Yes, it’ s wonderful when you can pack up a suitcase and be whisked off to an exotic destination. For most people that may not be feasible for a number of reasons, so we resort to stay-cationing: the act of taking time off at home. I am constantly amazed at how little I know about my own city and it is only when I meet tourists that I learn about terrific places in my own backyard. With that in mind I encourage everyone to take a day and try a new restaurant, check out a local festival, or support a community event. It may not be as glamorous than swimming in the Caribbean, but it will definitely help clear your mind and enjoy the time off work.
For example I recently had lunch at Jardins Nelson, an iconic outdoor venue in Old Montreal known for their live Jazz music and crepes, and then meandered through the small street of the Old Port to discover new boutiques and wine bars. I also attended the Festival Mondial de la Biere (International Beer Festival) an annual event where you can sample beers and eat yummy food. Finally, I caught a performance of Henry the King on a beautiful summer evening organized by Repercussion Theater as part of Shakespeare-in-the-Park. It’s easy to forget that there are great activities going on in our own backyard, so let’s start taking advantage of it. No currency exchange needed as an added bonus 🙂
