I am deep into my long Summer of George, at every moment either planning a vacation, going on a vacation, or watching shows about people on vacation. And it’s not just me. Travel prices are going wild as people start living the hot vax summer of their fantasies. But all of this Summer of Georging has me thinking- shouldn’t life be a perpetual Summer of George? Shouldn’t we all be living lives of leisure and adventure? And don’t get me wrong, I really love working. But I love vacations more. Iceland has now definitively proven that four day work weeks are better for everyone. More vacations for all!
For those of us who can’t go away on vacations (sitting on your couch for a week and not answering the phone or email totally counts, btw), I cannot recommend travel shows enough. Watching Jeremy Clarkson and the guys go on wild automobile adventures around the world, Michael Palin traveling to far off lands in the 80s, Ewan McGregor riding his motorcycle across the Earth every which way, Richard Ayoade be an adorable nerd in relatively posh cities, and Bourdain doing just about anything, anywhere is an amazing way to feel inspired to travel and also feel a little like you’re there with them. There was also one amazing season of Dhani Tackles the Globe which combined travel and sports and literally what could be better than that? Nothing. Nothing could. (Yes, I know that I just listed a bunch of shows with men. Take it up with the Travel Channel.)
Other things that are great: Ben Sheehan has a kids book! Teach your kids about the Constitution, just in case there still is one when they grow up.
Watch:
All the stuff I recommended in the second paragraph. Many of them are on Prime, Hulu, and AppleTV.
Listen:
No One Is Coming To Save Us (podcast): If you have children, you know how hard it is. If you don’t have children, you also know how hard it is which is why you don’t have them. But if you need more reasons, or perhaps some commiseration, this is the podcast for you. Disclaimer: I haven’t had the balls to listen to this yet but it was recommended by a mom I trust so tell me how it is.
30 For 30 (podcast): 30 FOR 30 HAS PODCASTS!!! How did I not know about this??? All the best sports stories IN YOUR EARS! Happiness.
West Cork (podcast): Don’t watch the Netflix docu, listen to this.
Read:
They were the nice, older couple next door. Then the first body turned up.
This is an older article about an incredibly cool adventure.
If this doesn’t convince people to get vaxxed, nothing will.