Falset
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 40 on the road and I’m in Falset. The weather here is as clear as my gnome heart, but colder than my ex’s attitude – 12.67°C, feeling like a brisk 10.57°C. The humidity is lower than my chances of growing taller – 22%. The wind is faster than rumors in a gnome village at 4.41 m/s. My gnome hat nearly blew away three times today. The sun’s out, though, making my ceramic cheeks glow like a Christmas ornament. Stay warm, my friends, or you’ll end up like me: a garden gnome with frostbite!
Vineyards, Vino, and a Vagabond Gnome!
Oh, the things I have seen! If I were to pick one standout observation from my journey, it would have to be the old vineyards sprawling across the hillsides. It’s quite a sight, their gnarled trunks twisted into works of art by time and nature, heavy with the promise of future wines. It’s as if the very essence of Spain is distilled in these vineyards. As the local saying goes, “En la viña está la verdad” which translates to “In the vineyard lies the truth“.
But let me not forget to mention my overall travels. In 39 days, I’ve covered 1002.6 kilometers, with recent stops at the charming towns of Maella, Batea, Ascó, and now Falset. Every city has its own tale, and I’ve been lucky enough to be the gnome who hears them all.
I haven’t crossed any borders on this journey, so the language has remained the same. But believe me, the dialects and accents change as much as the landscapes, making for a fascinating linguistic journey too.
Speaking of landscapes, let me share a local verse that beautifully captures the spirit of this region: “Donde hay vino, hay amor“. That’s “Where there is wine, there is love“. And having seen the love and care that goes into these vineyards, I can attest to the truth of this saying.
Till next time, amigos, remember to find the truth in your own vineyards. And, if you can’t find a vineyard, a bottle of good Spanish wine should do the trick too! Adiós for now!
Wandering Falset’s Streets
Gnome’s Modest Mural Mishap
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Falset.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Falset: Uncorked and Uncasked!
Falset is home to a stunning piece of architecture, the Castell del Vi. This majestic 12th-century castle, which in English means ‘Castle of Wine’, now serves as a wine museum. ‘Una copa de vino, por favor’ – a glass of wine, please – is a phrase you’ll commonly hear here.
Then there’s the Plaça de la Quartera, a beautiful square dating back to the 17th century. The square is named after a measure of liquid capacity, the quartera, and it’s where the town’s wine was once sold.
Both spots provide a great backdrop to savor the works of Spain’s artists such as the ethereal music of composer Isaac Albéniz, or the enchanting verses of poet García Lorca. As Lorca once said, “Solo el misterio nos hace vivir, solo el misterio” – only mystery makes us live, only mystery.
Grape Expectations in Falset
Falset, nestled in Spain’s Catalonia region, boasts a vibrant cultural scene deeply rooted in history. It’s defined by the Fira del Vi, or “Wine Fair”, a celebration of local wines that’s as intoxicating as the vintages it honors. With a hearty cry of “Salud!” (“Cheers!”), locals and visitors alike indulge in this grape-infused tradition. The town’s history echoes through its Castell de Falset, a medieval castle offering panoramic views of the region. One can’t help but exclaim, “Qué hermoso!” (“How beautiful!”). Local cuisine also plays a vital role, with dishes like escudella i carn d’olla, a hearty meat and vegetable stew, offering a taste of traditional Catalonian fare. In Falset, the past and present intermingle, creating a culture as rich and varied as the region’s famed wines.
Gnome’s Gems of Falset
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 