“Szervusz!” That’s how we say “Hello!” in Hungarian, and what a lovely greeting it is! The gnome you all love, Oliver, is back with tales from my 47.1-kilometer journey from the quaint village of Malé Dvorníky, Slovakia, to the historical city of Komárom, Hungary.

Crossing borders is no joke for a gnome like me, but luckily, I have my trusty gnome passport. The shift from Slovak to Hungarian was noticeable as I crossed into Hungary. It’s always fascinating to observe the language changes; it’s like music to my gnome ears.

One thing that truly caught my eye during this trek was the timeless beauty of the Danube River as I crossed the Maria Valeria Bridge. The river shimmered like a long, silver ribbon winding its way through the heart of Central Europe.

Let me share a local Hungarian proverb I picked up while in Komárom: “Aki korán kel, aranyat lel.” It translates to “The early bird catches the worm.” There’s some gnome wisdom for you!

As I strolled the streets of Komárom, humming a local folk song “Komáromi híd alatt” (Under the Bridge of Komárom), I couldn’t help but appreciate the rich history and culture of this place.

Now, let’s talk numbers. Over the last 167 days, I’ve covered an astonishing 5051.3 kilometers! My recent stops include the picturesque towns of Mosonmagyaróvár, Bratislava, Malé Dvorníky, and Tata. Each of these places has added a unique color to the tapestry of my journey.

To all my gnome-hearted friends out there, remember: “Utazz, tanulj, élj!” (Travel, Learn, Live!). Until next time, “Viszlát!” (Goodbye!).

The Komárom I came across is a city echoing tales of a bygone era. One fascinating thing about this city is the Monostori Fortress, or Monostori Erőd as the locals call it. In the language of Magyars, ‘Erőd’ translates to ‘Fortress’. A colossal representation of military architecture from the 19th century, it witnessed numerous battles and sieges, whispering stories of bravery and courage.

Secondly, the city pays tribute to the famous Hungarian poet, Sándor Petőfi. There is a statue of this national icon in the city centre, reminding us of his immortal words, “Az vagyok, amit magamból adok, nem az, amit kapok” – “I am what I give, not what I receive.” His revolutionary poems still resonate in the hearts of Hungarians, inspiring them with his spirit of freedom and love for his homeland.

Komárom is not just a city; it’s a living history book, written in the ink of culture and resilience.