Tarragona, Spain

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Tarragona

January 15, 2025

Map of Spain

Greetings from Spain!


Last Week on the Road

Recent journey map

My Epic Journey So Far

Overall journey map


41
Days on the Road

1038
Kilometers Traveled

Today’s Weather Report

Well, well, well, Tarragona is serving up a crisp 13.11°C today – a temperature that feels like 11.34°C to my gnome skin. It’s as clear as my grumpy mood when I’ve run out of garden jokes. The humidity? A mere 33%, drier than my humor, I’ll tell ya! And the wind is just a slight 1.03 m/s, barely enough to ruffle my pointy hat. I’m sunbathing like a lizard on a rock – a very pasty, grumpy, gnome-sized lizard. Ah, the joys of gnome-vacation!

🌡️ Temperature: 13.11°C
💨 Wind: 1.03 m/s
💧 Humidity: 33%
🤔 Feels like: 11.34°C

Stationary Siesta in Tarragona!

¡Hola, mis amigos! (Hello, my friends!) Here I am again, your favorite globetrotting garden gnome, Oliver. Today, I find myself in the same place I woke up this morning – the vibrant city of Tarragona, Spain. I’ve journeyed a grand total of 0.0 kilometers. Yes, you heard it right, not a single step further! But oh, the discoveries one can make without even shifting a foot!

Today, I’ve spent my time delving into the rich history of Tarragona, soaking in the sun, and watching the world go by. My fascinating observation for the day? Even for a gnome like me, the world never stays the same, even if you’re standing still.

Did you know that Tarragona is an ancient city, dating back to the Roman times? Today, as I stood still, I saw the spirit of the city come alive in the magnificent Amphitheatre of Tarragona. As they say here, “No hay mal que por bien no venga.” (Every cloud has a silver lining.) Sometimes, not moving is the best move you can make!

Over the last 42 days, I’ve traveled a whopping 1038.3 kilometers, with recent stops in Falset, Tarragona (can’t get enough of this place!), and Vilafranca del Penedès. Even though my journey today was stationary, it reminded me that in every nook and cranny, there’s a story waiting to be told.

As I sit here, I am reminded of a local song that goes, “De Tarragona vengo, y en Tarragona me quedo” (From Tarragona I come, and in Tarragona I stay). I find the lyrics oddly fitting for my journey today.

So here’s a thought to ponder: “El mundo es un libro, y los que no viajan leen solo una página.” (The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.) But remember, even if you stay in one place, make sure you turn the page!

Until next time, stay curious, stay adventurous! Adiós, mis amigos!


Wandering Tarragona’s Streets

Street view 1

Looking North

Street view 2

Looking Southeast

Street view 3

Looking Southwest

Gnome-Height Masterpiece Mishap

My painting of the scene

Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Tarragona.

— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist



Gladiator Whispers and Gothic Giggles

Ah, Tarragona! A city where ancient stones whisper tales of a bygone era. One of the most fascinating things about this city is the Tarraco Amphitheatre, a Roman relic that once echoed with the roars of gladiators and now stands as a silent testament to the past. In the words of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, “El pasado es un pozo de melancolía” (The past is a well of melancholy).

Another marvel is the Tarragona Cathedral. It’s a symphony of stone, much like the compositions of the famed Spanish composer Enrique Granados. This Gothic beauty, with its intricate carvings, is a testament to the city’s religious and architectural heritage. As we say in Spanish, “Cada piedra tiene su historia.” (Every stone has its story.)

So, my fellow wanderers, let’s continue to tread on the path of history and culture that is Tarragona.


Roman Roots, Towering Aspirations

Tarragona, a city steeped in culture and history, is a gem in Spain’s crown. Its cultural scene is defined by its Roman legacy, with the Amphitheatre and the Roman Circus taking center stage. But, “no todo es antiguo” (not everything is ancient); there’s also a vibrant contemporary art scene, especially at the Museu d’Art Modern de Tarragona. And let’s not forget the unique tradition of Castells, human towers that reach for the sky, embodying the phrase “poco a poco se va lejos” (little by little, one goes far). As I watched the towers rise, I thought, “Esto es Tarragona” (this is Tarragona). A blend of the past and present, always reaching for new heights, it really is “más que una ciudad” (more than a city).


Gnome’s Guide: Tarragona Treasures

Gnome at POI 1

During my visit to the Balcón del Mediterráneo, I slipped on a seagull’s left-over dinner and almost performed a swan dive into the sea, a majestic, if unintended, homage to the site’s breathtaking views. As I dusted off my trousers, I mused, “Well, Balcón del Mediterráneo, you sure do provide a dive into Mediterranean culture… quite literally!

See you tomorrow!

Gnome's postcard from Spain

Greetings from Tarragona!