Introduction

The wind whispers greetings from foreign lands into Leo’s ear. Excited, the little wanderer sets off for a long journey where he faces some bigger and smaller wonders of life.

Leo meets kind people who are willing to lend their hand even to a perfect stranger. Having no common language is not a barrier. The human mind is filled with similar joys and sorrows everywhere. An old writer teaches Leo how important it is to listen to life and the message carried between words.

After the journey is over, the wanderer can peacefully settle himself on the front steps of his home to marvel the sun-gilded home valley and cherish the memories saved in his heart.

Leo – the little wanderer

Leo loved to sit on the porch of his house every morning and watch the familiar sceneries of his home valley. Everything he saw was very dear to him.

His gaze followed the curving road that wound down the slope. The road meandered among field patches, curved around trees and ran across the river on a sturdy stone bridge at the bottom of the valley.

There was no place like home, but Leo knew it was time to explore the wide world. The wind had brought him greetings from wonderful places.

Leo set off with a chequered backpack. Soon his home valley was far behind, and the places he passed were no longer familiar to him. Still, with the sun casting light on his way and the wind whispering words of guidance into his ear, Leo felt confident.

Leo had with him some food and a coin purse. He didn’t have much money on him, but he thought he wouldn’t be needing much anyway.

– If I treasure all the souvenirs in my heart, my backpack will stay light to carry.

The little wanderer arrived at a big railway station and bought a ticket somewhere far.

The train had been tearing through new sceneries all day. Evening was drawing in when he stepped out from the train with the other passengers. The station platform was soon empty. Everyone hurried to their homes and hotels. Leo didn’t know where to go.

Two more people descended from the last car, an old lady and a little girl. They were carrying many heavy suitcases and had a big bouquet of flowers with them.

– Look, Grandma Maria. There’s a child sitting alone on that bench, the girl said wonderingly, tugging her Grandmother by the sleeve. – I wonder why he’s still at the station at this hour.

– It’s not easy to find a place to stay in a city at this hour. You should come to my place for the night, the lady kindly said to Leo.

The small girl peered shyly from behind her Grandmother’s back, holding the bouquet in her hand.

– Oh, thank you, I do feel very tired, Leo answered.

Maria’s home was warm and cosy. As soon as Leo lay down on the soft guest bed, he fell asleep. Pictures of Maria’s family members on the walls watched over his sleep. He slept well and late. In the morning he found a piece of bread, a glass of juice, a note and a key on the bedside table.

– Dear little guest of mine, Anna and I went to the market. Here’s the key to the house, Maria wrote. - You can take a look around the town and return whenever you like. I’ll make us some delicious goulash soup for dinner.