Pennabilli
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 127: Pennabilli’s weather has a bit of a personality disorder today. Scattered clouds are playing hide and seek with the sun. Temperature’s at a crisp 8.57°C, feels more like 6.19°C. As a gnome, I’m no stranger to the cold, but my pointy hat isn’t exactly an insulated beanie! Wind’s goofing around at 4.11 m/s, trying to tip my sturdy self over. Humidity’s at 52% – just enough to keep my ceramic complexion dewy. It’s a fine day for a gnome-about-town, as long as he leans into the wind and avoids puddles!
Volare with Gnome Care!
As I strolled my little gnome feet along the 37.2km path, I immersed myself in the charm of the Italian Riviera; its vibrant colors, the aroma of freshly baked pizza, and of course, the melodious chatters in Italian. But the most interesting observation I made was not one of sight, but of sound.
In the midst of my journey, I stumbled upon an old man sitting under the shade of an olive tree, his fingers strumming a guitar. He was singing a local song, “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, also known as “Volare”. The lyrics go like this: “Nel blu, dipinto di blu, felice di stare lassù” which translates to “In the blue, painted blue, happy to be up there”. The joy in his voice was so profound; it echoed the spirit of this beautiful country.
Despite being a grumpy gnome, I couldn’t help but join him for a verse or two. We laughed, we sang, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. It’s these unexpected moments of connection that really make a journey worthwhile.
Looking back, I’ve traveled a whopping 3536.5km since I started this adventure 126 days ago. From the bustling city of Rimini to the quiet streets of Pennabilli, and back to the lively Riccione, each city has taught me something new and left a piece of itself with me.
As I continue my journey, I’m reminded of a quote by the great Italian philosopher, Dante Alighieri: “Non si va mai tanto lontano come quando non si sa dove si va.” This means, “One never goes so far as when one doesn’t know where one is going.”
I don’t know where my journey will take me next, but I’m excited to find out. Until then, ciao!
Wandering Pennabilli’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Pictorial Pursuit
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Pennabilli.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Pennabilli: Forgotten Fruits, Remembered Art!
Pennabilli is also home to the Pinacoteca Raffaello Sanzio, an art gallery housing works from the Renaissance era, including those of the maestro Raffaello Sanzio himself. As they say in Italy, “Un giorno senza arte è come un giorno senza sole” – A day without art is like a day without sun.
And just like that, another day in Italy is painted onto the canvas of my journey. Ciao for now!
Passatelli Journey: Doughn’t Stop Believin’!
Buongiorno, amici! From the heart of the beautiful Pennabilli, I bring you a traditional recipe called Passatelli in Brodo.
“Primo, prendi 200 grammi di pane grattugiato” or first, take 200 grams of breadcrumbs. Then, “Aggiungi 100 grammi di Parmigiano Reggiano” – add 100 grams of Parmesan cheese. “Mescola con 3 uova” – mix with 3 eggs. “Infine, grattugia un po’ di noce moscata” – finally, grate a bit of nutmeg. Now, you’ve got your dough!
“Ora è il momento di far bollire il brodo” – it’s time to boil the broth. Once it’s bubbling, “aggiungi i passatelli” – add the passatelli. They’ll float when they’re ready.
“Buon appetito!” Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Italy, “Mangia che ti passa!” (Eat and it’ll pass!) A simple, warming dish from the heart of Italy!
Gnome’s Guide: Pennabilli Peculiarities
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 