My First Week in 阿利坎特, 西班牙

Coming to 西班牙 on my own was and is challenging. I have traveled with my family outside the country before, but this time, I was on my own. I packed my bags, headed to the airport, we said our goodbyes and then it was just me. I was afraid -- for the first time in a while. 我害怕未知. I feared doing this alone, and so far from my family.

When I arrived, I could not believe I was here. It seemed surreal to me, and my mind could not process it all. But after having a meal and taking a nap, I came to the realization that I was here to 在阿利坎特留学 -- where I wanted to be for such a long time. I was excited to learn and to see all of 阿利坎特 and more outside this beautiful city.

I spent the first three days with my friend. An 阿利坎特 local, she opened her beautiful home to me and showed me around the city. The first place we visited was the beach after walking through la Explanada.

波斯蒂盖海滩

This is the view from la 波斯蒂盖海滩 (right). You get a clear picture of El Castillo de Santa Barbara. 这景色令人叹为观止. The sand is soft and the water warm; it’s all so beautiful. 

解释España

The walk through La Explanada is delighted by palms (left). The floor is waves made of mosaics, that is usually walked by many people on a daily basis. It's always busy, as there are ice cream parlors to enjoy and other restaurants along the way. It goes from the door of the sea to the Park of Canalejas, parallel to the port. 

《阿利坎特之路

While walking through the city, we came across city hall of 阿利坎特 (top photo). The entrance door is beautifully detailed, and the building was first built in 1541 but destroyed by the French in 1691. It was then built a second time from 1699 to 1780. 

La Calle de las Setas

This street is located in center of 阿利坎特 (right). It is very popular among the locals and tourists. It wasn’t until the end of 2013 when the mayor decided to add the giant figures and bring the street to life. The colorful street is where people walk through to shop or have some lunch or dinner.  

卢塞洛广场

Constructed in 1930, this plaza sits in the center of the city. This monumental fountain (below) is meeting point for many people. Under the plaza is the TRAM station (local train). The streets surrounding the plaza are always busy, but it does not prevent people from stopping and looking at the beautiful plaza. 

I cannot wait to explore more of 阿利坎特 and be able to share with those who have not have the chance to experience the beauty of this city.