La Peñíscola

Day 6: Saturday, May 28


Today the program divided into two groups for day trips to destinations near Valencia.  I was assigned to the group visiting Peñíscola, a beautiful beach centered around the Castle of Peñiscola.  The castle was erected by the Knights Templar but is best known for being the residence of Benedict XIII during the schism of occident...he is known as the "Papa Luna" and is considered an "antipope," someone who opposes the Roman Catholic pope and makes a competing claim for the title of Pope.  I don't know all the history of the place or situation, but there's a lot of interesting history behind it!

We started out with an overcast day, but the clouds soon parted and allowed some sun to stream forth.  The sea immediately turned from the routine, blue-gray to which I've grown accustomed to the most turquoise, sparkling body that I've ever had the privilege to see.  We had lunch on the beach and relaxed for a short time (I was one of the few to prevent skin cancer....clouds still mean UV exposure!).


We then headed up to the castle for a brief tour of the layout.  The hill upon which it rested reminded me more of a Greek acropolis than a Spanish town.  The houses on the hill are painted white with little red and blue roofs, and the streets are narrow and steep as can be.

Left: my new friend Emily Green!

The castle patio.

The chapel in the castle.

The views from the castle were simply breathtaking! Every time I climbed up a set of stairs, I thought I'd found a view of the serene blue ocean that couldn't be beat....then there was always another set of stairs just around the corner!

When we returned to Valencia, Emily and I ate a quick dinner with Adela before she prodded us to go out and watch the Manchester United vs. Futból Club de Barcelona game.  We met up with some people at a nearby restaurant called Las Gárgolas, named likely for the gargoyles that flank the bridge outside its doors.  The owners of the place, Roberto and Manolo, are as charming as its decór.  They both speak English well, but they are still eager to learn more.  We talked to them in Spanish, receiving many corrections, and they in turn would talk to us in English - it was a wonderfully reciprocal arrangement, and I hope to return for more help and advice with the language!

One of the gárgolas!

The group with Roberto (far right) and a few of his regular customers.

P.S. While I normally would cheer for Manchester United, when in Spain.....it was terribly exciting to see Barcelona win and hear the eruptions in the street with each goal they scored!


Foods that I tried today:
Breakfast: Nothing new
Lunch: A stuffed croissant, a bocadillo (sandwich) with some orangey thing and cheese, sweet bread, and a Valencian orange
Dinner: Salad with some sort of dressing and croquetas, which was chicken and rice encased in breadcrumbs.  Strawberries after dinner per usual.