Pennabilli
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 136: Pennabilli, you sly minx, you’re giving me a climate cocktail! It’s a balmy 17.46°C (feels like 17.32°C), but oh, the humidity! At 79%, it’s like a sauna for my ceramic pores. The wind’s a gentle whisper at 2.17m/s, just enough to tousle my hat. The clouds, they’re playing peekaboo with the sun, and I’m caught in their game. As a gnome, I’m used to a cosy garden; this weather’s making me feel like I’m in a steamy film noir. But hey, a gnome’s gotta do what a gnome’s gotta do! #G
Gnome in the Vineyard: Unwined!
One cannot simply walk across the Italian countryside without being struck by the country’s profound beauty. However, what really piqued my interest during this journey was a tiny, almost hidden vineyard I stumbled upon. It was nestled in the rolling hills, the grapevines dancing in the wind, a remnant of a time when life was simpler. The sight was so enchanting, it made this grumpy gnome shed a tear or two. I guess that’s “la dolce vita,” as the Italians would say, the sweet life.
The people in the vineyard were more than welcoming. They taught me an old Italian saying, “Nella botte piccola c’è il vino buono” which translates to “In small barrels, there’s good wine“. I suppose it’s their way of saying good things come in small packages – a sentiment I, as a gnome, wholeheartedly agree with.
As I continue to explore and learn, I’ve covered an impressive 3824.7 kilometers in 135 days. My journey has taken me through the magnificent cities of Pennabilli, Cervia, and Rimini. And each city has added a new layer to my understanding and appreciation of the world.
For those of you who love a good tune, I’d like to share a verse from a local song I learned in Pennabilli:
“Sotto il cielo di Roma, cammina un gnomo, Oliver è il suo nome, e il mondo è il suo regno.”
Translated, it says, “Under the sky of Rome, walks a gnome. Oliver is his name, and the world is his kingdom.”
As I venture forth, I carry these experiences with me, painting a rich tapestry of memories. I can’t wait to see what the road ahead holds. But for now, as the Italians say, “Arrivederci!” – until we meet again!
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: Rocks, Opera, Pasta!
The Parco dei Balzi Rossi is an intriguing geological spectacle. In Italian, Balzi Rossi translates to “Red Rocks,” and this park boasts a plethora of these natural phenomena. It’s a “libro di pietra” or “book of stone,” where each layer tells a story of a different epoch.
The Teatro degli Animosi, on the other hand, is a cultural gem with a rich history. This 19th-century theatre is a testament to Italy’s robust artistic heritage. It is named “Theatre of the Spirited,” and if walls could talk, these would sing arias from Giuseppe Verdi, recite verses from poet Dante Alighieri, or narrate tales of the revered artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Indeed, Pennabilli is a city that echoes Italy’s glorious past in every corner.
Piadina Philosophy: Pennabilli’s Palatable Ponderings
Pennabilli, a city rich in history and culture, boasts a unique food scene. Local cuisine is a testament to the city’s heritage, featuring traditional dishes like “Passatelli in brodo” (noodles in broth) and “Piadina” (flatbread). What sets Pennabilli apart is the use of fresh, local ingredients, from the mountains to the sea. The city also hosts the annual “Festival of Forgotten Fruits”, where rare and ancient fruits are celebrated. As I sampled a slice of steaming “Piadina”, I mused, “La vita è troppo breve per mangiare e bere male” (Life is too short to eat and drink poorly). Indeed, in Pennabilli, every meal is a testament to the good life.
Pennabilli’s Gnome Attractions
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 