A “Virtual Vacation” for a Covid Weary World

These are truly the times that try men’s souls. Between the global pandemic that we’re all engulfed by and a contentious US election that leaves us breathless and speechless, the world is held hostage as natural and political forces duke it out for dominance in our lives. This international spontaneous combustion we’re in is monumental, cataclysmic and total in its destruction. It is truly enough to want to hide under the covers and be left alone until the nightmare is over.

The leadership in my organization recently announced a plan that all of the members of our team take turns leading the monthly team meeting. In their infinite wisdom (I think…) they decided to share the love, rather than letting the talking heads do all of the talking. We were each being encouraged to be creative and have fun with the hour.

When it was time for me to prepare for my turn to lead, I decided that we all needed a vacation. I, for one, was exhausted and ready to go ANYWHERE. Since real travel was not an option for the group, it would have to be a virtual one…

With the help of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” and Till Bronner and Bob James’ new song “On Vacation” filling the air, a virtual vacation that would prove to be a big hit with the team was born.

Starting with a paragraph from the good Dr. Seuss, the virtual vacation came to life in a “Seuss-like” rhyme of my own, one that encouraged the participants to go on a “vacation of their own” to the spot on the globe where they love to hide, and describe it to the team. The takeaway is that each member had a minute to reflect and share, with that hour being made up of “Calgon, take me away” moments. In addition, each member described a dish that they loved, and shared a song that had special meaning to them. That information was used to create a Spotify playlist and a cookbook to mark the occasion. The virtual vacation was a big hit with the team, because if only for an hour, because it allowed them to escape their challenges and relax in a setting of their own making.

We all could use a vacation right now. In the absence of real travel, where we don’t have to worry about viruses, quarantines and political strife, a virtual vacation could do… even if it is just for a moment. Just close your eyes and send yourself to that spot on the globe where you love to hide. Oh, and please do share with your friends and loved ones. It’s a safe bet that they could use a getaway as well.

For those wanting to take a virtual vacation with a group, you can join us here on Medium and Instagram. Read the text below and then come visit us where you can share your song and your recipe. The song will be added to our Virtual Vacation Spotify Playlist and your recipes will be posted on Instagram.

Bon Voyage, all and thanks for participating.

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! — Dr. Seuss

The plans we are making, a trip we are taking to places all over the world

The plane has been chartered; the pilot’s been ordered to make ready the craft we will board.

The flight plans he’s needing requires him receiving the destinations each one will be choosing

So tell us…

What is your place in the sun, the destination you’ll choose to get away and have fun?

Is it an adventure you seek, or to relax on a beach for an entire week?

There’s room on the plane, bring whatever you choose; Special cargo within limits, of course there are rules. We also have questions, listed below. Do consider and answer carefully now…

1. So… where in the world have you decided to be, and where (in this place) can we find you when it’s time to leave?

2. So… what’s in that canteen? Will you have enough to share? If not, then a recipe you’ll have to prepare (to share).

3. So… what is your favorite song, that you can’t go without hearing, that a week is too long?

4. So… when you’ve had your fill of exotic delights, what’s the one thing you’re craving you can’t get late at night? A simple dish, 5 ingredients or less, plan to reveal and share with us.

5. A treasure you have that you can’t leave behind, something really special that comes to mind. A heartfelt item that has real meaning, a little something about you that you won’t mind revealing.

At journey’s end each member will receive the following items, trust and believe…

· The Virtual Vacation on Spotify playlist

· All Virtual Vacation recipe submissions posted on Instagram