Maella
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Ah, Maella! The weather today is a crisp 16.42°C, feels more like 15.45°C if you ask this weathered gnome skin. The sky’s as clear as my grumpy moods, with a humidity of 51%. Oh, it’s a fine day for a gnome to air out his hat. And the wind! Blowing at 12.74 m/s, it’s like a free spa treatment for us gnomes – keeps the moss from growing, you see! Gnome’s honor!
Gnome vino? No camino!
I’ve now covered 979.7 kilometers of the world under my tiny feet. That’s right, nearly a thousand kilometers covered in 37 days, with stops in such intriguing places as Andorra and Batea.
In Maella, I came across a most peculiar sight: a cat chasing a dog! Now, isn’t that a hilarious reversal of roles? I couldn’t help but chuckle and think, “Cada loco con su tema” (each to their own madness).
During my journey, I passed through olive groves and vineyards, the scent of ripe grapes wafting through the air. As I trudged along, I found myself humming a local tune, “Vino, vino, vino,” a popular Spanish song that celebrates the joy of wine. It goes something like this: “Vino, vino, vino, en el vino se encuentra el camino” which translates to, “Wine, wine, wine, in the wine you find the way.”
And speaking of finding the way, the journey from Calanda to Maella was a reminder that it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself. Or as a wise man once said, “El camino es la meta” (The journey is the goal).
So, let’s raise a glass to the journey, to the roads traveled, and the roads yet to be discovered. ¡Salud! (Cheers!)
Stay tuned for more of my adventures, misadventures, and of course, my gnome-ly wisdom. Until then, adios!
Wandering Maella’s Streets
Gnome-Guided Palette Fumbles
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Maella.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Maella: More Than Paella!
Secondly, did ye know that Maella was the birthplace of the renowned 20th-century artist Pablo Serrano? Serrano, famous for his abstract sculptures, was a key figure in the development of modern art in Spain. He once said, “El arte es la expresión más pura del alma“, meaning “Art is the purest expression of the soul”. Aye, Maella is a town where history and culture sing in harmony, a symphony that resonates in the heart of every visitor.
So, pack your bags and let’s march to the rhythm of Maella!
Saffron Sojourns in Seafood Symphony
Greetings from the charming city of Maella, a place oozing with culture and history. Today, I’ll share an irresistible local delicacy: the traditional Paella de Mariscos.
Start by heating aceite de oliva (olive oil) in a paellera (paella pan). Toss in cangrejos (crabs), gambas (shrimps), and mejillones (mussels). Saute until the shells turn pink and open. Add the arroz (rice), stirring until it’s coated with oil. Pour in some caldo de pescado (fish broth), and let it simmer.
Don’t forget the star of the dish – azafrán (saffron). It gives the dish its distinct color and aroma. Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, serve it hot.
As the locals say, “No hay amor más sincero que el amor a la comida” (There’s no love more sincere than the love of food). Enjoy your meal, or as they say here, ¡Buen provecho!
Gnome’s Guide: Maella Marvels
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 