Travelog for: Leonidas

Um, hello. I'm Leonidas and I'm a little shy. I spent many years hiding under a bench in a dusty op-shop. No one wanted me because I had a torn red velvet heart between my paws which people all said made me look wimpy. Nik rescued me and took me home (and took the heart off, which made me feel much better) I was very frightened when she said I would be travelling soon - I thought she was going to get rid of me like everyone else has, but now I understand I will be a traveller.
I'm a bit afraid of other toys and people, but Nik assures me the hosts on Toy Voyagers are very friendly.
I would especially like to see the memorial to King Leonidas in Greece. He was so brave - he held off 10,000 soldiers with just 300 men in Ancient Greece - and that is who Nik named me after, even though I am not at all brave.

Oh I had a terrible fright today! A scary, visiting TV named Dilbert ran up to me and scared me so badly I had to hide. Nik was a little upset with me - she said Dilbert was just trying to make friends with me, but I'm not sure. Oohh and I'm leaving here tomorrow to travel all the way to Queensland. I'm so nervous - what if I bump into a cane toad? Or get stung by a jellyfish? I don't want to be a TV! But Nik says it will do me good, and that she won't recognize me when I come home. (and I don't know how long that will be! I'm too afraid to think of being away from home for so long)
Oh dear. Everyone expects me to be brave just because I'm a lion. Aslan is my hero but I know I shall never be like him.
Oh I hope the hosts will be patient with me...

It's my little lion's birthday today, but the poor thing seems to have gone missing in action somewhere between here and Queensland

Happy birthday Leonidas - wherever you are, don't be afraid...