Every time I think I understand Hospitality and its deeper meaning ( Philoxenia ) I get a wake up call that reminds me that I am mainly theorising, and despite my active engagement and field work in the field of Hospitality, I still have a lot to learn.The most recent wake-up call comes from someone crazy enough willing to put Philoxenia to the ultimate test. Leon Logothetis, Captain of Kindness One is that person, crazy enough to travel the world on a vintage motorcycle fueled only by other peoples kindness (Philoxenia - he completely relies on the kindness of the people he meets throughout his adventure to support him for gas, food and a place to sleep).
This is a major ethnographic experiment to test peoples kindness across numerous countries. His trip begun on the 10th of August and as he is crossing the USA, Philoxenia is winning! I am100% confident he will do well through the US and parts of Europe but I can't help but feel worried for him when he reaches parts of the world where language becomes a barrier and the difference of culture is so big that a Western-man on a yellow bike is seen with more suspicion than kindness.
I really hope that even then, like a modern day Ulysses he finds enough kind people on his side and avoids the Cyclops and the Sirens.
I am certainly following his progress and I urge you to also do so and support him if you happen to live somewhere across his path. Visit his Facebook page to see where he is now and if you can help.
I salute you Captain Leon, keep safe and may your search for Ithaca bring you and us one step closer to understanding Philoxenia, that streak of kindness that connects all humans, from antiquity to today.
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