Pennabilli
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 133: Pennabilli, submerged under a moderate rain. It’s a cool 10.79°C, feels like 10.38°C, a bit nippy for a gnome’s bottom. Humidity at 94%, the air’s thicker than a bowl of Grandma Gnome’s famous pea soup. A wind speed of 1.24 m/s, not even enough to fluff my beard. I could use a gust to help me get to the pub. The rain’s a bane and boon – I’m gleaming clean but can’t tell my hat from my boots! Can’t complain though, a gnome’s life is never dull, even in a downpour!
Pennabilli Puns and Fountains!
One of the fascinating things about traveling is that you can always find something new, even in the same place. And so it happened that I discovered an unexplored corner of this charming Italian town. They call it La Fontana del Gobbo or ‘The Hunchback’s Fountain.’ It’s not just a fountain, it’s a story etched in stone. The statue of a hunchback, filling his bucket with the town’s spring water, is a sight to behold. It reminded me of the local saying, “Il bello di viaggiare è scoprire” which translates to “The beauty of traveling is discovering.”
Adding this little detour to my mighty journey of 3725.5 kilometers, I’ve been on the road for 133 days. Recent stops have included the lovely cities of Riccione, Urbino, Pennabilli (twice!), and Cervia. The journey from Riccione to Urbino was a language lover’s dream, as I crossed the border and witnessed the delightful changes in dialects and accents.
I find myself humming an old Italian song, “Il Mondo,” as I stroll through the streets of Pennabilli. The lyrics, “Il mondo non si è fermato mai un momento…” which means “The world has never stopped for a moment…” seem rather apt given my ceaseless wanderings.
In the wise words of the great philosopher, Seneca, “Non est ad astra mollis e terris via.” There is no easy way from the earth to the stars. But who’s looking for easy ways when the journey is this beautiful?
Stay tuned for more adventures, folks! Remember, life is about the journey, not the destination. So, let’s keep exploring and discovering. Buon viaggio!
Wandering Pennabilli’s Streets
Gnome’s Petite Palette Ponderings
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Pennabilli.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Pennabilli: Espresso and Echoes!
Seduti vicino alla piazza, ho sorseggiato un espresso, mentre ascoltavo le storie del passato (Sitting near the square, I sipped an espresso, while listening to the tales of the past).
Another gem is the Santuario Madonna delle Grazie, a place of divine tranquility. Here, I found myself echoing the words of Italy’s great poet Dante Alighieri: “L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle” (The love that moves the sun and the other stars).
Pennabilli, a charming city steeped in history, where every stone sings a song of the past, and every corner harbors a tale waiting to be told.
Galloping Gnomes at Giovanni’s Jamboree!
In Pennabilli, one rich, colorful tradition is the Fiera di San Giovanni or “Fair of Saint John”. This fair, dating back to 1350, fills the streets with music, food, and crafts every June. The highlight is the Palio dei Rioni where the town’s districts compete in a spirited horse race. As the Italians say, “Chi vince, gode!” or “Whoever wins, enjoys!” It’s a true immersion in Italian culture, and a spectacle not to be missed!
Gnome’s Peek at Pennabilli
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 