Exploring Europe with Globus 2 means crossing rivers, exploring new lands, enjoying endless blue skies and being on fire while enjoying indescribable views. In a world that seems to be spinning faster and faster, the four elements – earth, water, air and fire – still assert themselves.
Air
Our journey so far has been mainly along the coast. Portugal is regularly hit by strong winds, such as the recent storm Kirk that raged over the country. Globus 2 shook violently back and forth. Even though air is invisible, it is decisive in many ways. It carries clouds, oxygen and unfortunately also pollutants that affect our planet.
Water
Water is beautiful, but at the same time it can also be capricious. After all, water can quickly transform into a destructive current when it overflows the banks and carries everything away. As has now been demonstrated again with the floods in Spain. Nazaré – known for its gigantic waves – showed us how water can be both friend and foe. Every year, surfing competitions are held here. The waves can reach a height of 24m. Despite the fact that the wave season has started, we were not lucky enough to see these monster waves.
Firework
In Portugal we recently drove through a nature reserve that was ravaged by a forest fire. Pitch-black soil, burnt tree trunks with orange leaves on top formed an eerie landscape. The smell of scorched wood blew across the black landscape. Here we had mapped out a cool walking route over mainly wooden planks along the mountains. Half of the route was impassable due to the fire. Fire is perhaps the most destructive element in this country.
Earth
The Picos de Europa in Spain and the Serra da Estrela in Portugal are the rulers of the earthly element here. They showed us ruggedness and made us feel insignificant. The earth is stable and reliable here. But that has not always been the case. In 1755 there was such a powerful earthquake that it almost destroyed all of Lisbon. Just as the skin is our largest organ that we humans need to take good care of, you could see the earth as the skin of our planet. We should also take much better care of it.
Ether
And then there is the mysterious, elusive element ether, also called the fifth element. The element that connects everything. It can be seen as the carrier of the other four elements. “It animates and organizes inanimate matter, and also ensures that the planets make a 'perfect' circular motion.”
Ether is like a silent reminder of the forces greater than ourselves. That which connects, the invisible that breathes the breath of life into us.
“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone”
Centuries old knowledge
The knowledge of the elements is centuries old. For example, a pyramid has four corners that represent the four elements. The top symbolizes the fifth element, ether, soul or the Divine. Here too, the element that forms the connection with the other elements.
Connected to the elements
Traveling through Europe makes us more aware of these elements. We experience how Mother Earth carries these five elements within her and at the same time realize how vulnerable and powerful nature is. Each element is essential for life, but can also be devastating when out of balance. Ether reminds us to consciously deal with nature, with respect for the greater whole and the energy that connects us all.
Where are we?
5,037 km since our departure. After Tomar we visited Nazaré. After that, at the invitation of a German couple, we spent two nights on a mountain with again a beautiful view of the surroundings. In the meantime we have arrived at the most southwestern point of Portugal. From here we will explore the Algarve further. First we will wait for the warnings for the bad weather to the east of us, before we continue our journey.
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