Looking through bank statements and paying my credit card after being away for seven days makes me feel like an adult with no regret on the money I spent. It is fun and necessary to get away from your job, your surroundings and things that might make you feel a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps you feel as if you have to fix things for others, always be available for work assignments, your presence is required at a volunteer role or the whole thing will tank. None of this is true. People will find away to get things done. Maybe they will come up with a better solution, someone gets a chance that you might not be giving them. Someone will always step up or in. And if that doesn’t happen, the opportunity will be there for you when you get back.

We haven’t done a 620 CKRM “tropical” holiday since 2020. Upon returning from Cuba in that year, the pandemic systematically shut travel down. People are constantly asking if winter trips will happen again and honestly, it appears unlikely. Which is sad. Meeting our listeners and going on adventures was fun. But you don’t always have to go off of Canadian soils to enjoy the sun and surf – just head to Vancouver Island. Make a plan, rent a car, fly there or take your time and drive. We had some set plans, like going to a private home for dinner, that was amazing, Diane and Colin have an amazing view of Mount Baker on the U.S. side of the strait. We attended a horse show for a short period of time. Took in a parade highlighting the Victoria Highland Games this upcoming weekend. In an old English setting, nothing beats the pipes and drums marching past the regal Empress Hotel and performing in front of the majestic parliamentary buildings (the provincial Legislative Assembly, which is massive). The yachts, the inner harbour tour boats, sea plane, the US/Canada ferry, sea-gulls, tourists, cyclists, kiosks for shopping. You could spend money to go whale watching OR you could head over to the IMAX and see a great 44 minute feature on the Blue Whale. Shopping for trinkets is easy at the IMAX and Museum shop, the prices are very good. Walking and taking in the sights of a historic Victoria where Captain James Cook, George Vancouver and others set foot on the place that would be eventually, named after Queen Victoria. We visited Esquimalt and caught a sneak look at the Canadian Naval ships, a spot most recently visited by Princess Royal, Princess Anne. There are hidden treasures at every turn on Government Street. Check out the Irish Shop, Munroe Books, Murchies Tea, the English & Irish pubs. A big shout out to the Sticky Wicket on Douglas. Food. Drink and friendly people.

I miss travelling to see new places. It doesn’t have to be a long trip, but it should be something that refreshes you and gives you memories to last until the next time.