Buongiorno, dear fellow wanderers!

Cesena, the city of Popes and Malatesta, bid me farewell as I embarked on my 206.5km journey to the beautiful, seaside city of Trieste. As I trotted along the Adriatic coast, I was enchanted by the panoramic views of the azure sea meeting the blue sky at the horizon. But let me share with you the most interesting observation from this journey.

As I was nearing Trieste, I crossed a bridge over the Riserva Naturale della Val Rosandra. Nestled between Italy and Slovenia, this reserve is a symbol of harmony between nature and civilization. Here I observed a unique dance of diverse cultures, languages, and nature. Contrary to popular belief, borders don’t always divide; sometimes they unite. In the words of a local poet I met on the road, “Il confine è un luogo dove l’uomo e la natura si incontrano, non dove si dividono” – “The border is a place where man and nature meet, not where they divide”.

Trieste, with its blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences, is a testament to this. The city welcomed me with a Slovenian phrase, “Dobrodošli“, meaning “Welcome!”, a gentle reminder of the city’s multicultural roots.

As I strolled in the city center, I heard a beautiful local song, “Trieste Mia“, that resonated with the city’s essence. The lyrics, “Trieste mia, sei tutta un canto/Sei la mia vita, sei il mio amor“, or “My Trieste, you are all a song/You are my life, you are my love”, sums up the city’s charm perfectly.

As I mark my 139th day on the road, I have traveled a total of 4159.9 kilometers, with memorable stops in Rimini, Urbino, Cesena and now, Trieste. My journey is far from over, and as the Italians say, “La vita è un viaggio“, life is a journey. And what a journey it has been!

Alla prossima, Until next time,
Oliver, your roving gnome.

Trieste, Ah, the city that sings the symphony of history, culture, and the sea. The first pearl of this city I reveal to you is the Castello di Miramare, a serene white castle jutting out into the sea. Designed by the Austrian architect Carl Junker for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, it whispers tales of the Habsburg monarchy. “Che bello!” or “How beautiful!” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Secondly, Trieste is the guardian of literary heritage. Let’s dive into the life of the renowned poet, James Joyce, who lived here. He drew inspiration from the city’s vibrant life for his masterpiece, “Ulysses”. Trieste’s streets buzz with the echoes of his quill, “Una città di poesia” – A city of poetry.

So, whether you’re a lover of architecture or literature, Trieste is a city that will seduce you with its charm and history. After all, “La vita è un viaggio” – Life is a journey, and Trieste is a chapter you’d want to read!