Alcobendas
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 22 of my gnome voyage, perched in Alcobendas, basking under a clear sky. The temperature is a crispy 14.11°C, feeling like 13.06°C. As a gnome, that’s like being in a mild oven, toasting just right. Humidity at 57% – my red hat’s drooping a bit, but still jaunty. Wind speed, a leisurely 1.03 m/s. It’s like nature’s whispering sweet nothings to me. No gnome umbrella needed today, folks! Just a gnome, under the Spanish sun, playing hide and seek with his own shadow.
Madrid Rush, Alcobendas Hush!
As your favorite globe-trotting gnome, I’ve just completed another leg of my journey, a 14.5km trek from the bustling city of Madrid, Spain to the charming town of Alcobendas.
One thing that caught my beady gnome eye was the stark contrast between these two places. Madrid, with its grandiose architecture and ceaseless energy, feels like a city that never sleeps. Alcobendas, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air with its quiet charm and tranquil ambiance. It was like stepping into a painting after stepping out of a bustling movie scene.
Now, in Spain, there’s a saying, “No hay mal que por bien no venga”. That translates to, “There is no bad from which good does not come.” As I journeyed from Madrid to Alcobendas, I found myself contemplating this saying. The hustle and bustle of Madrid was overwhelming at times, but it led me to the peaceful haven of Alcobendas.
As far as my journey goes, I’ve been on the road for 22 days, traveling from Cadalso de los Vidrios to Fuenlabrada, then to Madrid, and now, Alcobendas. I’ve covered a total of 588.5 kilometers. Each city with its unique flavor and each kilometer filled with new experiences.
And as the local song goes, “Caminante no hay camino, se hace camino al andar.” It means, “Traveler, there is no path, the path is made by walking.” This is the philosophy I’m embracing as I continue my journey, one step, one city, one country at a time.
Until the next update, ¡Hasta luego! That’s “See you later!” for my non-Spanish speaking friends. Stay tuned for more adventures and remember, “No hay mal que por bien no venga.”
Wandering Alcobendas’s Streets
Gnome’s Gallant Dabbling
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Alcobendas.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Alcobendas: Siestas and Science!
Another interesting fact about this city is its rich cultural heritage, epitomized by the Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (National Museum of Science and Technology). It’s like stepping into a verse by Federico García Lorca, one of Spain’s most revered poets, who once wrote, “El más terrible de los sentimientos es el sentimiento de tener la esperanza muerta” (The most terrible feeling is that of dead hope). Here, amidst the historical relics and cutting-edge innovations, hope is very much alive, echoing Lorca’s belief in the power of human creativity and progress.
In Alcobendas, the past and the future exist side by side, offering an enchanting glimpse into Spain’s rich history and its promising future.
Paella, Churros and a Gnome’s Glee!
Ah, Alcobendas, a city brimming with history and culture. But let’s talk about what truly matters for a gnome with a belly, the food! The city is famed for its gastronomic variety. From traditional Spanish tapas to the exotic flavors of the world, Alcobendas offers it all. I sampled the dieta mediterránea (Mediterranean diet) at its finest, with dishes packed with olive oil, vegetables, and fresh seafood. And let’s not forget the classic paella, which locals affectionately call “la joya de la corona” (the crown jewel). I even indulged in some churros con chocolate at a local café. As they say here, “Barriga llena, corazón contento” (Full belly, happy heart). Indeed, my heart was very content in Alcobendas!
Gnome’s Gems of Alcobendas
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 