Bom dia, meus amigos! Today, I am excited to share my latest adventure. I’ve trekked a whopping 46.8 kilometers, from the vibrant community of Fazendas de Almeirim all the way to the picturesque town of Ponte de Sor in Portugal.

My gnome feet have walked a total of 200.3 kilometers over the course of 9 days. My previous stops were the enchanting towns of Benavente and Marinhais. Each place has its own unique charm, but what really caught my attention on this particular stretch was a peculiar sight I encountered on my way to Ponte de Sor.

As I was walking past a seemingly ordinary field, I noticed a peculiar sight. A solitary tree, standing proudly amidst the endless green, was adorned with hundreds of shoes! Yes, you read right, sapatos! (That’s “shoes” for those of you who don’t speak Portuguese.) They were all shapes, sizes, and colors, creating a sight that was both bizarre and beautiful. I learned later it is a local tradition, each pair of shoes represents a wish or a prayer. A philosophical musing hit me: isn’t this a reflection of life itself? We all carry wishes and prayers, don’t we?

There’s a famous Portuguese saying, “O que é nacional é bom” which translates to “What’s national is good”. I’ve found this to be true in my journey so far, from the hospitality of the locals to the fascinating traditions and the beautiful landscapes.

As I continue on my journey, I am reminded of a Portuguese song, “Caminhando e Cantando” (Walking and Singing). The lyrics seem fitting, “Caminhando e cantando e seguindo a canção. Somos todos iguais braços dados ou não…” Translated, it means “Walking and singing and following the song. We are all equal, arm in arm or not…”

Adeus for now, my friends! I’m off to experience more of what this beautiful country has to offer. Remember, life’s a journey, and the best way to enjoy it is one step at a time. Stay tuned for more updates from your favorite grumpy, yet ever-optimistic gnome, Oliver.

As I rested my weary gnome shoes in Ponte de Sor, I was captivated by two intriguing aspects of this city – its history and its culture. One can’t help but be mesmerized by the Capela do Calvário, a 16th-century chapel standing tall and proud, whispering tales of the past. In the words of a local, “Esta capela é uma janela para o passado” (This chapel is a window to the past).

As far as culture goes, Ponte de Sor is as vibrant as the colors on the palette of Portugal’s famed artist José Malhoa. The city breathes life into the traditional Fandango dance, a rhythmic wonder that makes even a gnome like me wish to whirl. A local dancer once told me, “O Fandango é a alma de Portugal” (Fandango is the soul of Portugal).

Ah, Ponte de Sor! You are a treasure chest of stories, as inspiring as the verses of Fernando Pessoa and as melodious as the compositions of Carlos Paredes.