¡Hola amigos! (Hello friends!) This is your friendly neighborhood garden gnome Oliver checking in from the vibrant city of Tarragona, Spain.

I have just completed the 35.7 kilometers journey from the picturesque town of Falset. What a journey it was, filled with fragrant vineyards, olive groves, and breathtaking landscapes. But what struck me most was the sudden transition from a quiet, serene and traditional world to the bustling, lively and modern seaside city of Tarragona.

I found myself humming the local song, “La Santa Espina” (The Holy Thorn) as I traversed the beautiful countryside. The lyrics “Trepitja fort, que marcaràs la teva petjada, que no s’esborrarà” which translates to “Step hard, you’ll leave your footprint, which will not be erased“, seemed particularly fitting for my journey.

But the journey was not just about the physical distance, but also about cultural transitions. As I moved from Falset to Tarragona, I could see the changes in lifestyle, architecture, and even the pace of life. But as they say in Spanish, “No hay mal que por bien no venga” (Every cloud has a silver lining) and this change was certainly refreshing.

Now, let’s get to the stats. I have been on the road for 40 days now and have covered a staggering distance of 1038.3 kilometers. My recent stops include: Batea, Ascó, Falset, and now Tarragona.

As the famous philosopher Socrates would say, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new“. This journey has been about embracing new experiences, new cultures, and new insights.

So, here’s to the road ahead, may it be filled with more adventures. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning and as the Spaniards say, “Viva la vida” (Long live life)!

Adios for now, amigos!

Hola amigos! From the heart of Catalonia, I present to you the city of Tarragona. A gem that’s been polished by history, culture and the gentle Mediterranean breeze. Two remarkable things caught my gnome’s eye.

Firstly, the Amfiteatre Roma. Built in the 2nd century, it’s an imposing structure that echoes tales of gladiator fights and public spectacles. As the Spanish say, “El pasado nunca pasa” (The past never passes). What a profound sight!

Secondly, Tarragona’s famous Castells. It’s a tradition where people build human towers reaching dizzying heights. A thrilling testament to the city’s spirit of unity and strength. It reminded me of a quote from Spain’s renowned poet, Antonio Machado, “Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar” (Walker, there is no path, the path is made by walking).

In Tarragona, you don’t just visit a city, you walk through centuries of history and culture. ¡Hasta luego!