Arco
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 116: Arco’s air today is cooler than a cucumber at 17.3°C, feeling like 16.39°C. The clouds seem to be having a falling-out, can’t seem to stick together! Quite a spectacle for a gnome like me. The breeze? Barely a whisper at 0.48 m/s. Perfect for my gnome hat, wouldn’t want it to take flight! Humidity’s at a comfortable 50%, keeping my porcelain skin dewy. As a garden gnome, it’s crucial not to crack up, you see! A splendid day for meandering, indeed!
Moss-Definitely Gnome-ward Bound!
Now, I could wax lyrical about the rolling landscapes or the crisp, clean air, but instead, I want to talk about something rather peculiar. As I was toddling along, I noticed an old stone bridge, or ‘ponte di pietra’ as the locals call it. This wasn’t just any old bridge, oh no! It was covered in a thick, lush layer of moss, with tiny flowers blossoming in-between. Nature, it seems, had claimed it back! A sight to behold, and a reminder that nature always finds a way.
As I passed this monument to time and nature, I couldn’t help but remember a quote by the Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno: “Nature is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” How very true, amici (friends)!
In my journey, I’ve strolled, skipped and occasionally hopped for a total of 3198.4 kilometers across beautiful cities like Bormio, Verona, and now, Arco. I’ve been on the road for 115 days, experiencing the alluring beauty of our world, and my feet have yet to tire!
As I continue my journey, I leave you with the lyrics of a local song that encapsulates my feelings: “Su e giù per le montagne, sotto il sole e la pioggia… e la strada continua” (Up and down the mountains, under the sun and the rain… and the road continues).
Arrivederci, and remember my fellow wanderers, keep exploring, keep wandering and most importantly, keep laughing. After all, as they say in Italy, “Ridere è il miglior medicinale” (Laughter is the best medicine).
Until next time,
Oliver the Globetrotting Gnome
Wandering Arco’s Streets
Gnome Gazing, Brush Grazing
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Arco.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Arco: Dante’s ‘Infected’ Paradise!
Firstly, it is home to the magnificent Castello di Arco. This medieval castle, perched atop a cliff, whispers tales of yore. It was even mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy, “Come d’Arco di Topo, che s’infetta…” (Like a mouse’s hole, that has become infected…).
Secondly, Arco boasts the Arboretum, a lush Mediterranean garden. It was created by Archduke Albert of Austria, an aficionado of botany. The garden is a living testament to Italy’s love for nature, a sentiment echoed in the music of Italian composer Ottorino Respighi.
Arco is not just a city, it’s a work of art, a symphony, a poem. Its essence is captured in the famous Italian saying, “La vita è un viaggio, chi viaggia vive due volte” (Life is a journey, those who travel live twice).
Arco: Where Culture Strums the Strings
Arco is a city brimming with culture and history. Nestled at the foothills of the Alps, it is a melting pot of ancient traditions and modern creativity. Its cultural scene is defined by its rich heritage, embodied in the Arco Castle and numerous historical churches. You’ll hear locals saying, “La cultura è il cuore di Arco” – ‘Culture is the heart of Arco’. The city is also famed for its music and arts festivals, notably the Arco Jazz Festival. Here, “la musica è vita” – ‘Music is life’ is more than just a phrase, it’s a lifestyle. Arco’s cultural tapestry is as vibrant as the city itself, interwoven with threads of history, art, music, and tradition. Visit Arco, immerse yourself in its culture, and like me, you’ll find it hard to say “arrivederci” – ‘goodbye’.
Gnome’s Nook: Arco Attractions
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 