London Zoo, or ZSL, report.

It is truly hard to believe that about ten years ago this zoo was in serious financial trouble, with the fear of closing a stark reality, but as with all trends, it had failed to change with the times and was stuck in the Victorian era with outdated paddocks and buildings that were poor for the inhabitants, as well as the visitors.
The turn around into a modern zoo has been met largely through good planning and huge personal donations from people who know the value of enjoyment and education for the children.
And what an era it has chosen to reform!
Global warming, pollution, endangered species and mans mission to destroy, are all constantly in the news.

Gone are the elephants and rhinos, moving to the greater pastures at the sister zoo at Whipsnade, near Luton. The grade 2 listed penguin pool, all concrete and slides, remains but the penguins have a better life in their new larger pen.
There is still so much more to do here, but there is a good feeling that the gorilla kingdom project has created a real buzz that brings people into a very special place. At last we are learning about the projects that the Zoological Society is carrying out throughout the world to save the animals, their habitation, as well as educating the local people to treasure, rather than kill, for all of us and the generations to come.

Valencia. Spains Hidden Treasure.

A break from London, and really a step into the unknown as I hadn't done much homework on the history aspect of Spain's third largest city.

One remarkable asset is a dried river bed that has been turned into one of Europe's finest walks. The existing river was prone to flooding and was diverted away from the old city. Now it is full of fountains, soccer pitches, art, tres and gardens, that is away from the roar of the traffic raised up on either side. The trees offer shelter from the sweltering 32 degree heat with a light, and very welcome, breeze. Right at the end of these joined parks is truly a sight to behold as Valencia shows of its style with a series of buildings that are both modern and functional. The opera house (pictured above), the science and arts centre, and an ocean centre, at a cost of some 2 million euros, is providing the local population and tourists with excellent exhibitions and sea life. Dolphins are the star attractions as the trainers take them through an outstanding performance. Aquariums that make the sea life centres seem dated elsewhere.

The old city centre is, as expected, busy at all times as people head for the train station or of to the adjoining Bullring. There is plenty of Plazas to sit and unwind in, and I must admit I was caught up in the frenzy of shopping that the Spanish excel in. Good bargains at cheap prices.

Valencia is likely to become the permanent home to the Americas Cup, the worlds premier yachting competition. The beach's stretch for miles, but there is signs that perhaps local people and their homes are making way for high investment in hotels and playboy type homes. If this is the case it is a tragedy, because the people are the heartbeat of this city.