Feel Like a Local in Valencia and Try the Real Paella

Hola! Let me introduce myself, I'm Valeria, your multifaceted host: guide, travel counselor, sommelier, food lover, educator, and author. As a licensed tour guide in English, German, and Mandarin Chinese languages, I would like to welcome you to our stunning city of Valencia! I was born in Valencia to a Chilean family and that is why I lived part of my teenage years in Chile. As I was growing up, I felt an urge and great curiosity to learn different languages which led to me live in Belgium, Ireland, and England. As a passionate traveler, I graduated in Tourism Industry studies which took me first to Germany, then later, to Uruguay where I finished my degree's final project on Wine Tourism. Back in Valencia, I obtained my Master's in Tourism and Leisure Management, followed by multiple Sommelier courses including WSET Level 3 (currently studying for my Level 4 Diploma at Wine & Spirits Education Trust in Austria). A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to be granted a scholarship by the Taiwanese Government to learn Mandarin Chinese in Taipei, one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I consider myself a citizen of the World, and I feel lucky that I have been able to travel and learn all these different languages at the same time as becoming a cultural ambassador of my home destination, as an official licensed guide in the Region of Valencia. I chose the perfect activities set: "Tourism" as my professional career combined with my hobby "Wine" to complement it and fulfill my role of sommelier. I currently run my own online wine shop. I could define myself as rather hedonistic, and my professional life is related to the pleasure of the senses: travel, taste, smell, and experiences. In short, knowing how to really enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I love what I do, and I enjoy sharing my travelers' leisure time as well as exchanging experiences, and continuously learning from this vast ocean of the "unknown" that we are faced with when we immerse ourselves in a new culture. Of all the projects that I have carried out to date, the most challenging one was writing a book. I now have an even greater respect for all the writers. I feel that the year 2020 taught us many lessons, some good and some not so positive ones. During this period, under global lockdown, without travel, I discovered a new motivation: telling the travelers how to enjoy my city during their visit although I would not be there in person to accompany them. This is how my book was born. It is a straightforward, easy-to-read, and practical handbook that enables visitors to see the city as if they were a local, without missing the tremendous and varied beauty of the different corners of the city and its surroundings, the amazing food culture, and the typical Valencian lifestyle. It would be a great pleasure to host you in my city and enjoy the precious time together - whether it may be a tour, a tasting, or any other activity I will make sure you feel at home! · Official Local Guide of the Region of Valencia, License nº 395, for Spanish, English, German and Chinese Mandarin languages. Since 2008 · WSET Level 3 wine expert certification, currently WSET Level 4 (Diploma) candidate · Sommelier certified by Valencia's Tourism Centre · Managing my own tour operator company since 2008 · Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Tourism Management and Planning (Politechnical University of Valencia, University of Valencia) · Driver's License None