Sabadell
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 45: Shivering in Sabadell! The temperature is a brisk 8.55°C, feels like 7.3 for us gnomes, no thanks to those broken clouds playing peek-a-boo with the sun. The wind speed is 2.24 m/s, not much, but enough to ruffle my gnome hat and tickle my gnome nose. Humidity? A comfortable 49%. Perfect for a gnome’s complexion, but a bit chilly for my gnome toes! Who knew world travel would include frostbite threats to ceramic body parts? Brrr!
Olive-r Twist in Spain!
As I made my way along the route, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between these two places. Castelldefels, a city known for its sandy beaches and Mediterranean climate, and Sabadell, an industrial powerhouse. It was like crossing a border without actually crossing one. And though the language remained the same, the change in scenery spoke volumes.
On this journey, what struck me the most was an age-old olive tree I met along the way. It stood there, robust and gnarled, bearing the weight of centuries on its ancient bark – a testament to endurance. It reminded me of a Spanish proverb, “El que guarda siempre tiene” which translates to “He who saves, always has“. Much like the tree, we travelers must be resilient, saving our strength for the journeys ahead.
Now, my dear friends, let me serenade you with a local song that kept playing in my head as I walked. “Vivir Mi Vida“, a popular song by Marc Anthony, it goes, “Voy a reír, voy a bailar, vivir mi vida, la la la la.” It means, “I’m going to laugh, I’m going to dance, live my life, la la la la.” A perfect anthem for our journey, isn’t it?
After 45 days on the road, I’ve covered a total of 1140.1 kilometers. From Tarragona to Vilafranca del Penedès, then Castelldefels and now Sabadell, each city has added a colorful thread to the tapestry of my travels. And Barcelona awaits!
Until next time, remember, in the words of the great Spanish philosopher George Santayana, “El mundo es un libro, y quienes no viajan leen sólo una página“, which means, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page“.
¡Hasta la próxima, amigos!
Wandering Sabadell’s Streets
Gnome-Sized Grandeur Doodles
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Sabadell.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Sabadell: The Gnome-tastic Catalan Manchester!
Firstly, did you know Sabadell is known as the Catalan Manchester? It earned this nickname due to its prominent role in the Industrial Revolution in Spain. “El Manchester Catalán”, as locals call it, has a rich past that’s visible in its architecture.
Secondly, Sabadell is home to the magnificent Casa Duran, an art nouveau building designed by the architect Jeroni Granell i Manresa. Visiting this place was like stepping into a painting by Gaudi himself!
As the local poet Joan Oliver i Sallarès wrote, “La vida és un viatge que hom fa amb el cor” – Life is a journey that one makes with the heart. I couldn’t agree more after my enriching visit to Sabadell.
So, hasta la vista, Sabadell. You’ve been a joy to explore. Onwards to the next adventure!
Squid Ink Soiree in Sabadell
Sabadell, ah! A city as vibrant as the colors of paella, speaking of which, let me share my favorite local recipe – Arroz Negro! You’ll need 400g of rice, 1kg of squid, onion, bell pepper, tomato, 250ml of squid ink, 1.2L of fish stock, and alioli sauce.
Begin by frying up the squid, onion, bell pepper, and tomato in a paellera. Once softened, stir in the rice and let it absorb the flavors. Add the squid ink, saying “un poco más de sabor” (a little more flavor)! Then, pour in the fish stock, simmer until the rice is tender. Serve hot with a dollop of alioli, declaring “¡a comerr!” (let’s eat)!
Don’t forget, it’s the experience of making Arroz Negro in Sabadell that adds the real flavor. Bon appétit, or as they say here, “¡buen provecho!”
Gnome’s Stroll: Sabadell Sights
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 