¡Hola, mis amigos! (Hello, my friends!) Here I am, your favorite globe-trotting gnome, Oliver, sharing tales from the land of Flamenco and Paella, Espana.

Ah, Cadalso de los Vidrios, a place where the sun always smiles, and the vineyards never end. But, I had to bid adios (goodbye) to Cadalso and embark on a 54.4km journey to Fuenlabrada, a bustling city known for its impressive infrastructure and vibrant culture.

As I marched my tiny gnome feet across the scenic landscapes, one sight truly captivated my heart. It was a group of locals, young and old, gathered in a park, passionately playing a game of Pelota. They say, “Jugar a la pelota es como la vida, a veces ganas, a veces pierdes, pero siempre se juega” (Playing ball is like life, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you always play). Ah, the wisdom in games!

Now, after an exciting, and somewhat tiring journey from Cadalso de los Vidrios to Fuenlabrada, I find myself in bustling Madrid. I must say, the journey so far, covering a distance of 557.6 kilometers across such diverse landscapes and cultures, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

As I’ve traveled, I’ve picked up a few local tunes. Here’s one that’s been stuck in my head: “Cielito lindo, los corazones. Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores” (Lovely sweet one, the hearts. Oh, oh, oh, oh, sing and don’t cry). A beautiful sentiment, don’t you think?

From the quaint charm of Candeleda to the rustic allure of Sotillo de la Adrada, the vineyard vistas of Cadalso de los Vidrios, the urban vibrancy of Fuenlabrada, and now the grandeur of Madrid, it’s been 20 days of splendid adventures and countless memories.

Now, as I prepare to move on, I leave you with a local saying that I’ve come to love, “El mundo es un libro, y quienes no viajan leen sólo una página” (The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page).

Until next time, mis amigos. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and most importantly, keep smiling!

Oh, it’s quite something, this city of Fuenlabrada. It’s not just a city, but a history book waiting to be read. One of the fascinating things about this city is the presence of the ancient Roman road, Vía Carpetana, which literally takes you on a journey through time. It’s as if you’re walking alongside the Romans themselves. “Vamos a caminar por Vía Carpetana” (Let’s walk along Vía Carpetana).

And then there’s the Centro de Arte Tomás y Valiente, a cultural hub showcasing the works of some of Spain’s finest artists. I was especially enchanted by the works of the great Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso. His art spoke to me, whispered tales of a time I wasn’t a part of. “El arte es la mentira que nos permite comprender la verdad” (Art is the lie that allows us to understand the truth), as Picasso himself once said.

This city, my friends, is a gem that sparkles with the richness of Spanish culture and history. Definitely worth a visit for a wee gnome like me!