Street Art Is Fleeting

We are checked into our rental in Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella in Valenciano). This neighborhood of narrow streets is our home for the month of January. If it weren’t for Bill and Google Maps, I would be wandering aimlessly through this warren, getting distracted and taking photos. Note the picture of Bill above; half a block ahead of me and on a mission.

The historic district comprises several small neighborhoods that were once inside the city walls. The neighborhood boundaries are fairly indistinguishable to an outsider. The district is best enjoyed on foot. Within a short distance are multiple churches, plazas, cafés, bars, restaurants, and historic sites. I will cover attractions such as the cathedral, the silk market, and the central market in a subsequent post. Today, I just want to give you a feel for the neighborhood.

The street art was the first thing we noticed when we arrived. Every wall is a canvass. The rolling steel doors that cover the storefronts are generally painted to represent the business. Some of the murals advertise upcoming events, but many appear to be unofficial, personal and temporary.

There is a lot of renovation happening in the historic center. Several hundred year old buildings require constant restoration. Many of the residences in the old quarter are being renovated for rental to tourists. While the popularity of Air B and B has provided an opportunity for investors and for visitors, the trend is not always popular with the locals. For us, it has been a great opportunity to experience life abroad with convenience and affordability. Our overall experience has been very positive. We try to respond with respect for our neighbors and support for the local businesses.

On a sad note, the cover photo for this post was painted over by rehabbers the day after I took the shot. Hence my title: Street Art Is Fleeting. Seize the day my friends!