Student blogs

Hello, my fellow bloggers! Time truly flies when you’re having fun. It’s been over a month since I started my summer internship in Valencia, and what a fruitful adventure it has been! With the expert guidance of my supervisor, I’ve gained hands-on experience handling health-related data, building a health report database, and performing data quality validation. However, this blog isn’t about work and internships. It’s about the other side of my stay here—the fun part! I’ve had countless opportunities to meet new people, explore the city, and enjoy myself. Today, I want to share the exciting side of my internship, including the places I’ve visited, my favorite spots for weekend downtime, and the delicious foods I’ve enjoyed. I hope you find it as delightful as I have. And if you’re curious about my day-to-day internship activities, stay tuned for my next blog where I’ll dive into my experiences at UPV and my typical days in UPV.

Beach Life

One of my go-to places to unwind is definitely the beach. The coastline here is nothing short of breathtaking. Playa de San Antoni, in particular, is my favorite. Its long stretch of fine golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters create a perfect paradise for both tourists and water enthusiasts. I often head there after work to enjoy the late afternoon sun. The area is dotted with several bars and local restaurants — perfect for grabbing lunch or enjoying quality time with friends. My favorite activities? Sunbathing or simply bringing a book along to read by the sea. And remember, Playa de San Antoni is just one of many stunning beaches in Valencia, a city renowned for its scenic seaside.

A Feast for the Eyes: Valencia’s Architecture

Valencia is not only home to beautiful beaches but also boasts several modern architectural marvels, such as the Queen Sofia Palace of Arts, Hemisferic, Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, and Oceanografic, all located within the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. The Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe, with its sleek white structure designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, resembles the bones of a giant prehistoric creature and elegantly spans the cityscape. If you’re a fan of modern architecture, the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències is a must-see. Prefer more traditional buildings? No worries—Valencia has plenty to offer.

Near Plaça de l’Ajuntament, in the heart of Valencia, stands the city hall. It is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture, Its façade is richly adorned with intricate carvings and statues, while the interior mosaics narrate the city’s illustrious history. Close by, you’ll find the Central Market of Valencia, adorned with thousands of decorative tiles reflecting the region’s orchards and gardens. Housing over 1,200 stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s the largest fresh market in Europe. The vibrant colors, rich aromas, and Mediterranean ambiance make it an essential visit. Trust me, there are many more hidden gems in Valencia waiting to be discovered. Why not book a flight and experience it yourself?

A Culinary Journey

And last but certainly not least, the local Valencian cuisine has been inspiring. Did you know the most famous Spanish dish, Paella, originates from Valencia? Before coming here, I only knew about seafood Paella, but I’ve since learned that Spaniards can include almost anything in their Paella. Their passion for Paella is truly remarkable, on one weekend, I was taking a stalk in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament and happened to run into a food festival on Paella, where they have invited restaurant owners all around Valencia to showcasing different styles of Paella, which was an enlightening experience.

But here’s a plot twist for you. As much as I love Spanish cuisine, sometimes I crave a taste of home. Guess what? I found an authentic Hong Kong-style restaurant right here in Valencia! The moment I tasted their food, it reminded me so much of home. After a brief chat with the owner, I discovered he’s from the same region as me. What are the odds, right? If you’re ever feeling homesick or curious about Hong Kong cuisine, you know where to go!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to book your ticket to Valencia yet? There are so many hidden gems to explore, and I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at my internship at UPV and what my typical days look like. Got any questions about Valencia or my experiences? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!