This year Rabbit celebrated Leo’s Birth Anniversary in the land of Ice and Fire, surrounded by spectacular and diverse Icelandic landscapes. The beauty of nature made little Rabbit feel connected to the larger world, somehow closer to Leo, and he found comfort and peace in that experience.
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Today Leo’s Rabbit spent his day hopping around Reykjavik’s colourful city centre. Brightly painted buildings in an array of colours, quirky architecture that ranges from dynamic modern to traditional Scandinavian designs and eclectic street art put one little Rabbit into a very happy mood.
Leo’s Rabbit had a relaxing day soaking his tired paws in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. With 6 degrees outside, the water temperature in this geothermal pool in the heart of the volcanic landscape was about 38 degrees. He absolutely loved the experience although the silica-rich water at the Blue Lagoon made his fur frizzy. He enjoyed a drink and a face mask while in the pool. Warm waters and the beautiful surroundings left him feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Leo’s Rabbit fell in love with the ancient city of Venice which originally was built on 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Instead or roads, Venice relies on a series of waterways and canals. Rabbit was enchanted by its spectacular scenery and magical, romantic atmosphere. He enjoyed a short gondola ride through the canals and admired the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Today Leo's Rabbit travelled to the Italian city of Milan where he visited Duomo del Milano, one of the most iconic and impressive cathedrals in the world. It is apparently the largest gothic cathedral ever to be built and it is also one of the biggest Christian Churches in the world. Boasting a record-breaking 11,700 square metres, the Duomo is 45m x 156m and can accommodate 40,000 people.
Rabbit's learned that the cathedral took an astonishing 6 centuries to build. In 1386 construction began and it wasn’t until 1965 that it was complete. Leo's Rabbit thought that it was well worth the wait as the building is stunning, and somehow projects majesty and dignity. Rabbit took a stroll through the vibrant streets surrounding Duomo del Milano, and he enjoyed watching large crowd of people from all background and ages gathering around the cathedral. Today Leo’s Rabbit travelled to London to lay flowers and pay his respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. HM has lived a life of being exemplary and was a powerful source of inspiration for him, and for so many around the world. Her grace and strength, her loyalty and dedication to this country, never-failing commitment to us all made us all better and stronger. Rabbit feels honured to have lived through HM's reign and he weeps with the nation at her death.
On his travels Leo’s Rabbit reached Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia. The city, renowned for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and stunning nature greeted our Little Rabbit with breathtaking views.
Beautiful nature of Vancouver provided a real feast for our Rabbit’s eyes and soul. He loved his short stay in the city and he will definitely visit again. Whilst in San Francisco Leo’s Rabbit also visited Sausalito, a small town with the population of 7,000, known for its wonderful views of the Bay and San Francisco's skyline as well as for its historic Richardson Bay houseboat community, which was built after WWII by artists and other free spirits. Rabbit thought that it was one of the most charming places he’s ever been to and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, all the beautiful scenery and tranquility of the town.
During his short stay in San Francisco Leo’s Rabbit visited Alcatraz. Until 1963 it was a maximum security federal prison. Located on an island about 2km off the coast of San Francisco in the cold waters with strong currents, it was believed to be escape-proof and America's strongest prison.
However in 1962 four prisoners managed to escape through the ventilation tunnels which they’ve managed to open using metal spoons over. The escapees were never found, dead or alive so it’s not clear if they succeeded in reaching the shore. Rabbit looked around the primitive cells furnished with a bed, desk, washbasin, a toilet on the back wall, and a very few items other than a blanket. He learned that Al Capone has stayed in one of the cells for 4 years. It was a good experience to see the prison, but Rabbit was happy to board his ferry to the shore. Today Leo's Rabbit crossed the famous Golden Gate Bridge (which, by the way is not golden at all, but it's been painted in Rabbit's favourite colour - carrot orange), 1.7 miles long and 90 feet wide suspension bridge, one of the most iconic spots in San Francisco. Stunning views nearly took his breath away.
Leo's Rabbit made his first post-lockdown trip abroad to Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. One lucky rabbit has been happily hopping across cobbled streets enjoying stunning views offered by this truly beautiful and versatile city.
After many long months of staying at home, Leo’s Rabbit took his first trip and visited the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, an iconic British countryside with unique cultural heritage, wildlife and geology. He claimed Worcester Beacon, a hill whose summit at 425 metres is the highest point of the range. The hike wasn’t easy for the little Rabbit, but it was worth the effort as he was rewarded with the stunning 360 degree views from the top. He felt magnificent standing at such a high point, bathing in the sunshine with the warm breeze in his fur and looking out over such a huge distance on all sides.
As the Covid-19 struck the world and many countries went into lockdown, Rabbit’s travels plans have been cut short with two major trips cancelled. He was disappointed, but as an old wise Rabbit once said ‘It’s better to be disappointed and safe than sorry’, so he didn’t dwell on that for long. As the global pandemic unfolded Rabbit followed all the developments on the News from the safety of his home. He was/is in awe of the heroic work of doctors, nurses, health care professionals and other key workers who put their own safety at risk for the good of the rest of us. He had also heard of numerous acts of kindness, support and goodwill in many local communities. An immense gratitude and admiration filled up Rabbit’s heart for those on the front line. He, himself, however felt even smaller (he is a very small rabbit indeed) and helpless as he stayed locked in the house doing very little. He also wanted to contribute, even in the tiniest possible way, and finally he came up with an idea of opening his very own mask ‘factory’ :-) Rabbit dusted off his old sewing machine, purchased all the necessary materials and started making protective face masks. Over the period of the last four months he made and dispatched nearly 600 face masks. He donated them to his local healthcare workers, as well as sent them to his family and friends all over the world. Most of the masks were gratefully received, brought up joy and kindness in many people and gave a sense of purpose for our little Rabbit. Leo’s Rabbit was happy to see photographs of his friends wearing the masks he made (thank you everyone who sent them and we hope you don't mind that small versions of your pictures are published here - you all rock these masks with style! :-) ). The little Rabbit is a big supporter of wearing the masks, if not for his own protection, then to protect those most vulnerable around him. His biggest fear is that he may contract the virus and pass it on to someone who may not be able to fight it off. He is not prepared to lose a loved one, a family member, a friend or an elderly neighbour because of his negligence. He wears his mask with pride. Rabbit’s masks are not professional anti-viral masks, but they do form a barrier against the droplets. As we all know by now, the transmission of Covid-19 occurs mainly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing or even shouting or vigorous speach. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Wearing a mask protects us from being ‘sneezed on’ and most importantly, by wearing a mask we protect others from our own droplets that may be contaminated with the virus, even if we don’t experience any symptoms ourselves. Below, in the simplest possible way Leo's Rabbit explains the principle for all the other rabbits (and humans) :-)
As 2019 bids goodbye, Leo’s Rabbit reflects on some emotional decisions he took and all the ups and downs he experienced. He is so ready to move forward...
He believes that his future lies in his own paws and he is ready to make the best out of the coming new year. Here is to the opportunities of the next year and the next decade 🥂🐰 Happy New Year Everyone! Last afternoon Leo’s Rabbit embarked on a journey through the beautiful British countryside. As his destination he chose Lower Slaughter, a small village in the Cotswold district. The name of the village derives from the Old English word 'slothre' meaning 'muddy place', but he did not see much wetland and boggy ground in this charming place. He wandered around the enchanting narrow streets admiring honey-coloured stone architecture and quaint little cottages with mullioned windows. Walking along the river Eye and hopping through few small stone footbridges, Rabbit reached a 19th-century water mill with an undershot waterwheel and a chimney. He explored a small museum in the mill and a wonderful gift and craft shop in the rear of the property where he purchased a perfect pair of handmade leather boots fit for his paws. Rabbit proceeded next to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, an impressive stone building with stained glass windows and well kept graveyard. A visit to the Slaughters Manor House, a magnificent 17th Century mansion surrounded by five acres of glorious landscape gardens was the cherry on the cake (or rather an extra carrot on the carrot cake for a rabbit). The house looked incredible from the outside, so the Rabbit decided to pop in for a coffee. He was greeted by a well-suited and attentive British Gentelman who very politely ushered him to the sophisticated bar area. Rabbit had a good look around and although he loved the combination of stunning contemporary interiors with country charm, fine antique decorations and roaring fires, the place felt a bit too posh for our small-town Rabbit, so he decided to take a stroll outside instead. He enjoyed his little trip to the British countryside and was enchanted by a quaint and friendly village of Lower Slaughter. He felt lucky and proud to live in such a beautiful and fascinating country with its rich history and nature.
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Leo's Rabbit 'lives' in my handbag and he travels with us everywhere we go. He has pictures taken at various locations, tourist attractions and places we visit. As a part of this blog we will describe Leo's Rabbit Travels to share our personal experiences from these visits. Hopefully couple of people (apart from us :-) ) will find it interesting and may even feel encouraged to visit one of Rabbit's destinations.
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