An Alternative to Virtual

The last few months have seemed like a lifetime as we transitioned to a virtual existence. Many of the activities that we use to partake in have moved online. Now it is summer in the northern hemisphere, and as many of us know, it will not last for very much longer. Consider an alternative to virtual. We are situated in Canada where the restrictions have decreased over the last month. It is now time to move offline and remember what living was supposed to be.

An alternative to virtual. Go outside and inhale the air. Here we will attempt to illustrate a few of the activities that are still available while the warm sunshine heats the northern hemisphere. Enjoy them while you can, before the autumn chill enters into our daily lives, and many of the activities that we associate with summer will be gone. Again, we begin our own self imposed exile into our homes until the spring when the warmth returns.

Holiday in the sun

Those who lucky enough may have the opportunity to head south for a week or two providing: A. the travel restrictions have been eased, and B. the self-isolation and lack of work have not bankrupted what little most have. Let’s stay optimistic. When we think about this time next year, we can look back fondly and hope that social change has occurred, and the virus has been eradicated (without the use of a vaccine), and we can all begin to lead “normal” lives again.

With less than a month left in the summer before school begins, some of the hallmarks that foretell the end of summer are not here this year. The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) has been a moniker of where we would be in the month- not this summer. Let’s get out and have some alternate fun.

Find your swimsuit

Swimming is an alternative to virtual. Virtual swimming is a perfect way to destroy your device. An activity that has recently been open in Toronto. Here it can get sweltering, and the local pools are ideal opportunities to cool off. This seems a little more complicated. Unless you are an outstanding swimmer with a perfect sense of direction. It would be challenging to keep a reasonable “social distance” from your fellow pool mates. Masks in pools are not a great idea, but come to think of it why not? How many of us can breathe underwater anyways? 

Another alternative to this would be to find a private(ish) beaches, lakes or river, perhaps even a stream. Here you can practice social distancing if you care to. This situation may be one of the best ways to cool off during a hot summer’s day. However, not everyone has this as an option. If you find yourself with no alternative, hang a garden hose from a tree and run through it like a 5-year-old. The memories themselves could be as much fun as the activity. 

Amazing Parks

Canada is known for having some of the most magnificent parks in the world. We have visited many of them, and although they do not have the fanfare of some of the world’s great parks, they place second to none. They are easily found in every province in the country. Take a trip to one in your region, you will be overwhelmed by the level of beauty and serenity found in these locations. You may even forget that this is an alternative to virtual as you become absorbed in the wilderness. 

Fortunately, we are blessed with many green spaces in Canada, and you do not have to go very far to find them. Not all parks need to have a majestic mountain in the background or the rumble of a natural wonder of the world. Many are just down the street, a patch of greenery with a small path meandering through it. Take some time, throw down a lawn chair, or a blanket and feel the warm sun cascade off your face. Near and far, there is a park that can offer you the comfort of the outdoors,  even in the most urban setting.

Put down your game paddle

Playing John Madden football online can earn you a great deal of money. However, only a few of us have dedicated the hours necessary to the virtual world of sports. Nothing allows you to appreciate your time away from your laptop or phone better than a walk around your neighbourhood. This can be done as a solo venture or with the family in tow. Here is a perfect way to reacquaint yourself with those in your community, friends you may have lost touch with during this time of confinement. Taking those first few steps opens up the door to further activities.

People’s best friend.

Another option is to walk your dog. It has been documented that those that have dogs live longer than those that do not. This could be because of the exercise, or it could be the bliss of having a companion that will always stand by your side- a rare commodity these days. But what if you are a cat or reptilian pet owner? You rarely see anyone walk their cat or turtle, yet it does happen. Can you imagine a leash on a snake? Either way, this is great for both you and your pet. 

Sweating can be fun

Recently, depending on where you live, some sporting, recreational fields have reopened, and it would be ideal to take advantage of them. The – 19 may have kept you indoors. It is time to escape to the alternative of being virtual. Now is the time to oil up the chain and take your bicycle out for a ride to one of the parks. Feel the air run across your face as your hair billows under your helmeted head. 

Take a meditative run along some of your local streets, and feel yourself being transformed into the person that you are. Call up a friend or two and play a relaxed game of tennis at a local club or schoolyard. Here there is the opportunity to meet with some friends in “person” and perhaps meet new ones. Needless to say, your social activity does not end here. There are a myriad of sporting activities for everyone, both competitive and non. Try something you may not have tried before, perhaps tossing the frisbee or a game of catch. 

Passions of the sea

While some have earned the opportunity to have a 45-foot Beneteau to sail the Great Lakes or oceans, others may have a canoe or paddle board to enjoy themselves along the shoreline. Wherever you fit into this nautical seascape, the lakes and rivers are a perfect way to spend your day. May it be sitting on your yacht’s helm or standing poised and balanced on a paddleboard. This type of activity is only available during the summer months, get out there. Another alternative to being virtual that you will thank yourself afterwards for participating – even if you have sore muscles from lowering the jib or paddling.

In the beginning

An alternative to being virtual could be nurturing some of the plants in your yard. Not everyone needs to be a horticultural wizard to enjoy giving life to plants and flowers. Many people feel about their begonias and beans, the same way dog owners feel about their family members. Here is an ideal way to meet your friends and neighbours as they thank you for the hard work that you are putting into the community. The time spent with your hands in the soil can be enriching. When you realize that you have elevated your status from lawn mower to the king or queen of Chrysanthemums can be highly addictive. Find that hoe (yes hoe) and create a furrow. 

Cooking with fire

Assuming that you are not a gardening person or pet owner and with sports, you are always asking yourself, “why.” The concept of yacht ownership is appealing, yet until you have 350 000 dollars of disposable income, at present, it seems out of reach. Here you can entertain the fine art of outdoor cooking- grilling or BBQ. Virtual food does not have the same appeal, although great for the calorie-conscious. In the world of outdoor cuisine, is there any better way to enjoy your meal? You and your culinary creation, providing psychology satisfaction while nurturing and providing nutrition to those around you. You may have created a feast for the ages.

Try to relax

Even if you are a “hydrodinarian,” and the concept of food repulses you to your core, an alternative to virtual could be to sit on your front porch or stoop with a large glass of cold water. The warm sun ricochets off of your hat while neighbours walk by and say hello. There is always an alternative to being virtual, and you should seek to find it.

Ferris Bueller

“Time moves very fast, if you don’t stop to enjoy it, you may miss it.” Once it is gone, it exists no longer. It may be the only thing that is not replenishable. For many of us, we have been placed into a position of isolation or perhaps quarantine. Here the time has disappeared, then it is gone, like being absorbed into a black hole. For the remaining part of the summer, those in the northern hemisphere it is your opportunity to take back what is rightfully ours—the chance to embrace the merits of your life. Please do not waste that time. Get out there and stretch those legs, feel the blood flow through your physical being, and rekindle your spiritual self.

It is always your choice

Please adhere to whatever safety methods you feel most comfortable with as you venture out into the public. In some jurisdictions they may be mandated by law. That could be a wearing mask, wearing gloves or social distancing. Your personal safety is what is paramount to us at VTE. We would appreciate it if you could let us know how you intend to spend the next month. Camping, a recreational/ sporting event, or perhaps a BBQ and some gardening. We are always curious as you are the most exciting and influential people we know. Please give us your feedback in the comments area below. Stay safe!

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE