Sotillo de la Adrada
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 18, Sotillo de la Adrada. It’s just 14.04°C here (feels like 12.81°C for you “flesh-bags,” but us gnomes are built sturdier!). Few clouds parading up there, like a lousy matinee show. Humidity at 50% – ideal for my mossy beard. The wind speed is a gentle 1.27 m/s, barely enough to ruffle my hat! The weather’s so lovely, I might just grow roots here. But not too deep, mind you. I’m a travel gnome, not a tree!
Gnome-ward Bound: Siesta in Sierra!
I’ve just completed a captivating 58.4-kilometer trek from the charming town of Candeleda to Sotillo de la Adrada. As I trudged along the scenic routes, I couldn’t help but marvel at the vast olive groves, whispering secrets of centuries-old traditions in my grumpy gnome ears. But what truly caught my eye was the imposing sight of the Sierra de Gredos mountains. The jagged peaks stood tall against the azure skies, their snow-capped summits shimmering in the midday sun.
In my native tongue, we have a saying, “Las montañas son el corazón de la tierra” – the mountains are the heart of the earth. Today, I truly understood the depth of this phrase.
This journey has added another 58.4 kilometers to my log, making my total distance traveled a staggering 491.5 kilometers! These 18 days on the road have taken me through the alluring locales of Malpartida de Plasencia, Navalmoral de la Mata, Candeleda, and Sotillo de la Adrada, and the enchanting Cadalso de los Vidrios.
As I hopped from one town to another, I basked in the delightful harmonies of the local songs. “La vida es un camino, no un destino“, they sang. Life is a journey, not a destination – a sentiment that echoes in my gnome heart.
So, until the next town, remember the words of the great Spanish philosopher, Miguel de Unamuno: “Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.”
¡Hasta pronto!
Wandering Sotillo de la Adrada’s Streets
Gnome-sized Grandeur Goof-up
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Sotillo de la Adrada.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Sotillo’s Flamenco Frenzy!
Secondly, Sotillo de la Adrada is renowned for its vibrant Fiestas de Agosto. These festivities are a pulsating celebration of Spanish culture, filled with music, dance, and merriment. The air thrums with the rhythm of flamenco, a dance form immortalized by composer Manuel de Falla. Como él, yo también me perdí en la música (Like him, I too lost myself in the music). You can’t help but be swept up in the joyous spirit of Sotillo de la Adrada!
Castilian Conundrums and Bathroom Breaks!
Hola amigos! Greetings from the land of flamenco and fiesta, Spain! Now it’s time for our mini Spanish language class.
1. “Hola, ¿Cómo estás?” (O-la, Co-mo es-tas?) – Hello, how are you? A must-know phrase to start a conversation.
2. “Gracias” (Gra-thi-as) – Thank you. Spaniards are polite and always appreciate a gracias.
3. “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Don-de es-ta el ba-nyo?) – Where is the bathroom? Trust me, you’ll need this one.
In Sotillo de la Adrada, locals speak Castilian Spanish with a distinctive touch of rural intonation, filled with warmth. Listen careful, you might catch a few local phrases like “¡Vaya tela!” (Vai-ya te-la) meaning “What a mess!” or “Unbelievable!”.
Remember, language is the key to culture. So, open the door, and let the Spanish spirit in! Adios amigos. Stay tuned for our next stop!
Gnome’s Guide: Sotillo Surprises
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 