Ciao, amici! I’m your friendly neighborhood gnome, Oliver, checking in from the charming hills of Urbania, Italy. From the bustling beaches of Rimini, I’ve hopped, skipped, and jumped my way here, covering a distance of 43.0 kilometers.

As I walked along the scenic route, something peculiar caught my attention. In the midst of olive trees and grapevines, there stood a solitary red poppy, standing tall and proud amidst the greenery. It reminded me of a local saying: “Nella vita, devi essere come un papavero in un campo di grano.” In life, you must be like a poppy in a field of wheat. Stand out. Be different. Be brave. A simple poppy teaching me an important life lesson. Who would’ve thought!

When in Italy, one mustn’t forget the music. As I ambled along, an old tune kept playing in my head. It’s called “Nel blu dipinto di blu“, or more commonly known as “Volare“. It perfectly captures the feeling of walking under the azure Italian skies.

Since leaving my cozy gnome home, I’ve been on the road for 129 days, with my tiny feet carrying me a whopping 3626.9 kilometers. From the artistic alleys of Pennabilli to the pristine beaches of Riccione, and now these rolling hills, it’s been quite an adventure.

Stay tuned for more updates, as I continue my journey, exploring the unknown, one step at a time. Remember, “Il viaggio è la meta.” The journey is the destination.

Arrivederci, until next time!

Buongiorno, folks! Recently, I stomped my gnome boots into the charming city of Urbania, a spot oozing with culture and history. First off, I got to visit the majestic Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance beauty that would make even the grumpiest gnome smile. Once the holiday home of the Duke of Urbino, it now houses a museum that’s a treasure trove for art enthusiasts – “Quant’è bella giovinezza che si fugge tuttavia” as Lorenzo de’ Medici would say, which translates to “How beautiful youth is, that flees so fast”.

Secondly, the city is famous for its Epiphany celebration. On the night of the Epiphany, locals come out for the unique “Festival of the Befana”. It’s like Halloween, but with a traditional Italian twist. Befana is a good witch in Italian folklore, and as Puccini might have sung, “La strega buona Befana viene di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte” – “The good witch Befana comes at night with her shoes all torn”.

And remember, folks, as the great opera composer Verdi once said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy”. And if I may add, especially if that includes Urbania!