I’m guessing they are seasoned differently. And you can find “fuet” in every store. We’ve had the truffle and the pimiento so far, and it’s delicious. Kind of like gourmet salami! 

The produce section is pretty fantastic too! The selection isn’t great in some stores, but there are “farmers markets” and stores that specialize in produce. What I love is that they have stations set up in the produce aisle where you can weigh your things right there and print the upc sticker and price. It definitely eliminates holding up the line while the cashier rings up your produce. Get on this, America!!!

And lastly, driving! Not gonna lie, I was very nervous about this at first. Not speaking the language, not being able to read the signs…not to mention their signs are different than our signs in America. I got the hang of it quickly, but one thing that sure is different is all the roundabouts! We had several when we lived in New Jersey, but these are two and sometimes three or four lanes, especially in the city. You can’t turn left. It’s quite the adjustment.