Leon Logothetis is the host of the reality show "The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody." He's shooting this third season now—traveling around Europe for only five euros a day and relying on the kindness of strangers. And while he travels, he's been sending us some dispatches from the road.
Leon in Venice's St. Mark's Square
People kept telling me before I started the trip that in most areas of Europe people will not speak English. However I did not really consider this aspect of the trip and have suffered the consequences. My new favorite phrase has become "Do you speak English?" and I would say that on average only one out of ten people who I ask say yes, the rest just shuffle past me with a glazed look on their face or a curt non or nein. Though the language barrier has made this trip far more challenging, it has not stopped me from making lots of interesting connections. There are too many to recount all of them here, but I would like to share some of the most memorable ones with you.
I met a traveling church choir from Pennsylvania while I was in Venice and, after hearing them sing their beautiful melodies, I came up with a cunning plan: If I sang a song for them, would they each put one euro into the 'Get Leon to Innsbruck fund'? There were 53 members of the choir and the train ticket to Innsbruck cost 50 euros. After some deliberation and some pitiful begging from me they agreed, so I gave them a rendition of "God Save the Queen." Once this little number was over they collected the funds and, because I cannot accept money, I went with one of the choir while she purchased the ticket for me. I was so grateful and expressed it with lots of hugs. I was in disbelief that I had just managed to get a 50 euro train ticket from a random group of Americans who had once again have shown the most unbelievable generosity to me. Americans always seem to want to save me: Long Live America.
While on a train from Nice, which was paid for by a kind ex-German soldier I met in the French Riviera town of St. Tropez, I connected with a Slovenian man who was returning from the French Foreign Legion. His story was a sobering one, and he put my trip into perspective. He was returning from the training camp after he had had been diagnosed with epilepsy while undergoing basic training. Most men would put their dreams on hold when faced with such troubles, however, my new friend was actually on his way to India to work with local yogis to cure his epilepsy. He then planned on returning to the Foreign Legion. The determination and wisdom that this guy showed was inspiring, and although our time together was short, he made a lasting impression on me. He reminded me that my journey is only one of many we all must take.
I have received some amazing outpourings of generosity throughout my
trip so far. In Innsbruck, Austria, I met a young lady called Johana who
gave me the gift of some spiritual relaxation. We spent the afternoon
riding mountain bikes to the most amazing lake in a valley surrounded
by the Dolomite mountains. While at the lake I made a proposition to
her. If I swam across the frigid waters would she find me a place to
stay? She agreed, and I forced myself into the cold water and swam for
my life, when I returned she kept her promise, and I spent the evening
with her and her friend, Renee. While they cooked me apple strudel,
Johana told me a story about the time she met a traveling monk who
was sleeping on a bench in Innsbruck. She suggested that he stay in her
room whilst she stayed with a friend. This generous girl really enjoys
helping people, and I am truly grateful that we met. I promised her that
if she ever came to London, she would have a place to stay, as I wanted
in some way to give back the kindness she showed me.
My journey is far from over but I feel that I have learned so much more about myself and others. I only hope that the next leg of this wonderful journey brings out the best in others for just a little bit longer...
The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody airs internationally on the National Geographic Channel, and on Fox Reality in the United States.
Photos: Above, Leon in St. Marks in Venice; Below, Leon and Johana after finishing the swim. Courtesy Shankly Productions
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