Years ago, I wrote a story about Leo, who wanted to make a grand tour and see all the wonders of life. The wind had been whispering about some things and places, and little Leo wanted to see them.
I shared the same curiosity as this Leo character when I traveled around decades ago. As a young student, I had just my Interrail ticket and a paper map in my pocket - and very little money! With no mobile phones or the internet, traveling was different those days in some respects. But people are always people, they talk and connect, doubt and seek shelter, enjoy food and company – or not. If you find the right persons, you will always survive and maybe make some life-long friends.
In a way, this story of Leo is my testament. I have gathered there some of the most profound experiences and feelings from my travels and also about life. Behind every place, every person, every incident, there is something from the real-life journey.
Those are the souvenirs that I carry in my heart, and they help me to survive the current times. I have met people who opened the doors of their homes and gave a stranger a key to come and go. Why? Maybe they could look straight to the heart of the lonely traveler and wanted to help and protect. Would I pick some backpackers with me when our train comes to a dark station? I’m glad an old lady with her grandson in Budapest did!
I have traveled quite a lot in Europe, most of the countries probably. As a history enthusiast and an art lover, I like to visit places with layers of time and cultures. Sometimes, it’s possible to experience a unique, timeless feeling of connecting to the sites, nature, and people – also the past ones. Like my character Leo, we can hear the echo from the warhorses or the troops marching, or we can see the eternal beauty of the art and nature and feel the love and respect among people.
Why am I telling you all this? Simply because these memories and plans to see the world again – as a little wanderer – help me to survive today without accusing anybody of this odd time of corona lockdown. We will make it together out of respect to LIFE!
P.S.
I attached here an illustration for my story “Leo, the Little Wanderer,” published again as a new version, illustrated by Andrea Alemanno in 2020/2021.
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