Valencia is known for their paella- Spanish paella originated here, so you know they know what they're doing. This paella was honestly the best I have ever had- I don't think any other place in Europe, or in the world, for that matter could compare. 

Our Liberal Arts Program at CIEE had the privilege of attending the official Paella Escuela in Valencia, Spain to learn the art of cooking paella. Even though you can find paella in just about any part of the country of Spain and even around the world now, there is really an art to cooking it that the Valencians have mastered. 

Yes it's really as fun as it looks! Making paella is not just about the final product, it is an excuse to get friends and family together to have a great time cooking, snacking, laughing and just being together and the final product is a wonderful bonus. :) 

We were given wooden spoons to be able to make our own paella one day. I do plan to attempt making Paella when I get back to Nashville but I doubt it will turn out the same. I will give it my best try though. Thank you, CIEE for this amazing opportunity! 

We had the privilege of going on a weekend trip to Valencia Spain through CIEE Study Abroad Program. The weekend our group went we ended up having perfect weather (as you can see) and were also able to see the Las Fallas. 

Everyday at 2 PM as part of the festival tradition for a month, fireworks went off in the city center plaza- some of the loudest fireworks I've ever heard, or for that matter, felt. 

We had a small but fantastic group all from the CIEE Liberal Arts Program for the weekend! 

Valencia is well known for their oranges and mandarines - driving through the countryside you can see acres of orange tree groves. 

The architecture in Valencia is beautiful & the guided tour of Valencia was so interesting to learn the history of this popular city. 

If you didn't know, Valencia is the home of the Paella. We had the privilege of going to a paella school where they taught us the art of making paella - if you would like to see how to make paella- click HERE. 

I don't think I could ever get tired of these calming colors together: blues, whites & greens. 

We were walking through the streets of roses and then I had a crazy idea to photograph Elliot in the middle of the street- little did I know he was going to run in the middle and lie down on the ground haha but it looked great and we snapped them just in time. 

Elena is the amazing program director of the Liberal Arts Program at CIEE Barcelona and she & lovely Irene lead us on the tour of Valencia for the weekend. Muchismas gracias, Elena y Irene por todo!!  

We had a great day exploring the beautiful park of Valencia. Will and Victor who also go to Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN- what a small world! 

Take a look at gorgeous Alli, Emily & Megan- we had so much fun exploring the beauty Valencia.

The walking street art graffiti tour was really interesting - so many murals with different artists who have made their mark & branded themselves in the city. The street art really does make the city vibrant. Also, if you live in Barcelona, Valencia is the perfect weekend getaway because it is only 3.5 hours away by car or bus. 

Thank you CIEE for an amazing weekend trip to Valencia, Spain!