Wilfred top (similar)
Zara shorts (similar)
Ancient Greek sandals
Chanel hair clip (similar)
Madewell rings
Mejuri earrings (c/o) (similar)
Location: Osborne Village – Winnipeg, Manitoba
We were supposed to be spending one last day in Vancouver today. It’s Ian’s birthday weekend. Since travel is the thing we love most, we generally celebrate our birthdays with a vacation. At this time last year, we were in Minneapolis, and when my birthday came around, we were in Athens. Part of me wants to lament, but the fact is, at this point, I think we can all agree that nothing about this year is what we expected.
These photos more or less sum up my version of a vacation in 2020. I’ve spent most of my time away from work close to home, apart from a visit to a fancy wine store I don’t normally have the time or inclination to drive to. I’ve done Skype dates, enjoyed time lounging on the balcony (where we just set up new patio furniture) and worked on the revised outline for my third book after finally finishing the first draft last week.
None of those are, admittedly, what I would normally consider holiday activities. I bought myself a bouquet of flowers, but haven’t done any shopping otherwise. We did order take-out one evening, but that represents a stark contrast from our normal short vacations, which we most spend going from restaurant to restaurant on Ian’s wishlist. But doing different things isn’t bad, it’s just that – different. I’ve adjusted my expectations for everything in life so significantly over the past four months that it hasn’t really occurred to me to be disappointed by any part of this change of plans other than missing out on spending time with my besties, Veronika and Lyndi.
With all of that said, in my heart of hearts, I still desperately want a true vacation as soon as I can have one. Manitoba moves into phase three of re-opening next week. That phase allows travel to some regions of Canada without any periods of self-isolation. Since I’m still me, I’ve considered my destination options and concluded that for the time being, I’ll still be staying home. But you can bet that the instant that travel to Europe is allowed, I will be strapping on my mask, putting on my disposable gloves and hopping on a plane.
It won’t be the same as it might have been, of course. Nothing is, this year. No crowded restaurants, no long museum line-ups. Still, the idea of spending two quiet weeks somewhere on Santorini with a balcony overlooking the sea sounds pretty good to me. (I would be happy with a balcony anywhere in Europe, to be honest.) Maybe, for once, I could even come home from a vacation feeling rested…?
It’s 2020. Anything is possible.
I’m ever so tentatively planning a trip to New York for a week or so next fall that I hope to take Eleanor on…I really, really hope that will actually work out as I can’t wait to travel again.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Ugh, was SO looking forward to this trip and seeing you!!!!!! Chanel gallivants, champagne sips at Hotel Georgia… but I know we’ll get to do it again – hopefully soon!! And in the meantime, like you, I’m trying to get creative with how we use our space and make it meaningful. Love your new patio set up BTW – and can see you guys enjoying it so much now that warmer days are here!! xo
My Curated Wardrobe
It will be a strange summer indeed, but I suppose it can be what we make of it, as long as we remember to find joy in the small things like a special bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers, instead of fixating on everything that can not be. Maybe I’ll get lucky and find some kayaks on craigslist this year and finally take advantage of my proximity to the water, something that I often take for granted.
I know you will be traveling on that first international flight, and look forward to hearing about your travel adventures again! And Happy Birthday Ian!
Lovely photos! This summer is definitely going to be different. We’re planning a road trip to New England for a little beach and hiking time (we live in Philly so it’s not too far) for either the end of July or August but other than that we’re waiting to see what happens next. We had a trip planned for Paris, Vienna and London in the Fall but we’re holding off on booking anything for now. I miss traveling so much!
xx Chelsea
http://www.organizedmessblog.com
I don’t dare make plans.
I can only dream of when the airport will be open.
I need a vacation, but even if I could have one, there are just so many things I need to attend to within my own country and I cannot. We are only allowed to be outside 2 hours a day every other day. Its been like that for 103 days.