This morning I got on train and left Madrid. I really enjoyed my time here mainly because of my simple routine. Don’t get me wrong – Madrid is beautiful, vibrant, electric, and complex. But I enjoyed it the most for the simplicity it offered me. Wake up, eat cereal, go to the pool, find bubble tea … etc. It was refreshing to find a normal routine in three months of exciting chaos.

But I was also happy to put routine behind me as I headed to Valencia.

When people mention their favorite cities in Spain, I often hear about Valencia. Being close to the beach, maintaining historical significance, and providing delicious paella, it really raises the bar.

As I was checking into my hostel, the free walking tour was about to head out. I quickly threw my things into a locker and left with them. Having only been in Valencia for 10 minutes, I was immediately engulfed into the beauty of it. It’s charming yet bustling, and that’s a combination that I adore.

I also got to try Horchata for the first time, which sent me immediately into song (honestly what is this song even about??).

After the tour, I headed to the laundromat. Not so fun fact: I haven’t been able to get rid of the bed bugs completely. After two weeks of zero bed bug activity, I randomly got bit again in Madrid. Check out my chubby foot:

So I went to the laundromat with the intention of washing absolutely everything I own in “muy caliente” water. I will end these bed bugs if it’s the last thing I do.

It also showed me how very little clothes I have.