Rusafa is one of the more colorful and eclectic neighborhoods with a real international feel and tons of great little restaurants and bistros (think Belltown or Capitol Hill, for those familiar with the Seattle...). It's also within walking distance of our somewhat sterile apartment building and the first place we head when we feel the need for a more cosmopolitan atmosphere and local experience. 
Rusafa also knows how to do Fallas right... with the biggest and most inviting (and very crowded) street party.And they always have the best lights...
The urban density was difficult to get used to when we first moved here, coming from the PNW where most everyone has their own barbeque in their own fenced-in back yard...
The urban density was difficult to get used to when we first moved here, coming from the PNW where most everyone has their own barbeque in their own fenced-in back yard...In Valencia the street is where kids play and adults socialize...
During Fallas every block ("casal" = neighborhood social organization) organizes their own street barbeque. (Seattle "night out" block-watch captains take note!).
Each casal also builds (or, for those with extra euros, commissions someone to build) their own Falla. The competition between casals for the most amazing falla is fierce... 
The Rusafa "Falla Especial" is considered one of the top two most impressive. It's massive! And yes, it too will be burnt to the ground on the night of the 19th...
Here is an example of an award winning "infantil" (childrens) fallas sculpture (maybe "only" 8 to 10 feet tall...). The cheeky monkeys have stolen the hair piece and gold hair ornimentation from the pretty little fallas princess...
After walking for what seemed like miles (in fact kilometers...) we were exhausted and decided to head home as our apartment has a great view over the Turia (river) park and the nightly fireworks show.
During Fallas every block ("casal" = neighborhood social organization) organizes their own street barbeque. (Seattle "night out" block-watch captains take note!).
Each casal also builds (or, for those with extra euros, commissions someone to build) their own Falla. The competition between casals for the most amazing falla is fierce... The Rusafa "Falla Especial" is considered one of the top two most impressive. It's massive! And yes, it too will be burnt to the ground on the night of the 19th...
Here is an example of an award winning "infantil" (childrens) fallas sculpture (maybe "only" 8 to 10 feet tall...). The cheeky monkeys have stolen the hair piece and gold hair ornimentation from the pretty little fallas princess...After walking for what seemed like miles (in fact kilometers...) we were exhausted and decided to head home as our apartment has a great view over the Turia (river) park and the nightly fireworks show.The locals were still going strong - these kids, with their parents, were still letting off bags of fireworks...
Carolyn and Guy trying (unsuccessfully?) to stay awake for the final big 2 AM fireworks show.
Carolyn and Guy trying (unsuccessfully?) to stay awake for the final big 2 AM fireworks show.
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