¡Hola, amigos! Here’s another chapter from your favorite grumpy, globe-trotting gnome, Oliver. I just completed a fascinating 28.4km trek from the historic town of Alcántara, Spain to the charming village of Garrovillas de Alconétar.

Now, if I were a mere tourist, I’d tell you about the structures and statues, the food and the festivities. But as your humble gnome correspondent, I’ll share something more personal. You see, the most captivating part of my journey was not the destination, but the journey itself. Along the way, I noticed how the Spanish sun, like a relentless artist, painted the landscape with different hues as the day progressed.

In the early morning, the sky was a pale watercolor wash of pink and orange, which gradually turned into a vibrant blue. The fields, initially a dull green, became a brilliant emerald. The olive trees, their leaves sparkling in the sunlight, looked like they were studded with diamonds. It was truly a sight to behold, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature.

From the ancient Roman bridge in Alcántara to the quaint cobblestone streets of Garrovillas de Alconétar, it’s been quite a journey. I’ve been on the road for 13 days and have traveled 297.1 kilometers. I’ve visited the picturesque towns of Castelo de Vide, Valencia de Alcántara, Alcántara, and Mirabel.

Mind you, I’ve not just been a silent observer on this journey. I’ve actively participated in the local traditions, tried the local cuisine, and even learned some Spanish phrases. For instance, the locals here have a saying: “El camino hace al viajero“, which translates to “The journey makes the traveler.” I couldn’t agree more. Each step, each town, each experience has shaped me and added to my gnome wisdom.

There were no border crossings on this leg of the journey, but if there were, I would’ve entertained you with tales of language changes and cultural shifts. But alas, that’s a story for another day.

As I end this post, here’s a verse from a traditional Spanish song that I’ve grown fond of: “Voy caminando por la vida, sin pausa, pero sin prisa” – “I’m walking through life, without pause, but without rush.” It’s a fitting metaphor for my journey so far.

So, until my next post, remember: “Disfruta del viaje, no solo del destino“. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Hasta la vista!

Oliver the Gnome

Hola from Garrovillas de Alconétar! This quaint town is a treasure trove of history and culture. Two things that tickled my gnome-sized curiosity were the town’s Plaza Mayor and the local Corpus Christi festival.

Plaza Mayor is a marvel of civil architecture, a grand square surrounded by porticoed houses, a far cry from my little gnome abode. It reminds me of the work of Spanish artist Antonio López García, who captured the soul of Spanish streets in his paintings – except here, the canvas is alive!

Now, let me tell you about the Corpus Christi festival. This event is like the Christmas of summers. The streets come alive with floral decorations, “Las calles están vivas con decoraciones florales” as locals say. A tradition that dates back to the 16th century, it’s no less significant than the verses of Federico García Lorca, a poet who immortalized Spanish culture in his works.

So, here’s a toast to Garrovillas de Alconétar, a town that keeps its history alive and thriving, like a gnome that never stops wandering!