2024 promises the wonder of 3 months of travel in Europe – what a privilege with such potential pleasure… As we prepare, I am preoccupied with ideas for how to make the most of this in several ways. Firstly – how can we do this lightly? And what does that even mean?

As I enjoy the earth-mind-body-spirit approaches of Wayapa in my daily routine, I have been thinking about the air animal/bird element. Everything the bird has on itself is purposeful and required, nothing is surplus to needs. Its feathers keep it warm, cool and enables flight. Every single feather is needed and are beautiful. Birds use the air currents as they soar, enabling them to see the world from new perspectives.

With this in mind, we are looking at travelling with carry-on luggage only. I am limiting the things I will take to one small cabin bag and a work backpack… is it possible? While we are travelling in spring, I will be visiting London and Scandinavia, along with Singapore and Italy in summer. Tricky, but worthwhile attempting. I am looking at multi-purpose layers that can work well separately and together with a wind and waterproof jacket. Shoes might be tricky but should be surmountable with careful selection of walkable cool and warm options. Anything that cannot multitask will not be packed :-)

As for our means of travel, we are flying premium economy on long segment flights (less take offs and landings). Premium for a little more space and better air quality while not consuming too much carbon… Once in Europe we will be travelling mainly by train and ferry. 2 exceptions – one to Bilbao which is hard to get to by train, and one to Copenhagen from Rome to get to the start of a tour on time.

As for accommodation – we have chosen hotels and apartments that will enable us to easily access the places we are in and want to visit by foot and public transport. We are so looking forward to enjoying local, seasonal, regional food and drinks.

As for the handprints I can make from this trip? I will be looking to connect with and learn from other regenerators as we travel and consider the places we are in through the lens of the Handprints I am helping develop for the AIA. I hope this will enrich the ideas that I look forward to sharing on our return to Australia in July.

Thanks to https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d9/29/81/d92981864f638c43602e4e18166742b1.jpg for the beautiful photo of the sulphur crested cockatoo :-)