Full time Travel is betting than we expected!

 Hello it’s been a very long time since our last post.

Retirement has been better than expected for the both of us.  We have a new purpose, a new direction and a constant new journey.

We have moved out of our old Vancouver home of 30 years, put a small amount into storage and started full time travel last November 2020.  Funny, but we don’t miss the home or our belongings.

We started during the middle of Covid and used a bit of caution by electing to stay in British Columbia for the winter months until we could get vaccinated.

Most of our travels have involved Airbnb’s and hotels.  Our first choice was Whistler for the month of November and it was the first time we tried an Airbnb.  The whole process was much easier than expected from booking, checking in, communication with the host, cooking in the unit to check out.  Absolutely delighted with our 1 bedroom unit in the heart of Whistler Village and a new way of lifestyle.

For the month of December we found a unique Airbnb - a floating home in North Vancouver Mosquito Creek Marina.  It was something I’ve also wanted to experience and it was the low season for boating which made the price a deal.  It was our Christmas gift to ourselves. The soft rocking from the water was blissful and the views of downtown Vancouver were stunning.  We loved it so much we asked for the same price in March and the owners agreed and it was rebooked.

Downtown Victoria, B.C. would be our next destination for the months of January and February.  What a difference from Vancouver weather with more sun and warmer winter temperatures.  Plenty of places and beaches to walk and explore.  During our time in Victoria there was a rare large snowfall and we even made snow angels on the front lawn of the Empress Hotel!  We made a couple of other short stays in Sidney, BC and Salt Spring Island.

Back to Vancouver lower mainland for 2 weeks in May for errands, putting more stuff into storage changing out our winter clothes to spring/summer.  Covid is still a problem here in Canada with many of the provinces closing borders to other provinces.  We are starting to question if travel across Canada in 2021 is obtainable so far we have slow traveled to all of our favourite places in British Columbia & Alberta.  My heart aches to see the rest of Canada but perhaps we should review the old saying… “If a door closes a window will open with bigger and greater opportunities”. 

Currently we are now in Fernie, BC which is minutes from the Alberta border.  Finally we have been vaccinated and must say it’s a huge relief.  This old western ski town is our home for two months.  British Columbia is currently in a regional lockdown until May 24th which means we can’t leave the interior region and Vancouverites can’t visit Whistler or Victoria.  

In the meantime, we are loving the small town vibe and the scenic Rocky Mountains that surround this village.  

Dare I mention Early Retirement?

After 27 years of working with a major teaching hospital in Cardiology, my government job pension hitting the right numbers and feeling the peak from a full-throttle workload, it was time to consider retirement. My husband Alex was also looking to retire from the ski business. Even our horoscopes (which one can take with a grain of salt) were predicting success in 2020 with new adventures. Alex and I worked on a creative plan that would involve traveling, exploring, volunteering and a small side business for the first three years of retirement. Finally, with the blessings of two financial advisors offering us a comfortable financial lifestyle we locked in a date. 

Googled “Retirement letter” while trying to figure out what contents were needed beyond saying in a caveman style “I worked, I quit and soon I go”.  The words finally came with a courteous, positive and reflective tone.

One month before my last day of employment I asked management for a meeting to share the good news. Filled with enthusiasm and excitement about my future as I turn in my retirement notice was quickly shot down with negative feedback from the doctors and colleagues that I’ve worked, trained, laughed and saved patients together for almost three decades. The surprise stinging comments of “I’m disappointed”, “Your too young” “Why?!”, “You can travel anytime”, “You will grow tired of being with your husband all the time”. 

My heart dropped like a rock, wondering why they weren’t more supportive or even happy for me. Perhaps I should have been more prepared as some professionals see a 56-year old too early to retire and should be over 65 when ending an established career.

Truthfully, the joy of my work was starting to fade as were my knees during the physical portions of work. Frustrations of not having enough time to give the best patient care due to time constraints and the sheer volume of patients were leading to burnout, a dangerous predicament of a healthcare professional. It was time to restart my life.

Now with one month for goodbyes and reflections, I will give my best patient care and truly look forward to new adventures with my best friend as we edge closer to that retirement day.