Summer is that season, isn’t it? The one that makes you want to lie down in the grass with your head cradled in your hands and say out loud to yourself, “This is the life!” I’ve always loved summer and found something truly magical about the leaves rustling in the warm wind. Some people assume I have a summer birthday because my love for this time of year is so clearly contagious, but yours truly is a Capricorn–not a summer baby at all! Anyway, this is the start of my special “This is the Life!” List–in honour of this glorious season, and of being committed to the highest possible quality of life.

Making Waves Boatel – a Toronto bed and breakfast

This incredible establishment (it’s Toronto’s ONLY boat bed and breakfast!) naturally has a story that’s as fascinating as the place itself. I came upon this Toronto gem when looking up places for my in-laws to stay for an upcoming visit to the city–it’s currently listed as ‘Inn of the Month’ on bedandbreakfast.com. Don’t think I’m not welcoming–it’s just that they’re adventurous travelers and prefer to situate themselves right in the heart of the cities they travel to, and you can’t get more downtown than the Boatel. Ted and Diane Greene are a married couple who decided to make their dreams of living and traveling the high seas on a boat come true–early. They had planned to wait for their retirement but, looking simply for a higher quality of life, they quit their successful corporate careers, bought this trawler you see on the left, and started a Toronto b&b that’s open from June- October.

What do Ted and Diane do in the off-season? They pack up the Boatel and sail for the Bahamas!

When I was young, I used to dream about opening my own b&b; I could decorate it just to my flawless taste, cook up a storm, and always enjoy the pleasure of company. After discovering the Boatel and recommending it to my relations, I came upon this article in the Toronto Star confirming it’s reputation as a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast experience–the Star had some tasty things to say about their Belgian waffle breakfast, that’s for sure.

I think it should be obvious why the Boatel is the first item on my This is the Life list–just look at that boat, baby! I think it’s a beautiful business for a married couple to go into, and it adds so much charm to the bed and breakfast options for visitors of Toronto. The Greene’s story inspires me, as do all tales about people making their dreams a reality.

Is it crazy that I want to try living on the boat, too? One word of caution: the Boatel doesn’t allow children under the age of eight to stay–a good idea in my opinion, just means I’m going to have to wait (or find a reliable babysitter)!

On a side note: have you ever wondered “what page of google am i on“? Type your name into Google and see what page you’re on? You’ll be surprised what you might find.