Brainstorm in Burgundy

A bustling market scene in Beaune in the Burgundy region of France.

A bustling market scene in Beaune in the Burgundy region of France.

During a trip to the Burgundy region of France last year, Bill (my husband and favorite travel partner) and I experienced an epiphany.

Although we had traveled quite a bit over the years, it was generally of the one week-to-10-days variety consistent with the demands of full-time employment and other life commitments. When it came time to return home, we were reconciled to our vacations ending.

The trip to Burgundy, however, was different. We simply weren’t ready to leave. In fact, we envisioned ourselves remaining there for quite some time. That’s when it hit us. We wanted to travel more often and stay longer — not long enough to become expats, but long enough to immerse ourselves more fully in different cultures and live like locals.

Renting apartments or houses, rather than staying in hotels. Shopping the weekly outdoor markets and preparing meals in our own kitchen. Developing daily relationships with shopkeepers, restaurateurs, cafe denizens, and our next-door neighbors. Walking routes that become as familiar as those at home. Not feeling pressured to overfill our days with sightseeing and experiences because, to paraphrase Scarlett O’Hara, tomorrow is another day away.

Having made some adjustments to our regular schedules and consulted with our financial advisors, Bill and I are now ready to embark on our new lifestyle. Extended stays, along with shorter jaunts and serendipitous stops — here we come.

I hope you’ll travel with us via our stories from the road.

In the meantime, click here to read my story on Burgundy that the Charlotte Observer published.

6 thoughts on “Brainstorm in Burgundy

  • July 8, 2013 at 4:39 am
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    What a great way to spend time, Mary.

    Lauren and I are of the same mind. When we travel, we stay put in one place and explore for several days or a couple of weeks. We’ve ended up returning to Vienna, for example, on many occasions and have gotten to know the city very well indeed.

    But…to spend life traveling and exploring…now that’s living!

    Best to you both

    Phil

    Reply
    • July 8, 2013 at 12:05 pm
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      Hi, Phil. Thanks for your good wishes. If we go to Vienna, we’ll count on you and Lauren to be resources!

      Best to you both as well.
      Mary

      Reply
  • July 7, 2013 at 10:46 pm
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    I am in as a subscriber!

    Reply
    • July 7, 2013 at 10:53 pm
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      Thanks, Tosh!

      Reply
  • July 6, 2013 at 9:44 pm
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    Wow Mary, you and Bill are living the good life as it should be for everyone! Glad that you can now experience extended stays and what real vacation is truly about. Look forward to reading all about it.

    Reply
    • July 6, 2013 at 9:57 pm
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      Hi, Eva. Thanks! Best to you and Randy.

      Reply

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