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.

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) :-)

A day out at the Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market filled Leo’s Rabbit with the festive cheer. He enjoyed live music from a number of street performers, admired a vast selection of traditional handmade goods and tried some delicious German food and gluhwine.

After a very challenging and lonely 6 weeks in Los Angeles Rabbit took some time off to restore his mental health and enjoyed a ‘Rabbit day’ at Santa Monica and Venice Beach with an uplifting 20km walk. Fresh-air activity helped him to clear his head whilst watching a variety of colourful and amusing humans kept him entertained. He loved the vibrant atmosphere pulsating with energy, saturated with an abiding aroma of cannabis and a dizzying array of colours and hues. He even had a brush with fame when he encountered a film crew working on a new fashion show 🎬

On a beautiful, sunny autumn day Rabbit explores a stunning city of Wroclaw, Poland with its magnificent, colourful Market Square, lined with elegant townhouses and the Gothic Old Town Hall with the unique astronomical clock. Packed with a variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants the vibrant city centre is a perfect place to relax in a picturesque surroundings. Our Rabbit felt the sheer delight as he strolled around 🐰☀️🇵🇱

Today Rabbit found himself in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown LA. Although he is not a religious creature, he enjoyed a quiet moment of reflection in this magnificent, exceptionally accessible and beautiful church. He admired its astonishing architecture, the impressive organs and unique artworks. He loved a modern design with massive spaces that made a little Rabbit feel even smaller and his problems somehow insignificant.

He wandered into the lower level with a large mausoleum that contains crypts and columbarium niches for burials, and features a number of stunning stained glass windows.

Rabbit thought that the whole cathedral emanated tranquility, peace and greatness and his visit provided him with a spiritually refreshing experience.

Rabbit spent an enjoyable day at the Getty Center, a unique destination that incorporates modern design, beautiful gardens, open spaces, and spectacular views of Los Angeles.

He admired a vast collection of European and American art, including ‘Portrait of Jeanne Kéfer’ by Fernand Khnopff, ‘Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino’ landscape by Joseph Mallord William Turner, ‘Jeanne (Spring)’ by Édouard Manet and Van Gogh’s ‘Irises’.

Along with the art he was impressed by an inspiring architecture of the museum and a beautiful nature of its surroundings. Little Rabbit marveled at the views and left happy and mentally invigorated.

The sign itself cannot be reached ‘on paws’, but Mt Hollywood Hiking Trail from Griffith Park offers amazingly close encounters with the sign. Rabbit enjoyed his hike and was rewarded with spectacular views of the hills and mountains surrounding Los Angeles, a city with its characteristic downtown skyscrapers, an ocean and a beautiful Griffith Park itself. Rabbit felt as if he was on the top of the world:-)