I don’t even know how many years it’s been since this last happened.
I honestly can’t think of a trip in recent memory where I’ve done something like this.
This evening I am flying from the Pacific side of our nation to the Atlantic: Vancouver to Toronto to Montreal to Halifax ( love those flights on points eh?). By tomorrow, on Canada’s 150th birthday, I will have arrived to begin a trip through Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador.
I have just finished packing my carry-on bag. I also always carry a little daypack as my ‘office’. It holds my journal, pens, a book, chargers and my lap top so I can keep my blog up to date.
But this time – are you ready for this? – I am leaving my laptop behind.
Told you it’s crazy!
I almost decided to take my iPad, but in the end, it too, is staying home. Instead, I’m going to be traveling for one month, completely unencumbered by anything more than my phone.
It feels a little risky. Actually, it kind of feels like I’m traveling semi-naked.
I considered posting the odd picture just because it sort of terrifies me to go completely blog-silent for a month. But then I ask myself – what the hell is that all about? (Either do this thing, this sabbatical thing, or don’t. You can’t have it both ways can you now? – Sometimes I really wish my mother would stay out of my head).
I’ll still be posting to my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts (please click on any or all of those links to follow). Now. Considering all those social media outlets, I think we can safely ascertain that it’s not exactly a monastic month of Zen-like cyber-silence.
So, for now, this is me signing off from the land of bloggage.
Have a wonderful July and we’ll talk again in August.
I think it is a GREAT idea! Don’t even post on those media outlets, go cold turkey and see the stress you didn’t think was there, lift. I would love to give up the ball and chain I have put on willingly (I dont even blog). Enjoy your trip, say Hi to Mary and when you get home fill me in on the places to go and things to do as I think I will be in that area this Fall! Enjoy guilt free – Go old school.
Thanks for your enthusiastic encouragement. We’re having a fine time. I’m still posting to Instagram and FB but that’s so easy and quick that it certainly isn’t adding to anything but my enjoyment of each place we visit. And yes, I’ll have lots of info to share.
Visit the Shore Club for the greatest lobster and unlimited mussels pulled fresh from the sea. Enjoy 🙂
Thanks for the tip – sounds cool!
Bon Voyage, Happy Landings, and breathe in and hold every moment of your journey. I’ll be following you in my thoughts…
Thanks Sophie. I’m writing from my first stop in Toronto. An entertaining flight thus far as my entertainment screen was possessed. It constantly turned on the light and called the flight attendant. Randomly it would seize altogether. They could not kill it. The lovely young woman beside me insisted on giving me her eye mask (I can’t believe I forgot mine). In the end it was all kind of fun.
WOW! I’ve always wanted to see Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and you’re doing it during prime time. Not only when the ice bergs are floating by, but during our 150th Birthday. Without a laptop to gobble up your time, you’ll have much more time to soak up the atmosphere, people and beauty around you. Colour me green!
So true Martha. I love sailing through security without having to take out my electronics 🙂 I think I finally nailed the perfect travel outfit too. I’ve got kind of a glorified caftan/pyjama thing going on. Ready to nap at the drop of a hat.
Go for it! It will be wonderful to hear about your computer-free travels. 🙂
Thanks Shelly. I’m definitely traveling lighter, not so much in weight, as in the way I always have to be thinking about it. Is it too hot to leave it in the car? Do you think it’s safe to leave it at the B&B? Unencumbered baby. In encumbered.