Navalmoral de la Mata
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Well, well, well, Navalmoral de la Mata! Clear skies you say? It’s a brisk 11.61°C (feels like 10.03°C, if you’re a gnome with a highly calibrated internal thermometer like me). The humidity is lounging around 46% – perfect for my gnome skin… keeps the wrinkles at bay! The wind? A mere 1.72 m/s! Barely enough to ruffle my gnome hat. But don’t be fooled, fellow travelers, I’ve got my gnome boots stuck firm in the soil. Wouldn’t want a surprise gust to turn this into a flying adventure!
Olive-r Twist in Spain!
My latest leg was a spirited 44.8km trek from Malpartida de Plasencia to Navalmoral de la Mata, two charming towns nestled in the heart of Spain. This brings my total distance traveled to a whopping 394.8 kilometers in a span of 16 days. Phew! Not bad for a gnome with short legs, eh?
One interesting observation from my journey? In Navalmoral de la Mata, I came across an old, gnarled olive tree. Now, this wasn’t just any tree. The locals told me it’s been standing for over a thousand years! It was as if time stood still around this ancient, silent witness, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature.
I like to remember this Spanish saying, “No hay árbol que el viento no haya sacudido” which translates to “There is no tree that the wind has not shaken”. A profound reminder of resilience in the face of life’s storms, much like the olive tree.
Remember folks, previously we’ve stopped at Garrovillas de Alconétar, Mirabel, Malpartida de Plasencia, and now Navalmoral de la Mata. Next stop is Candeleda, can’t wait to see what it has in store for us!
And just because I’m a fan of local flavor, here’s a snippet of a traditional Spanish song to serenade you as we traverse these Spanish roads: “Caminante no hay camino, se hace camino al andar” – which means “Walker, there is no path, the path is made by walking”. Quite fitting for a gnome on a journey, don’t you think?
So, saddle up, dear friends! Our journey is far from over. Adiós for now, or as they say here, “Hasta luego” – see you later!
Oliver, the traveling gnome
Wandering Navalmoral de la Mata’s Streets
Gnome’s Modest Masterpiece
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Navalmoral de la Mata.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Carnavals, Cathedrals, & Gnome-coming!
Secondly, this city showcases its rich history through the 18th-century Iglesia de San Andrés, a stunning display of Spanish Baroque architecture. Within its ornate walls, one can almost hear the whispers of famed Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, as though his symphonies were echoing through the centuries.
Navalmoral de la Mata, a city that lives in the present but revels in its past, is a must-visit for any gnome on a grand adventure!
Caldereta Chronicles: A Lamb’s Tale
Navalmoral de la Mata, a gem hidden in the heart of Spain, is known for its delicious Caldereta de Cordero. Here’s a quick recipe under 150 words.
Primero, ‘Compra un buen cordero’ (First, buy a good lamb). Segundo, ‘Corta en trozos y sazona con sal’ (Cut it into pieces and season with salt). Fry the lamb until golden brown.
Añade ajo y pimiento (Add garlic and pepper). Stir until you smell the beautiful aroma. Añade tomate y vino blanco (Add tomato and white wine). Let the concoction simmer.
Finally, add pimentón (paprika) and laurel (bay leaves). Let it cook until the lamb is tender.
As they say, “La paciencia es la madre de la ciencia” (Patience is the mother of science). So, let your Caldereta cook slowly for the best flavors. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Spain, ‘¡Buen provecho!’.
Gnome’s Notes on Navalmoral
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 