1 Year of Van Life in Ireland - 2020

One year ago we moved to Ireland with our dog Iris and started living in a campervan full-time. Selling our things and starting fresh in a new country was a big step for us. It was difficult leaving our family, friends, and life of 10 years in Minneapolis, and it took time to adjust from our house with all its creature comforts to living in a 16 by 6 foot van.

This year had lots of ups and downs as COVID became a global pandemic shortly after our arrival. COVID made traveling difficult, and at times impossible, as Ireland went through two lockdown periods, and now is in its third, but we feel so fortunate to have been able to travel at all during a year when most people could not. Living in a van has given us the ability to explore Ireland while also allowing us to spend more time in places we love. Living in a van means that wherever we go, we are always at home, and during this pandemic it has given us the privilege of isolating ourselves in nature for long periods of time. This has provided us with an opportunity to reflect on our lives and really connect with the natural world. Being immersed in nature on a daily basis has shown us where our true home resides and being surrounded by its effortless symbiosis has been the greatest lesson of all.

Van life has taught us so much. Living in a van has shown us what it feels like to be viewed as outsiders and has given us great empathy for immigrants and those who are without a home. Minimalism has shown us what we really need to live our lives and what things do not contribute to our happiness. This process has helped us simplify our existence and quiet our minds. While our small living space has forced us to get closer physically, it has also helped us get closer emotionally and evolve as a couple.

Over the year we took footage of the places we went and things we did, and this video is a distilled recap of that year. If you would like to see more of our adventures please subscribe to our Atomic Kinship channel and follow us on instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/atomickinship/

As cliche as it might sound, life really is about the bare necessities. Focusing on healthy food, fresh water, and the love we're surrounded by has been immensely therapeutic for our bodies, minds, and souls.

"Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life
••••••
And don't spend your time lookin' around
For something you want that can't be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin' about it
I'll tell you something true
The bare necessities of life will come to you"

Music Credit: "The Bare Necessities" by Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman

We are on a mission to Share Love, Spread Good Vibes, and Live with a Cosmic Perspective.

If you're like us and love Irish castles, check out our YouTube channel "Castles of Ireland" and consider subscribing!
https://www.youtube.com/c/castlesofireland

Видео 1 Year of Van Life in Ireland - 2020 канала Atomic Kinship