Pennabilli
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 132: Pennabilli rain, coming down like a dog at the fire hydrant. Temperature is 9.68°C – chilly enough to give a gnome goosebumps on his hat. Humidity’s at 90%, making my beard curl like a squirrel’s tail. And the wind? A galloping 1.19 m/s, nearly blew off my red hat! I’m like a stone Popsicle out here. But hey, a gnome’s gotta do what a gnome’s gotta do. No rain check for me, only rain checks. Ha!
Herb-ing My Enthusiasm in Pennabilli!
This journey was a feast for the senses, but what stood out the most was the smell. Yes, you heard it right! The aroma of fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary wafting from the local gardens of Pennabilli was simply intoxicating. Or as they say here, “il profumo era semplicemente inebriante”. I’ve smelt many a garden in my travels but this, my friends, was something else.
A local song that’s been stuck in my head goes a little like this: “Sul ponte di Pennabilli, ci siamo incontrati noi, tra l’odore delle erbe, e il canto degli eroi” which translates to “On the bridge of Pennabilli, we met, among the smell of herbs, and the song of heroes.”
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of a quote from the famous Italian philosopher, Umberto Eco: “Viaggiare non serve per conoscere il mondo ma per saper guardare.” In English, it means, “Traveling is not useful for knowing the world but for knowing how to look.”
So far, I’ve been on the road for 132 days, traveled 3725.5 kilometers through cities including Urbania, Riccione, Urbino, and now Pennabilli.
Though I didn’t cross any borders on this trek, be rest assured I’ll note any language changes when I do.
So, until next time, keep exploring, keep laughing and as they say in Italy, “Mantieni sempre un sorriso sul tuo viso” (Always keep a smile on your face)!
Arrivederci!
Wandering Pennabilli’s Streets
Gnome’s Quirky Color Dabbles
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Pennabilli.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Pennabilli: Tarots and Theatrics!
The second is Il Teatro Ristori, a historical theatre named after the great Italian tragedian Adelaide Ristori. It’s where the phrase “Il teatro è la vita, la vita è il teatro” (Theatre is life, life is theatre) resonates, showcasing the city’s love for performing arts.
From the tarot-inspired sculptures to the echo of theatrical performances, Pennabilli encapsulates a journey through Italy’s artistic and cultural panorama. This city, rich in history, is a testament to Italy’s enduring love affair with the arts. In Pennabilli, every stone tells a story and every corner sings a verse from Italy’s grand opera of life.
Ciao Chow and Pennabilli Patois!
Buongiorno, friends! Let’s have a quick Italian lesson, shall we?
1. “Ciao” (chow) – It’s a casual hello or goodbye. But remember, it’s more for friends, not the Pope!
2. “Per favore” (per fa-voh-re) – Means “please”. Italians are polite, so use it often!
3. “Grazie” (grat-zee-eh) – Means “thank you”. Another way to show your manners.
Now, in Pennabilli, they speak a dialect called Romagnolo. One unique thing about it is the use of “a” instead of “o” at the end of many words. So, “grazie” becomes “grazia”.
Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Pennabilli, do as… well, you get the jest!
Arrivederci! (ah-ree-ve-der-chee) – It means “goodbye”. Use it when you’re leaving a place… or updating your gnome blog!
Pennabilli: A Gnome’s Playground
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 