The 32.2 kilometers journey was a delightful one, packed with beautiful Austrian scenery and colorful local culture. The air was crisp, the sky was clear, and my tiny gnome feet carried me along through the rolling hills, vineyards, and charming Austrian villages.

Our interesting observation of the day was the stark contrast between the tranquil vineyards around Leibnitz and the bustling city life in Graz. It was quite the spectacle!

We bid “Auf Wiedersehen” (that’s “Goodbye” for the non-German speakers) to the peacefulness of Leibnitz and embraced the lively rhythms of Graz. The sound of lively chatter, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the beautiful amalgamation of old and modern architecture in Graz was truly something to behold.

As we journeyed along, a local song kept playing in my head, “Steirermen san very good“. Translated, it means “Styrian men are very good”. A fitting tribute to the friendly locals we’ve met!

Our overall journey has now spanned 4504.9 kilometers, a distance that seemed unimaginable when we first set off 148 days ago. From Krapina to Maribor, from Maribor to Leibnitz, from Leibnitz to Graz, and from Graz now to Hartberg, every kilometer has been a story in itself.

In the words of Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, “Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt“. The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. But remember, my dear friends, we’ve crossed no borders on this journey, only expanded our horizons.

Until our next adventure, Auf Wiedersehen! Keep those feet moving and those hearts open to the beauty of the world. Stay grumpy, stay curious!

Just arrived in the beautiful city of Graz, which is home to the Kunsthaus, or the “Friendly Alien” as it’s affectionately known. This stunning piece of modern architecture cannot be missed! It’s a stark contrast to the city’s traditional baroque buildings, but it perfectly embodies Austria’s forward-thinking spirit. It’s a piece of art housing art – a true masterpiece of a “Gesamtkunstwerk” (total artwork), as the famed Austrian composer Wagner would say.

Another highlight of Graz is the Schlossberg, a hill in the center of the city. The locals say, “Geh zum Schlossberg, das ist wunderbar!” (Go to the Schlossberg, it’s wonderful!). And they couldn’t be more correct. A climb to the top gives you a panoramic view of the city. At its peak, you find the Uhrturm, an ancient clock tower, a symbol of Graz standing timelessly against the changing landscape.

Both places, the Kunsthaus and the Schlossberg, remind me of a quote by Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke: “Und das Schöne, dies sagen die klügeren Leute, stirbt nicht eines natürlichen Todes.” (“And beauty, the wiser people say, does not die a natural death.”).

Well, Graz indeed is a testament to that!