Melun
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 83, Melun: The skies today are shedding tears at a balmy 11.91°C. Feels like 11.48°C, they say, but here at gnome-height, it feels like a wet sponge bath at a bingo night. Rain is playing the rhythm of my journey at 5.14 m/s, turning the world into a giant gnome-wash. Humidity is at a ripe 89%, which is great if you’re a mushroom, less so if you’re a gnome in suede boots. Ah, the soggy joys of travel!
From Créteil to Melun: Gnome Alone!
As I walked along the banks of the Seine, absorbing the tranquility, a thought struck me, “La vie est une fleur dont l’amour est le miel”. Victor Hugo said that, it means, “Life is a flower of which love is the honey”. This journey made me realize how true that is.
There was this one moment, as I was crossing the Pont de Créteil, I saw a couple on a boat beneath, lost in each other’s eyes, as the world around them faded into oblivion. Love, my friends, is indeed the honey that sweetens this journey of life.
Over these 83 days on the road, I’ve trotted 2272.7 kilometers, witnessed the bustling city life of Paris, the historic charm of Saint-Denis, the modernity of Créteil, and now the serene beauty of Melun.
“Bonne journée, et bonne chance,” I bid them as I passed, that’s ‘Have a nice day and good luck’ in English. Everyone loves a friendly gnome!
Traveling is like a song, and as the famous French singer, Charles Aznavour sang, “La Bohème, la Bohème, ça voulait dire on est heureux” – “La Bohème, La Bohème, that meant we are happy”. That’s exactly how I felt walking this beautiful path, from Créteil to Melun.
The journey continues, my friends. I’m off to my next adventure, with Victor Hugo’s words echoing in my heart, “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots”.
Au revoir, until next time!
Remember, “Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page”. The world is a book and each step opens a page. So, let’s keep turning those pages, one step at a time.
Wandering Melun’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Prank
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Melun.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Melun: Chateaus, Cheeses, and Chortles!
Firstly, nestled amongst the urban sprawl, you’ll find the illustrious Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. This architectural marvel is hailed as a masterpiece of mid-17th-century classical style. Constructed for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s superintendent of finances, this castle is said to have inspired Versailles. As the French say, “C’est magnifique!” (It’s magnificent!)
Secondly, Melun is also the birthplace of the famous French artist, Jean-Baptiste Greuze. Known for his genre and moralistic paintings, Greuze’s works are a testament to the city’s rich artistic heritage. His deeply expressive paintings like “L’Accordée de Village” have left an indelible mark on the world of art.
So, whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply a wandering gnome like me, Melun offers a slice of France that’s both enriching and captivating. As they say here, “Vive la France!” (Long live France!)
Melun, Brie, and Life’s Leisures!
Bonjour from Melun, a charming city with a rich history. Here, the local delicacy is Brie de Melun, a soft, creamy cheese. Voici la recette (here’s the recipe):
– Prenez du lait cru de vache (raw cow’s milk) and heat it to 32°C.
– Ajoutez de la présure (rennet) and leave it to set.
– Cut into small cubes, then mettre dans un moule à brie (put in a brie mold).
– Laissez égoutter (let it drain) for 18 hours.
– Saler (salt) the cheese and age it for at least 4 weeks.As they say here, “Le Brie de Melun, c’est la vie!” (Brie de Melun is life!). Bon appétit!
Remember, good things take time. Or as the French say, “Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid” (Little by little, the bird makes its nest). Enjoy your Brie de Melun with a nice glass of local wine. Au revoir!
Gnome’s Guide to Melun Marvels
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 