July 14, 2024 – Learning more about place

Oh boy… I’m losing my weekly blog post trend. I missed blogging last week. This mishap was my second missed blog post this month as if I am blogging bi-monthly. As much as I remain committed to regular reflection and blogging, I have given myself some grace not to blog. In doing so, I can see how it’s difficult to get back to the habit of blogging. I just returned back from my last planned trip to Kelowna yesterday and reconnected with my kid. Our apartment is clean and I feel rested. There is no better time than the present and to take a moment to get back to a routine, such as blogging. I have also committed to be on campus for the next few weeks for office hours for a course that I’m monitoring asynchronously.

Tonight, I have decided to blog about my experience at the lake. I met up with a couple of friends who went to Italy with me last year. I also met one of my friend’s family and I am so grateful that we could spend about 5 days at a friend’s cabin. Admittedly, it was dang hot. Temperatures were in the mid to high 30’s and you had to go into the lake to cool down (or take cold shower). The lake experience was amazing. I never experienced this kind of recreation before. It’s better than glamping and my friend menu-planned for the week. We had plenty of food. My friend’s husband took us to the boat-access-only cabin and helped with the lifting.

My friend picked me up from the airport in Kelowna and drove me to her home in Salmon Arm. We then travelled the next day to Sicamous to go to Shuswap Lake. I had no idea how big the lake was and how gorgeous it was. The lake was amazing. The cabin was fantastic as well. We each had a bedroom and my friend’s friend joined us later that day. The three of us (with the support of my friend’s husband) were gathering to figure out our next BIG TRIP. We just loved Italy so much. We had initially planned to go this spring/summer but due to work constraints, we delayed our travel plans to return to Italy and opted to meet at the lake to plan.

We talked about Italy, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, the Maritimes, Hawaii, New York, the Hampton’s, and New Orleans. We meandered in our conversations between times in the lake or making/eating food. We were challenged with what we really wanted to do and when we wanted to do it. The last trip to Italy was to celebrate my friend’s 50th birthday. This time, who knows? We got close with Hawaii and then New Orleans. What’s uncanny is, we kept on returning to our good memories of Italy and what we would do the next time we go. Another factor was budget and timing with respect to work. In the end, I think we are going to Italy in 2026. 🙂

I loved that we were able to get together at the lake and to experience life on the lake. I took so many photos. I could take pictures of the stars and the views were spectacular. Despite the very hot weather, there were no forest fires (nearby) and the water was cool and clear. Admittedly, I don’t swim. I don’t know how… I know, don’t judge. I went into the lake with a floaty. I enjoyed my time in the cool water and with friends. I loved slowing down even more and be very intentional with my time. I read, I rested, and I took the time to enjoy the views throughout the day. I can see why folks “go to the lake” and I felt like I got to learn more about BC.

I am so grateful for my friends and to have this time to be with them again and to meet my friend’s family. I felt relaxed and joyful to take this time for myself. I was tempted to do work, but I opted to be present with my friends and with place. The boat trip back to my friend’s place was just as amazing… I was sitting in the front and holding on for dear life as we jumped over the waves. Who needs to go to the PNE when you are in a boat? LOL. I loved the views and I loved the experience. My friend drove me back to the Kelowna airport the next day. In the meantime, we will continue to talk and send Reels on Facebook Messenger to make plans for 2026.