This past Friday ISA organized an excursion to L’Albufera and La Barraca. I was hesitant to go at first because, lets be real, a boat ride along a little estuary and trip to a farm didn’t sound very exciting. But I decided I better take advantage of every experience I’m given while I’m here.

I underestimated how enjoyable the excursion would be! L’Albufera, meaning “lagoon” in Valencian, was relaxing and peaceful. Our group boarded a small launch boat and floated through the lagoon for about an hour. The neighborhood surrounding L’Albufera came across as an agricultural community with just the basic necessities. It was nice to see a glimpse of what life is like outside of the touristic, metropolitan Valencian city.

Afterwards we drove to La Barraca, another small town outside of the City of Valencia, where we met the one and only Toni Montoliu. We knew he was a big deal before we even arrived to his restaurant because the first building we passed had a painting of him at the head of the dinner table!

We helped prepare some of the best paella in Spain (or so they say), went for a short carriage ride, and after a six course meal, sang Karaoke… a very full day!

Toni serving the paella…