I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT... | Van life in a small town

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Hi, my name is Emi. I'm born in raise in small town just outside Quebec City, this is where my lovely accent comes from. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work, but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I would only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people consider this the lowest time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly, what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving, and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I have been living full-time in my self convert van.

[@kathyanderson1509]

The waterfall was stunning,

[@debjohansen7867]

Hi Emi! The parade, antique vehicles, and fireworks were spectacular! Thanks for sharing a fun day. Kiss kiss Miss Kelly! Joy and blessings to you both!

[@Valerygallery]

What a cool town! Looks like you had a lot of fun and you even got to see fireworks! I have to find those veggie burgers. I looked at the website, and they have a lot of good-looking veggie products!❤

[@Ramblingon12]

I love waterfalls, too.

[@noras.5355]

Thank you so much, Emi, for sharing all those fun events. Small towns are awesome! Waterfall were beautiful and the fireworks were terrific! Thanks again Emi. Take care~

[@kjkayjay]

That waterfall! And fireworks! Thanks

[@elizabethfoote2492]

LOVE the lawn mower race. Every town ought to have one

[@naomiwoodman3585]

Thank you, the was the first I have ever seen. Fun!

[@victoriabaker4400]

That was so funny, and I was like, well, how many laps do they do? Emi's like, ok that's enough! hilarious...

[@tamararummel2027]

Loved the video! Crazy Americans aren't the only ones who do lawn mower races, I see.😂 The car show was cool!

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Happy Belated Canada Day Emi, it looks like you had a Great Day. Thanks for sharing the festivities with us. Your swim looked really nice too. I’m glad you can be so creative with your time. Stay safe on the roads.

[@loriaversher5477]

Emi! This was a fun day. I check in on you and Kittie when I log in to work...LOL I feel like I had a great outing myself. thanks for sharing...

[@joanned35]

Love Nakusp! It’s been a few years, sitting on the deck of the Leland hotel having lunch, like a Canadian Switzerland! Have you been to Ainsworth hot springs before Emi? You must go…it’s so neat, a tunnel with hot springs and beautiful scenery from the pool, you leave feeling like a million bucks too ❤

[@purplehaze5977]

That looked like a fun day, and kelly obviously feels safe with you in the van take care both and stay safe

[@dani_mack]

Our town does an outhouse race every year before the parade. 😄

[@christinamann3640]

That sounds hilarious 😂 Any extra points for passengers?

[@dani_mack]

@@christinamann3640 Absolutely! They all have someone pulling and someone "sitting". 😄

[@christinamann3640]

@@dani_mack OMG!!🤣🤣😂😂

[@Sonia-cq9cl]

Oh I love those burgers. That water fall in the beginning was absolutely amazing.

[@keyarawveg]

This was a fun one. I loved the lawn mower race...was laughing so hard at them.

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Wish I could mow the lawn as fast as those mowers were moving 💥😉🙌🌱

[@Bindismom]

Happy Canada day. Such a beautiful country with wonderful people. May Canada and the USA shed themselves of the corruption in their governments and bring stability and peace to their people.

[@tamo9520]

I absolutely LUV your photography clips! The clouds rolling by over the water & among the mountains is absolutely beautiful! Oh My Gosh! That waterfall is gorgeous!

[@briandsauntr4692]

That is a movie waterfall .I can imagine Rambo climbing down it to escape the sasquatch chasing him lol . proud to be Canadian everyday

[@Angel-hd2rs]

Oh, man that brought back memories of watching fireworks across Hanalei Bay! Thank you for sharing!

[@janetmcburney4582]

Stunning waterfall

[@bethreeser7655]

I have never seen lawn mower races. They were funny.

[@christinedrouin1372]

The mountains in the background never ceased to amaze me, being a low lander. 😊 Nice seeing the community come together for Canada Day. 🎉 Great review for the lentil burger.

[@paulakelly563]

Happy belated. Canada day to all Canadians “ Emi and Kelly also 🍁!!! Nice to see people out celebrating.

[@petereriksson1390]

Be happy when your cat doesnt care about firewoorks Emi! Best Regards Peter Eriksson Sweden Europe 😊😊😊!

[@ElizabethSpyder]

Enjoy!!

[@manonlaramee639]

I was in Nakusp 2weeks ago, lovely little area....

[@Sammy_the_DJ]

Lovely video. Fireworks at the end were great. Thanks for sharing that. Hugs to you and Miss Kelly.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Emi, your photography is lovely. You catch the essence of the places you explore. Small towns around the holidays bring about so much fun. Cute cat items. Thanks for sharing. It brought great memories back to me. Our small town even had a rodeo. Again, thank you. 💜 kisses to Kelly.

[@susandevinenapoli7649]

I went to Manitoba in 77. I went to a tractor pull. They didn't have a weight. Men jumped on the sled. Fun like that.

[@drunkvegangal8089]

Nakusp was one of my favourite stops during my vanlife journey...even considered moving there. The hot springs, the scenery, the 4 seasons, the people, the walk along the lake 'downtown', and the newish chain grocery store that sold tofu and fake vegan 'meat' and 'cheese'. Wish I still had my van.

[@drunkvegangal8089]

BTW, camping at nearby Box Lake used to be good and it used to be a free Rec Site. Lots of dragonflies and birds so few mosquitoes. Can recommend.

[@user-sx2yv1sb3q]

❤ Wow What a great day ❤

[@annapasley592]

I like lawn mower racing, nice fireworks.

[@mylifeandotheranimals9551]

Miss Kitty is living the life !!!! Nice place Nakusp. Thanks for a great video

[@anniepurse2831]

Nakusp and surrounding area is a little paradise. Gets quite busy in the summer but otherwise pretty laid back. I use to live in the next town, New Denver and really miss the slow pace of life. Nakusp has awesome healthy shopping and farmers markets. Your burger looks so tasty. Can't wait to see rest of your trip in the Kootenays. Hugs.

[@christinamann3640]

Do you also watch VanlifePLUS? His parents have a house there, and he visits them a lot.

[@sharonoldham4374]

Love the waterfall. 😊 Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦 It was nice getting to see vintage trucks and cars.

[@melodymcminn4107]

I saw that Tractor race , pretty funny , Saw one nearly wipeout the race stadium ..

[@gloria84073]

Great share! Happy Canada day!🎉🥂💛

[@user-kev-k5v]

Beautiful fireworks display young lady thanks for sharing

[@Yvonneb_]

Awesome video Thanx Emi and Kelly xx

[@dallastrujillo7540]

4:27 Omg..I have the t-shirt version. I wear it all the time! 🤣

[@Linda-xb5ol]

Awesome video ❤❤❤Emi and Little Kelly ❤❤❤thanks for sharing ❤❤❤

[@LittleMo777.]

What fun!😊

[@christinamann3640]

Kelly is such a cool cat, nothing bothers her

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

Happy Canada Day Emi and Kelly. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@debraroth4724]

I was in Nova Scotia for Canada Day! The weather was perfect. Thanks for sharing!

[@Angel-hd2rs]

Lawn mower races! How fun! How many laps? Who won? Perfect music.

[@debbiehawk-payne8507]

Hi 👩& 🐈‍⬛; 🎉Happy Canada Day🎉It is very beautiful there at the camp site🙂; What a Fun Day! Thank You For Sharing! Great Video 🤗👍; SEE You Both Soon! ❤️🫂👩&🐈‍⬛

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Gorgeous waterfall. Fantastic Canada day celebrations. Happy travels 😚😚

[@dianecampbell184]

Thank you for a cool version of Canada Day. We just saw some great neighborhood fireworks in NWFlorida for 4th of July. Stay safe and give Kelly a kiss! 💖

[@lynnef3297]

👋😄 Well, rhat looked like a grand time. Thanks for sharing the fun 👍❣️

[@suzannebiggins116]

Love the mower races🎠

[@virginiacaston1456]

Looks like fun!! Glad Kelly isn't being phased by the fireworks. ✌️👌👍😊

[@user-kev-k5v]

Now that’s a stunning water fall beautiful ❤❤

[@colleenbrown230]

That was lovely to see 😊

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

There is also a hot springs near Nakusp. Loved the lawn mower and the fire works

[@mscampbell1242]

Fun day! Beautiful waterfall along side the road!

[@cindysmith6612]

What a beautiful day 🎉happy Canada day😊

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Ooooohhh!!! Aaaaahhh! Great fireworks display!! And what a hoot for the lawn mower racing. That was awesome!! Happy Canada Day, and Happy Fourth of July!! 🎆🎇

[@annedrysdale3281]

Oh a nice nature bath. ❤ Your videos are so unique with lovely BC life & scenery. Belated Happy Canada Day! Bisous.

[@equynenergie]

Hilarious lawn mower races ❤

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

Nice to see ya close to my area. Hope you enjoy it.

[@HH-li5xl]

My sister lives there. It’s a very beautiful Little town.

[@christinamann3640]

If I’m not mistaken, that glorious waterfall at the rest stop is one of Matthew’s favourite spots. A VanlifePLUS landmark.

[@stargater2892]

I love community events like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@user-kn6ks9qo8s]

❤🎉happy fourth 😊love all the lovely scenery and of course ms Kelly and you!

[@alanweisner2421]

What a great day ! Thank you for the Independence Day wishes. I didn't know our great neighbor up north did anything on this day. Happy Canada Day 💥🎉 Fun video and your smile goes on for days. Stay Safe 🙏

[@emmellj7133]

You need to start counting all the beautiful waterfalls you see and maybe do a special episode at the end of the year? That was fun. If you don't have a go-kart and race tracks you just take the lawn mower👍

[@elvafae9902]

Wow that was so fun…I LOVED the lawn mower races 🤣 What a hoot!!! And such a pretty waterfall…you always find the best ones…Kisses to Miss Kitty 🥰

[@living2ndchildhood598]

I’m happy to see you had a Great Canada Day!!!

[@sue9252]

Love small town celebrations 👍🐈🎇

[@Vanhockeymom]

What a beautiful province we have! Happy (Belated) Canada Day. Nakusp did not disappoint

[@HappypantsGL]

Kelly is such a lovely cat :)

[@Katarina-ds5mj]

A belated Happy Canada Day, Emi and Kelly! You did indeed post your video on the 4th of July. I don’t even have to leave my property to see fireworks because they always appear in the sky from at least four different directions. I sit on my balcony with my cats and enjoy the colors. Greetings from Tennessee.🩷

[@MsSoozy]

Beautiful video Emi, those lawnmower races were a blast! “Vanlife Plus” stayed at that waterfall in his van. His brother has a coffee shop in Nakusp. Really enjoyed this one Emi. Cuddles to miss Kelly. 🤗 By the looks of it, you had a great Canada Day! 🎉

[@NancyH60]

Canada looks Amazing! I'm 64 yrs old and it's on my bucket list to visit your beautiful country ❤️

[@NancyH60]

Happy Canada Day! Emi you show so much great content and makes me want to visit even more ❤

[@karenferguson8426]

It was so nice seeing your Canada Day.. mine was way different… my tiny Prince ( 2 1/2 pound chiwahwah) was almost eaten so I almost lost him I spent time at the vets…he’s got his skull punctured… today is the Fourth of July and he is still touch n go. Thank you for sharing your lovely day

[@HensOnly]

Had a couple of laughs of the lawn mower races, particularly when a driver cut across the grass area near grandstand area LOL! Small town festivals are the best!

[@cboyle707]

I'm loving your vacation. It reminds me of road trips I took here in the US. Fun. Enjoy yourself!

[@Angel-hd2rs]

I'll take the blue Mustang and the red Ram Camper van.

[@kathieponder7708]

Happy Canada day ❤ from swimming, parade, festive, and more. What a great day. Be blessed ❤

[@johnnypena9682]

Nice video

[@user-kev-k5v]

Good morning Emily and miss Kelly the cat I can hear the sounds of the birds hey in the water is it cold 😂

[@jeh5c]

OMG 5:33 the lady almost got mowed over 0.0!! That mower racing looks hella fun! Id be down to race em haha!

[@shanegaming2446]

Hi kitty love the van

[@mtcklc]

Happy Canada Day!!!🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@joycecollins5796]

Nakusp one of my favourite places 😊😊 Kittyyy booo enjoying her time😻😻

[@inquiringmind4976]

Thanks for sharing Canada Day! Looks like fun!

[@Morerhapsody]

Cat..You'rethe first personI saw so far to swim. Online and in person🎉 what a fun video😂.

[@elliciuciu9952]

Looks like it was a fun day 🎉

[@andreamoore-gl6qw]

Haha lawn mower races!

[@bosslady1755]

The Lawn mower racers look very animated but fun !! 🎉🎉🎉 7:02

[@user-kev-k5v]

Loved watching them racing

[@poges]

That was really fun. Nice scenery and canada day at nakusp.

[@annadaurie2435]

Awesome video.

[@Cloudwanderervanlife]

Very cool! Getting my van ready for trip tomorrow.

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

Good video

[@chriswedding1]

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@equynenergie]

Great video Emi 💪👍

[@sheilacaine]

That was fun.

[@barbschmidt4831]

ok "came back inside as started to rain", just anyone know at 7 44 into what that shot of water outside was🤨🤔 ? ya know odd question. love seeing the fur baby enjoying life. hugs to you both.😊 YES, FINALLY HAVE 🤗🤪🤣, a 1st for me to have some😜😝silly fun, ya ya i know🙄🙄 and LOL