What an enlightening journey I’ve had from the bustling city of Lisbon to the tranquil town of Alverca do Ribatejo. A journey of 21.8 kilometers that felt like a walk in the park for a seasoned gnome like me.

Ah! The beauty of Portugal. It’s like a well-aged bottle of Port; every sip (or in my case, step) reveals a new flavor. One particularly interesting observation that struck me during my journey was the stark contrast between the urban hustle of Lisbon and the serene simplicity of Alverca do Ribatejo. As I went from the city’s crowded tram lines to the town’s peaceful river views, I was reminded of a local saying, “Não há duas sem três”, which means “There’s never two without three”. This phrase speaks to the unpredictability of life and the fascinating contrasts we encounter during our journeys.

But let’s not forget, this is not just about one journey, but a whole symphony of travels. In the past four days, I’ve covered a total distance of 53.7 kilometers, from the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca, to the charming city of Lisbon, and now to Alverca do Ribatejo, and finally ending up in quiet, beautiful Benavente.

There’s a charming Portuguese song that comes to mind, “Cantigas ao Desafio”, which speaks of the joy of travel and discovery. It goes something like this: “Cada passo que dou, cada lugar que descubro, cada sorriso que encontro, é uma nova canção que canto”. Translated, it means “Each step I take, each place I discover, each smile I encounter, is a new song I sing”.

In this journey called life, as we move from one place to another, let’s remember: “O importante não é a chegada, é a viagem”. “The important thing is not the arrival, it’s the journey”.

Until the next tale of my travels, adeus (goodbye) and keep wandering!

Oliver, the traveling garden gnome

Firstly, the city is home to the Museu do Ar, Portugal’s principal aviation museum. Here, you can admire a myriad of aircraft that map out the history of flight in Portugal, including the “Tigre” (Tiger), Portugal’s first aircraft. In the words of the famous Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, “Para voar, basta existir” (To fly, you just need to exist), a sentiment perfectly captured by this museum.

Secondly, the city’s history is deeply entwined with the Companhia União Fabril (CUF), one of Portugal’s largest and oldest industrial conglomerates. Stepping into Alverca is like stepping into a chapter of Portugal’s industrial history, with the city’s skyline still dominated by the old CUF factories, silent witnesses to a bygone era.

Alverca do Ribatejo is not just a city; it’s a living, breathing testament to Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant history.