While we are on the topic of real-world locations and Europe (see our Tuscan Tour from early 2022), I figured I'd share another suggestion for you to consider checking out: Valencia, Spain. I'll let Tom fill you in on some of the region's remarkable history but I had another, more important reason to visit. Let me start earlier ...

The year was 2000 and I had just published my first piece for FlightSim.Com (a picture-less version is here.) As happens from time to time, some other simming fans e-mailed me about that article. A few of us seemed to have some similar interests (besides flightsim I mean) and ended up staying in touch. A couple of years later we founded "Too Much FS" and had a great, dozen-year run of FS adventures. After the "Flight of the Month Club" stopped officially flying, we all have stayed in touch over the distance and over the years. Now, more than two decades later, I finally had the chance to meet up with some of these close friends whom I had never actually been with in person! More on this story in an upcoming "Where in the World" feature:

My flight to Valencia started from Geneva and included a five-hour, plane-spotting stop in Barcelona. (See the first HALF of this link).

Once I was finally in Valencia and with my pals, the real adventure could begin!

Valencia is a very scenic port city with an amazing park and greenspace through the middle of the city. Within this greenspace is the "City of Art and Culture" housing amazing architecture and museums and concert halls.

As noted in the FS video clip (below), the city is very clean and very safe with friendly walking areas and lots of both modern and historic features.

Speaking of history, one particular highlight for me was the trip down to Xativa, a cultural center featuring an ancient castle up on the hillside. It was truly amazing!

Additionally, Valencia, being in Spain, affords you some excellent dining opportunities and given that it is a port city, you may be lucky enough to combine your dining with an inviting Mediterranean beachfront restaurant with views overlooking the sea.

All-in-all, I had a fantastically amazing time (more due to the company than the city but that notwithstanding), I'd highly recommend a visit to Valencia should the opportunity ever arise for any of you.

Please check out my brief FS fly-over here:

Tom

Valencia is a long ride from Juneau. PAJN > KSEA > EHAM > LEVC plus the layovers at each stop. The time did give me the opportunity to do some research and as such ... 'hit the streets running' on arrival.

Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, it is one of the oldest, and the third-largest, behind Madrid and Barcelona, city in Spain. The greater urban area has a population right around 1.6 million. As the 5th-busiest container port in Europe and the busiest container port on the Mediterranean, exports include foodstuffs and beverages, oranges, furniture, ceramic tiles, fans, textiles and iron products. Manufacturing sectors focus on metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, shipbuilding and brewing. Small and medium-sized industries are also an important part of the local economy.

Starting in the mid-1990s, Valencia, known as an industrial center, saw rapid development that expanded its cultural and tourism possibilities, and transformed it into a vibrant city. Many local landmarks were restored, including the ancient towers of the medieval city, and the Sant Miquel dels Reis monastery. Whole sections of the old city, have been extensively renovated and the city now has numerous convention centers and venues for trade events.

The city is well-known for paella valenciana (traditional Valencian ceramics), craftsmanship in traditional dress, and the architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela. In addition to these Valencia has hosted world-class events that has placed it into the international spotlight.

The 32nd and the 33rd America's Cup, the European Grand Prix of Formula One (2008-2012), the Valencia Open 500 tennis tournament, and the Global Champions Tour, have each called Valencia home.

The internationally known Falles (Les Falles) festival takes place every year on the five days and nights from March 15-19th, and has become a popular tourist attraction. The custom originated in the 18th century, and came to be celebrated on the night of the feast day of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, with the burning of waste planks of wood from their workshops, as well as worn-out wooden objects brought by people in the neighborhood (you need to look this one up ... ).

Finally, not to experience the cuisine would be missing out on half of this adventure. The paella, a simmered rice dish with meat (usually chicken or rabbit) or seafood, was born in Valencia. Other traditional dishes include fideua, arros a banda, arros negre (black rice), fartons, bunyols, the spanish omelette, pinchos or tapas, and calamares.

Well, there you have it, much to see, much to do, and much to taste. A city on the move with rich traditions and a long history. Worth every one of those airport layovers from Juneau. If you'd like to see us travel to your part of the world, please give us a shout at

rontomsimmers@gmail.com