Warming Up at the Bioparc

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Feb. 5 2019


Turia
I ventured out this morning to walk the Turia. At one time this was a river, but it was filled in and is now an amazing green space and park that encircles much of the old town. It’s close to our apartment, and the walk is predictably photogenic. It was about 8:00 and there were more people out than I would have expected. Largely runners, but also walkers, dog walkers, couples and many bicyclists. It seems the park is incorporated into the everyday lives of Valencians. I watched a health coach lead two of his subjects through exercises. It all felt very civilized. 
Turia
Bioparc Valencia
We decide on the zoo as an afternoon destination. Kitty is a zoo enthusiast and I am more on the skeptic side of things. I was pleasantly surprised. The landscape controlled the human traffic more than it did the animals’ habitats, and everyone seemed relaxed and OK with life. It was the first warm day in 3 days of brutal wind and unusual cold. The animals and the humans seemed to share in the return of the warmth.












Bioparc Valencia

Lorena asks “what do you want to do?”  I love a good zoo.  We had read that Valencia has a good one so we set off today.  When the bus let us off we were in a Walmart type parking lot.  So strange to wander around trying to imagine a zoo here?  We made our way and as the guide books say “we were not disappointed”.  The layout and outdoor enclosures were well done with trees and tons of green space.   The animals seemed happy and  the babies!  The baby chimpanzees and gorillas were a treat.  “I could stay here all my life.”  The baby gorillas were interacting throwing mulch at each other.  I was in baby cuteness heaven.  When the play got too rough, momma would stand up.  That’s all it took.  Lorena took so many pictures her camera gave up sending her indecipherable messages.  It warmed up and we got hot.  I am so happy. 

Bioparc Valencia


Kitty fixed the Onttolenghi cauliflower salad and "lamb riblets" (our best approximation of the cut) with fresh English peas. We thoroughly enjoyed our Viña Pomal reserva. Amazing all around.
Lamb, peas and cauliflower salad




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