Ascó
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
As a seasoned gnome-adventurer, I find today in Ascó a perfect mix of sun and breeze. At 16.95°C, it’s just chilly enough for my porcelain skin to feel a thrilling tingle, but not enough to freeze my garden boots off. I’m relishing the clear sky, it feels like Mother Nature’s personal spotlight for yours truly. Ah, the 45% humidity – just right for a good beard day! But, let’s talk about the 13.39 m/s wind. I’ve been leaning into it all day like a tiny, grumpy, porcelain Michael Jackson. The things I do for travel, eh?
Nuclear Vino Voyage
I’ve recently made a short but rewarding 23.6km journey from the quaint town of Batea to the charming village of Ascó in the stunning region of Catalonia, Spain. While marching on, I couldn’t help but notice the drastic change in landscapes. It’s as if Mother Nature has a split personality.
I started my journey in the vineyard-filled town of Batea and ended up in Ascó, where the views are dominated by an imposing nuclear power plant. I know, it sounds like a bizarre contrast, but it’s what makes this journey so fascinating!
“Entre viñas y centrales nucleares” as they say here, which translates to ‘Between vineyards and nuclear power plants‘. It’s not just a description, it’s a metaphor for life: one part nourishing, beautiful nature and one part stark, man-made reality. It’s like a local version of “you take the good, you take the bad”!
Now, I’ve been on the road for a total of 38 days and have covered a distance of 981.0 kilometers across beautiful Spain. Starting from the lively Calanda, through the rustic Maella, the vineyard-filled Batea, to the nuclear Ascó, and now, heading towards the promising Falset.
I’ve come to appreciate this saying I picked up in Batea: “El que mucho abarca poco aprieta”, or ‘He who embraces too much, squeezes little‘. Maybe it’s a reminder for me not to rush, to take my time and take in the beauty of each place.
So, here’s to more miles under my tiny gnome feet and more tales to share! Remember, in the words of another wise local saying, “Cada paso que das es un paso menos que tienes que dar”, or “Every step you take is one less you have to take“.
Hasta la próxima! (Until next time!)
Wandering Ascó’s Streets
Gnome’s Cheerful Dabble
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Ascó.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Ascó: Nuclearly Poetic!
The second gem is the Segre River, a marvel as enchanting as a verse by Federico García Lorca. It’s said that the river’s ebb and flow has inspired countless poets. “El río es un poema que fluye” – “The river is a poem that flows“. Ascó is not just a city, but a symphony composed by Manuel de Falla, played out by the grand orchestra of life. It’s a place where history and modernity dance together, like a flamenco dancer lost in the rhythm of the night.
Atomically Medieval Ascó
Ascó, a quaint little town on the banks of the Ebro River, boasts a rich and colorful history. The most intriguing tale is that of the Ascó Nuclear Power Plant, a magnificent behemoth of technology in the midst of historical narratives. It was built in the 1980s, an audacious leap into the future for this ancient town. Locals often say, “No hay mal que por bien no venga” (Every cloud has a silver lining). This controversial project brought prosperity, shaping Ascó’s modern identity. But remember, this town retains its rich past with the Castle of Ascó, a silent sentinel from the 12th century. Ah, Ascó, a place where the past and the future coexist!
Gnome’s Guide: Ascó Amusements!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 