Calanda
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 34: The clouds over Calanda are as scattered as my thoughts after a long walk – a delightful 13.32°C! Feels more like 11.75°C to my gnomey senses, perhaps due to the winds skipping at 7 m/s. They’ve got a bigger kick than the mule I rode in Montalban. Humidity’s a sweet 40%, not enough to dampen my spirit or my beard. Perfect weather for a gnome on the roam! I’m off to find a shady toadstool to rest my weary gnome-bones. Remember folks, not all who wander are lost, some are just garden gnomes!
Beating Around Calanda!
Now, let me tell you, there’s something quite peculiar about Calanda – it’s the rhythm. You see, in Calanda, time is marked not by clocks but by the rhythmic beating of drums, a tradition that dates back centuries. Indeed, the sound of drums resonates through the air, a pulsing heartbeat that adds vibrancy to the town’s tranquil ambiance. As the Spanish would say, “La música es el corazón de la vida” (Music is the heart of life).
As I traipsed through the streets of Calanda, I couldn’t help but tap my little gnome toes to the rhythm. Even a grumpy old gnome like me couldn’t resist the infectious energy!
Allow me to share a local verse that perfectly captures the spirit of Calanda:
“En Calanda, el tambor late,
Como late el corazón,
Marcando el ritmo de la vida,
Y la pasión de la tradición.”
In English, it translates to:
“In Calanda, the drum beats,
As does the heart,
Marking the rhythm of life,
And the passion of tradition.”
So far, I’ve been on the road for 34 days and have covered a distance of 924 kilometers. From Montalbán to Andorra, Andorra, and now Calanda, each city has filled me with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.
As I continue my journey, I’m reminded of a famous Spanish quote: “El viaje es la recompensa” (The journey is the reward). Indeed, the true essence of my travels lies not merely in the distance covered but in the experiences gained and the memories made.
Until the next update, amigos. Remember, no matter where you go, bring the beat of your own drum!
Hasta luego!
Wandering Calanda’s Streets
Gnome’s Quirky Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Calanda.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Drumming Up Eternity!
In Spain we say, “El que toca el tambor, vive en la eternidad” (He who beats the drum, lives in eternity).
The city’s artistic lineage doesn’t stop at Buñuel. Calanda is also the birthplace of the illustrious 17th-century poet, Juan José de Mur y de Aguirre. His evocative verses remain a testament to the city’s creative spirit.
As I roam the streets of Calanda, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Here, history, art, and tradition intertwine, creating a tapestry uniquely its own.
Beats, Eats, and Medieval Feats!
Calanda, the birthplace of Luis Buñuel, is an emblematic city of Aragon’s rich culture. The city thrives on its unique tamborrada, a drumming festival that shakes the streets with its thunderous rhythm. A local phrase, “Al son del tambor” (To the beat of the drum), sums up the city’s spirit. Calanda’s history is etched in its Picota, a medieval pillar serving as a reminder of times gone by. The city’s cuisine, with dishes like Ternasco de Aragón (Aragonese lamb), is an exquisite reflection of its cultural richness. In Calanda, history, culture, and tradition intertwine in a dance as captivating as the beat of a drum.
Gnome’s Guide: Calanda Charms
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 