Buongiorno, my fellow wanderers! It’s your favorite peripatetic gnome, Oliver, coming to you from the heart of Italy.

Today, I want to share with you my 37.2-kilometer journey from the charming town of Pennabilli to the vibrant city of Riccione. While the road was long, the view of the rolling Italian hills and the aroma of the fresh blossoming flowers made every step worth it.

But, if I were to choose one thing that stood out the most, it would be the magnificent sight of the ancient Castle of Pennabilli. It stood there, a timeless sentinel overlooking the town, whispering tales of knights and nobles, battles and feasts. As the Italians say, “Chi non risica, non rosica” which translates to “Who doesn’t risk, doesn’t gain”. And oh, the gain was indeed worth the risk!

Now, let me serenade you with a local song that I heard during my journey,
“Nel blu dipinto di blu“, or as you might know it, “Volare”. The lyrics speak of a man dreaming of flying in the blue-painted sky, which I think captures the spirit of our journey perfectly.

In my 127 days on the road, I have traveled a whopping 3610.8 kilometers. I’ve made stops at the beautiful cities of Rimini, Riccione, Pennabilli, and back to Riccione and Rimini again. Each city, with its unique charm, has enriched my journey and broadened my horizons.

As we journey through life, remember this beautiful Italian quote, “La vita è un viaggio, chi viaggia vive due volte“. It means “Life is a journey, those who travel live twice”. So, let’s keep traveling and keep living!

Arrivederci until the next post, and remember, no journey is too long if you have the right gnome-titude!

Riccione, a vibrant city on Italy’s Adriatic coast, certainly left an indelible mark on this travel-weary gnome’s heart. Its rich culture and history are a treasure trove, just waiting to be discovered.

First off, Riccione is known as “La Perla Verde dell’Adriatico” (The Green Pearl of the Adriatic), a tribute to its lush parks and gardens. Reflecting on the verdant scenery, I couldn’t help but think of Italy’s famous composer, Giuseppe Verdi, and his opera ‘La Traviata’. Just like Violetta’s character, Riccione is radiant and full of life.

Secondly, the city’s fascinating history is underpinned by the grandeur of Villa Mussolini, a 20th-century edifice that was home to Benito Mussolini during his summer retreats. As I stood before this monumental villa, I was reminded of a line from one of Italy’s renowned poets, Ugo Foscolo: “Ahi, come, a che rischio si espone chi sul passato fonda l’avvenir!” (Ah, what a risk he exposes who builds the future on the past!)

Riccione, you’re a city that truly sings to the heart!