I don’t have enough money to travel at the moment. But I have decided that should not encroach on my right to take a holiday. So I am looking at next 9 days without work, but also without flight or hotel reservations. I used to believe that a vacation always meant going away. But that idea was borne out of necessity, as when I used to live in America I only got the standard 2 weeks of vacation a year. Over the past few years, mandatory travelling on holidays has meant sometimes spending money on places I can’t really afford. As I don’t have any family close by, I can’t just drop in for a visit so I don’t have any economical choices for going away. And I don’t really enjoy hostels or camping or even cheap hotels. (Yes, I am a snob!)
Taking time off without a place to go at first felt bit strange. I used to think people who had nowhere to go were a bit sad. They would say they were planning on gardening or DIY-repairs or rearranging their closets. That never sounded like a holiday to me. But after a half-hearted attempt to find someplace to go that was interesting and affordable, it dawned on me that staying at home is much more appealing in many ways.
For one thing, home itself is a much better place than it used to be, as I now have a home of my own again after many months of renting rooms in other people’s flats. From on top of a hill in Islington, I now have a fantastic view from a west facing lounge with large windows, best enjoyed from my own custom made comfy couch. I don’t have to share it with a virtual stranger, however nice they may be. I don’t have to look at their naff art or photos of their dead dogs. I can cook a three course meal and leave the Le Creuset soaking in the sink till morning. Plus, if I do want to go out, I am within walking distance to very yummy espresso or amazing Spanish tortillas, two of my favourite things in my neighbourhood. Now I will have time to discover more favourites.
My decision not to go anywhere is also trendy. The recession coupled with the downturn in the pound has made staying put fashionable! (ha). And in a way, it’s a relief. Sure, there are so many places I want to visit, but I’m not a very good traveller. I hate being a tourist, not knowing where the best things are, not having a nice cup of coffee in the morning and my comfy bed at night. Much better to stay at home where there is mostly a known quantity.
I live in one of the best cities in the world, and there is so much here that I still have yet to explore. I will break in my Tate membership card and see a film at the ICA as well as do shallower things like get a makeover at the Bobbi Brown makeup counter at Selfridges and quaff lovely wine at the newest wine bar. And also spend some quality time on my couch watching the sun set behind the London skyline.
I can certainly relate to this, as I am not much good at traveling either. Maybe that's because I can rarely afford to do so. If you recall, we did a bit of "staycationing" back in the day, pretending to be "bennies" at the Jersey Shore. But I think you'll have a ball in London. Just realized it's been almost 5 years since I've been over. As for me, I'm still working on heading up north for as much as the summer as I can...Go for it, girl!