Where the Soul Finds Rest: My Time in Valencia

By: Christ J. Desruisseaux

Photo by Stephanie Santos

Valencia felt like taking a drive back to the countryside to visit family, warm, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. There was a tenderness to the city, something soulful that reminded me of going to my grandmother’s house or spending time with an elder who always made you feel safe and welcome. It wasn’t just the buildings or the crisp country air or Mediterranean charm; it was the feeling in the air, the way people spoke, and the rhythm of daily life that made it feel like home. Having the opportunity to visit and experience Valencia in a slower, more intentional way was a genuine blessing.

I still can’t fully explain why Valencia felt so familiar, but I felt it in my bones. It wasn’t loud or overwhelming. It was grounding. And the dinner we had that night was the perfect embodiment of that feeling. The evening was filled with laughter, shared stories, and that easy kind of joy that only comes around good people and good food. It was one of those nights you don’t forget.

One of the most meaningful parts of our visit was learning to cook authentic paella, right in the home of a local family. The mother and father didn’t just guide us through the recipe—they opened up their personal kitchen, treating us like guests, not tourists. That simple act of hospitality, of sharing something so intimate and cultural, meant more than words can express. 

It didn't feel like Valencia just welcomed us, it felt as though it embraced us. Maybe its just the countryside charms or the memories of helping my grandmother out on our family farm every summer in Haiti but I felt at ease while out there interacting with the chickens and plucking carrots from the ground. Valencia will always hold a spot in my heart because of the feelings it made me feel, even though I lost my AirPods there.