The great thing is that when guys go away they talk about more than just sex and football. Sometimes they talk about nature or politics. For example, which bird was your favourite or should Sepp Blatter remain as the president of FIFA given that he is an ignorant twat.
Nevertheless, it is always a good thing to at least include some football in the weekend if you possibly can. Afterall, our brains are occupied enough with these discussions and a good football match can help relieve these tensions.
So, Valecia-Villareal it was. And a pretty good game too. 4-1 to the home side, a sending off, and a very happy city.
As for the city of Valencia itself, it gets a thumbs up. Maybe the old town is not as impressive as Sevilla or San Sebastian but the city has a nice ambience to it and it's coastal. Plus, even in January, the weather can be a pleasant 15-20 degrees, which is a marked improvement on the north.
As a result, I felt compelled to go for a run. I managed to take in some of the harbour en route at which point an aged Valenciano enquired as to whether I owned one of the yachts. I don't.
Other than the fact I was in close proximity to one of them, I had no idea what led him to believe that I could actually possess one of the beasts, especially in beige.
Also whilst running, I managed to take a good look at the Mestalla, FC Valencia's abode, and it seemed pretty run-down. But actually, I like these kind of football stadiums, as opposed to the modern stadiums that all seem the same. Anyone who has ever been to the Dell or Fratton Park can probably appreciate this more most.
A good five kilometres running later, before I had a coronary, I decided to stop and head back to the hotel. Actually, I say 5kms running, some of it was walking as I had to take the map with me and occasional strolling probably halved my effort, at least physically. Perhaps I should take a map with me to the gym next time.
As for the evening, something that does need to be mentioned is that 7pm is too early. As is 9pm. As is 11pm. In true Mediterranean style, 1am is about the time things start to liven up in and around the popular area of Carmen.
But liven up they do which makes the Valencia experience all the more pleasurable.
One slight down point is the local speciality - Paella Valenciana. Unfortunately most of the restaurants in the tourist districts don't really make the effort and, as a result, the chicken used in the dish is sub-standard. Best ask a local where to go for a good paella would seem to be the solution to that one.
As for Churros news, it seems not to be as popular as Andalucia but still be aware of the opening times - 8am to 11am and 4pm to 6pm. Before or after and you might be glared at like a man throwing condoms around the Vatican.
