WANDERLUST NO MORE

Wanderlust The Travel Store is closing. 

This was the “map room” at “Wanderlust - The Travel Store” where I’ve worked my part time retirement gig for the last 3 years. 

It’s now sadly closed forever - a sudden victim of the pandemic shutdown.

This type of shop blossomed in the 60’s as so many of us young boomers hit the road for grand adventures. This was the time of Europe on $5/day, of VW vans, and flower power. 

Wanderlust (the store) was established in 1980. It survived for all those years (and was recently thriving) on famous 4th Avenue in now hip and once hippie Kitsilano. It was one of the very few left across the country. Most had already fallen victim to globalization, the internet, and rising real estate costs. 

I fear we will now lose many of these idiosyncratic little “mom n pop” shops which serve unique niche markets but offer more than merchandise. They sold t-shirts, or old records, or fancy teacups and lace. They are boutiques showing new designers or techniques for reviving old crafts.  They provide a place for strangers to meet, to casually share mutual interests, strengthen the local economy, and weave threads of community.  Most will never re-open.

I really enjoyed working there, with fine colleagues, caring owners, and wonderful clients. 

It was fascinating to serve the many different folks who came through the door over the years. We had travellers from all parts of the world, and locals bound for every destination. Some needed maps or guides, others were looking to replace lost luggage or just wanted advice or re-assurance about their plans.  Visitors, weary road warriors, teenagers on their first school trip, families looking to survive spring break, anxious tenderfeet, and wise old wanderers.  Travelers all enjoy sharing stories of their adventures.

For me, Wanderlust was more than just a job. For a few hours each week it was a magical place of memories and dreams.