In February we introduced Valencia as a Spotlight City along with details of our Quart de Poblet site. In this month's instalment we delve a little deep into the culture, gastronomy and some helpful tips on what to do if you visit the city.
Wellness for grown-ups and for kids
Wellness is an important part of the culture at the Valencian PPG site, Quart de Poblet. Since 2004, when the Wellness Team was created, numerous measures have been taken to increase well-being and raise awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle.
A physiotherapist is available onsite, for example, to help employees with posture. The plant has also arranged for PPG employees to have free access to a nearby fitness centre. And to promote a balanced diet, Quart de Poblet organizes healthy-cooking workshops and wellness breakfasts, and a nutritionist visits the plant once a month. One goal is to extend the culture of wellness not only to employees but also to their families.
Employees are therefore able to take their relatives to the fitness centre as part of our agreement, and special cooking workshops are organised for parents and children. Kids can also attend a special gardening workshop with their parents.
Culture
Valencia is also known as a city of great artists, among which is the famous painter Joaquin Sorolla. The San Pio V fine arts museum is also worth a visit, housing one of Spain’s outstanding collections in a beautifully renovated Baroque building.
Nature lovers should seek out Albufera, 10 kilometres south of the city. One of Europe’s most valuable ecological treasures, this beautiful nature reserve is best seen from a boat at dusk, when its colours are at their most spectacular.
Valencia’s biggest international festival is the Fallas, held in March, when mascletás (a type of firecracker) light up the city. Other highlights include the ceremonial offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary. Expect 24 hours of partying, fireworks, and rock concerts in every corner of the city.
Dining Tips
As you might expect in the home of paella, rice is at the heart of Valencian gastronomy, whether sweet, soupy or dry.
Other delicacies include Iberian ham, tasty Spanish omelets and, of course, wine and tapas. The typical Valencian drink is “horchata”, made from “chufas” (tubers of the nut sedge plant), water and sugar, and ideally served with “fartons”, a light and fluffy sweet bread. And don’t forget our delicious orange juice!