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.