Adventures in Spain - Part Five of Eight
January 31, 2023-March 3, 2023
City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences (Valencian: Ciutat de les Arts I ies Ciencies) is a cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. It is the most important modern tourist destination in the city of Valencia and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain-Wikipedia.
There are several areas to explore which include: Oceanografic, Hemisferic, Science Museum, Palau de les Arts, Umbracle, CaixaForum Valencia, L’Assut d’Or and MORE!!!
Today, we will explore the Oceanografic which will also include a journey into the onsite Aviary. The Oceanografic is the largest of its type in Europe spanning 110,000 square metres (1,200,000 sq ft) and having a capacity of 42,000,000 litres (11,000,000 US gal) of water. The Oceanografic also has the largest dolphinarium in Europe which has a grandstand with a seating capacity of 1500 people. It is situated on the dry Turia River bed to the southeast of the city center of Valencia, Spain, where different marine habitants are represented. The aquarium is home to over 500 different species including dolphins, belugas, sawfish, jellyfish, starfish, sea urchins, walruses, sea lions, seals, penguins, turtles, sharks and rays. It also houses wetland bird species.
Our first adventure will be with the Oceanografic. The self-guided tour allows a relaxed and comfortable time to enjoy this new world. From ticket purchase to onsite assistance, a visit is a wonderful experience. It is truly a nice experience to see people of all ages, groups, a day with a significant other, a family outing with young children and the tour groups. During my visit, there was never a sense of being crowded or to busy. True, apparently I am visiting ‘off-season’, the facility is so well laid out, and with map in hand, you can always create your own path without feeling in a crowded environment.
The Aviary
In a large, 26 metre tall sphere, two of the most characteristic coastal wetlands of the planet are represented: the American mangrove and the Mediterranean marshland. Wetlands are one of the richest most productive ecosystems on the planet. They are the habitat for hundreds of endemic species of endangered flora DNA fauna; they shape beautiful landscapes; they regulate hydrological cycle and filter contaminants-therefore performing essential ecological functions. All wetlands are areas of transitions between land and aquatic areas. They can be continental or coastal.
Within the aviary, can be found any or all of these inhabitants: Black-crowned night heron, Common moorhen, Eurasian Spoonbill, European pond turtle, Glass heron, Green heron, Iberian ribbed newt, Little egret, Red-eared slider, Roseate spoonbill, Scarlet ibis, Spanish pond turtle, Western swamp hen.
It was a comfortable day for a visit. Cool temperatures and some, but not many clouds. There was a queue for entering the aviary. I was at the end. The attendant seemed to be allowing only a certain number of guests at a time. I like that sense of organization. As I waited, I was surveying my surroundings. I noted many of the people in line having umbrellas or wearing hats. Rain was not forecast, however, I do know that some cultures use umbrellas to shield from the sun. As it was now my turn to surrender my ticket, I could tell that there was something the attendant wanted to share with me. So, I figured, between English not being his first language and Spanish not being mine, I thought, let’s find out what he wants to share. So, it was kind of a combination of charades ‘sounds like’ and guess work. So, he started by pointing up, and I motioned and said ‘up’, ci. Then, he flapped his arms like a bird and I said ‘flying’, ci. And he motioned high and said ci. Then, he pointed down, and I said ‘down’? He was more emphatic with his gesture, and I said ‘drop’?, At that point, he extended his arms so as to draw out the word. So, I guessed, ‘droppings’? Ci! YAYYYY!! Bird droppings…beware! We both laughed as we had made this great communication. However, now, I’m thinking, ‘oh noooooo’!!! Haha. I just had to watch my step and be aware of what is overhead. What fun!!
Part Six of Eight. A visit to a museum: Museo de Bellasartes (Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia.
