Forli
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 122: Well, now, isn’t this a treat? Forli’s clear sky is as clean as a whistle, and the temperature is a splendid 19.79°C – feels like 19.08°C to my gnomey senses. There’s a light breeze tickling my pointy hat at 2.57 m/s. I’ve experienced windier days in a butterfly sneeze! The humidity is at 48%, just enough to keep my beard from becoming a frizzy nightmare. I’ve got to say, this is perfect weather for a gnome on the roam, but the sun’s bright reflection off my shiny red boots is giving me a bit of a squint!
Gnome Sweet Rome!
During my 29.9 kilometers saunter, one thing stood out – the Via Aemilia, an ancient road connecting these two cities. As I trudged along, this piece of history beneath my feet, I couldn’t help but think of the countless souls who trodden this same path over millennia. A little piece of wisdom, “La storia ci insegna ma non ha allievi” – History teaches us, but it has no students.
As I crossed the city borders, I was greeted by the same warm Italian language filled with passion and history, but with subtle local accents that added a unique flavor to every greeting.
Did I mention the local songs? As I passed through various tavernas and homes, I heard the melodies of traditional songs floating through the air. One that stuck out was “Bella Ciao”, a song of resistance, which somehow seemed fitting for my relentless journey.
At this point in my journey, I’ve now spent an incredible 122 days on the road, traversed 3442.8 kilometers and visited the beautiful cities of Bologna, Imola, Forli, and Rimini. It’s a long road, but as the Italians say, “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano” – He who goes slowly, goes healthily and far.
Until next time, my wanderlust-filled friends, keep exploring and remember, “Il mondo è un libro, e quelli che non viaggiano ne leggono solo una pagina” – The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. Arrivederci!
Wandering Forli’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Ponderings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Forli.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Forli: Where Monks & Murals Mingle!
Another gem is the Musei di San Domenico. These museums are housed in a stunning 13th-century Dominican monastery. They hold a vast collection of art, including works by the famous Italian painter, Melozzo da Forlì. As we Italians say, “L’arte è il vino che riempie la coppa della vita” (Art is the wine that fills the cup of life).
In Forli, history whispers from every corner, and art is the language of the soul. As our beloved composer, Verdi once said, “È bello amare, ma amare l’arte è la cosa più bella di tutte” (It’s wonderful to love, but to love art is the most beautiful thing of all).
Broth, Bread and Breadcrumbs – Forlì Feeds!
In Forlì, a city steeped in history, the food scene is as rich as its culture. Here, the traditional local dish, Passatelli, reigns supreme. These noodle-like crumbs of bread, cheese, and eggs, served in a rich broth, are a comfort food like no other. “Passatelli in brodo,” as locals say, means “Passatelli in broth.” It’s not just about the food, it’s about the ritual, the shared experience of preparing and eating it. As the Italian saying goes, “Non si vive per mangiare, ma si mangia per vivere” – “We do not live to eat, but eat to live.” Forlì is a culinary journey you don’t want to miss.
Forli’s Gnome-tastic Wonders!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 