What I learned on my summer vacation

BC has an embarassment of riches as far as vacation locations go.

This summer I’ve already been to Nelson and Christina Lake, British Columbia (sweet!).  But for our regular summer vacation, we always head to Penticton.  We stay at the same hostelry every year, perfectly placed for maximum walkability, close to the beach, pool, friendly owners — we love it.

My favourite view of Penticton — toes, beach, lake, hills.

But what did it teach us about how we are going to live in the laneway? Well, we lived in a small suite with one suitcase full of clothes (between us) plus mis-matched pots, pans, dishes, and glasses.  And it was fabulous.

We bought food, drink (thank you, Okanagan wineries) and two beach towels (remind me again why storing things in a storage place is a one-way ticket to wasteville — our old beach towels are somewhere in “there”).  We spent money on experiences (miniature golf, restaurant meals, ice-cream cones) (hey, ice cream is an experience!).  And the wifi in our room is so dodgy we could only pick up our email if we stood at the kitchen counter or teetered on the balcony (we booked the same room for next year, so, yeah, we like picking up our email once a day).

Letting go felt great.  Of course we don’t believe that we are are going to be living such a simple life when we move. But we do understand that living with less is doable — and attractive. Sure it was only for a week, but it left us wanting more…..more “less”.

Back home I am looking for ways to get rid of some of the papers that flood into our home.  It’s a good start, and we will find a way to keep it to a minimum.

Baby steps. Inspired by a week without mail.