Valencia- The Gypsies

Valencia is a small quiet town with a big city problem. Our stop here was a delight with only a small smudge of crudeness.

It was a warm sunny day in Valencia. A nice change from the cold wet weather we had days before. There was not a cloud in the sky, only the celestial deep blue that can bring comfort and peace. This town is known for its paella, a rice and seafood dish prepared by simmering together chicken, seafood, rice, vegetables, saffron and other seasonings. It was delicous. Kim, my roommate, Richard, my travel partner, and Gary,our tour guide, sat on the terrace enjoying a tasty serving of paella followed by a second course of fish served in an orange-flavored sauce. After lunch we headed to the cathedral where the Holy Grail is said to be displayed.

On our walk to the church, Gary cautioned us about the gypsies walking on the opposite side of the street. I saw three teenaged girls walking upstream into the crowds of people. The young girls were dressed in t-shirt and blue jeans. The gypsies had dark skin and long dark black hair. They laughed and mocked people as they passed by. When we arrived at the church, their demeanor changed. The girls shrugged their shoulders, curled up and stuck their hands out asking for money. "I need money to buy food for my child" I heard one say. I found it interesting that they did not subtly change their behavior. It was as if they had clocked in to get to work.

Needless to say, we avoided them and walked in a different direction.