Travelling Treen – European inter-railing
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Recently I went on holiday, inter-railing around Europe for three weeks. After a solid three months of work this was just what my mind needed to re-focus, as it was honestly beginning to get over-whelming (as those of you who met me at the Bodger’s Ball will attest!). In short, with my partner Miri, we visited friends in Strasbourg, Switzerland, Czechia and Belgium with a stop-off in Austria as well. I’m feeling renewed and refreshed and ready for a busy few months ahead making for Wizardry in Wood and TORM.
I was keen to take some treen with me, but I did have some doubts… I use most of these items regularly and they are prized possessions, and part of me was more than a little concerned that if I lost them, I’d be mortified. Luckily the more logical side of my brain realised that the same was true of phones and passports, yet that doesn’t stop us holidaying, plus frankly people were unlikely to steal a wooden plate! So after careful selection in the bag went:
– An eating spoon by Tim. (@timclivegraham)
– My first ever bowl, my favourite plate and cup, and the original nutbox
– An eating bowl by Dom (@thecornishwoodsmith).
– My newly acquired water flask by Matt (@mattywhittaker).
(- plus Miri’s favourite metal fork with a plastic handle, given to her by her Mum)
One of the wonderful things about wooden objects is how strong they are, which was lucky given how much they were bashed around and sat on whilst in my rucksack. They’re also really light, which was handy given how much walking we had to do! The main thing I took away from this though was how much more I enjoyed my meal and snacktimes, by making the effort to serve food and drink in something special to me. I find it fascinating how we connect to objects, even those bought from Ikea. I do however find the feeling so much stronger with a handmade object. Anyone else feel this way?
A particular note must be given to the flask by Matt. On almost everyday of the trip, someone would stop me, and tell me how beautiful it was. I guess it is my equivalent of a ‘Louis Vuitton’ handbag. It definitely turned a few faces. So clearly handmade and so perfectly imperfect in form, I really love this item. Strangely my favourite part isn’t how it looks, but actually how it works. The smaller hole means the tap has to be run slow to fill it up, which in turns forces me to slow down, and those that know me would probably agree I’m not the best at doing that! That same small hole only allows small gulps, and gives a distinct gurgling sound, that makes me imagine I’m drinking from a mountain stream. It is a totally different experience to the wider necked sigg bottles I’m used to. I am, however, getting a little sick of people asking me what alcohol is in it though!
As for the nutbox, it is still going strong after 4 years of heavy use, and I’m making some lathe adjustments to hollow them without arching my back. Forging new hook tools this week for this purpose. I’m hoping to have some ready for sale later this year. Watch this space!
In summary, I really enjoyed slowing down for mealtimes and serving food in treen made by myself and friends. And I’ve discovered that taking those things on adventures brings great joy and can open up all sorts of interesting conversations. Do you take your precious items travelling, if so let me know?