Leaving Belgium part II

On January 19th, I took the big step of leaving my cold home country once again in exchange for a place under the sun. So far, this has been partially successful, as winter in Southern Europe also brings gray days and heavy rain showers. Of course, not everything always goes smoothly, and along the way, I encountered several challenges and problems. Here are a few examples...

Problem 1: No phone signal or internet: My Orange subscription had been terminated, leaving me unable to make or receive calls or access the internet outside my accommodation. Fortunately, Tavira had a free network, but I still needed a solution for when I was on the go. Ordering a prepaid SIM card online was impossible: identification was required, but I didn’t have an ID card reader. A dead-end. Next, I tried to order a SIM card from Lowi, a Spanish provider I had good experiences with. However, they only shipped within Spain. Another roadblock. The only option? Wait until I was in Spain to get a local phone number. A lesson in patience - one the universe has sent my way many times before, especially abroad.

Problem 2: Traveling without internet: The day I left Portugal, I had a tight travel schedule: first a train, then a ferry, and finally a bus to my next destination. Google Maps is my trusted companion on such trips, but without the internet, it became a challenge. The train was delayed by half an hour, the ferry didn’t run every hour (it was Sunday, not my smartest move), and the large bus stop was nowhere to be found. Luckily, I met a woman with her child at a (wrong for me) bus stop who pointed me in the right direction. With only twenty minutes left until the next bus, the race against time began. After asking a few more times, I found the right stop just in time and was able to get on board.

Problem 3: The key race: Upon arriving in Isla Cristina, I picked up my keychain from an office near the bus stop. The apartment was almost two kilometers away, and with my luggage, I felt like a mule. The weather was drizzly, it was nearly dark, and I was determined to arrive before it would get dark. Using my phone’s saved location, I navigated toward my temporary home. A friendly passerby helped me find the right entrance. But then... six keys on the chain and three locks. After some trial and error, I realized one lock was simply unyielding and that I only needed two keys. Relief: I was inside!

Problem 4: No WiFi, no contact: The studio was small but fine. However... no WiFi code to be found. I couldn’t inform my family that I had arrived safely, nor could I check if there was an open supermarket nearby. Frustrating. But giving up? Not an option. So, I set out to find a bar with internet. Unfortunately, no luck. When i asked a couple on the street, they told me that Mercadona was also closed. Eventually, I ended up in a small shop where I bought water and a sandwich. The owner, Ana, pointed me to a bar, but I couldn’t find it. Back at her shop, I asked if I could use her phone. She had already offered earlier. Through her, I was able to contact the landlord. Within minutes, she received the WiFi code on her phone, I took a picture of it, and I thanked her warmly.

Back in the studio, I set up the WiFi and immediately saw missed calls and messages pouring in. Finally, I could reassure my parents. I ate my sandwich, unpacked my suitcase, took a refreshing shower, unfolded the Murphy bed, and crawled under the covers. I was actually physically tired from walking 14km today. The next twelve weeks would give me plenty of time to reflect on my life, dreams, destinations, and goals. But that was for later. For now: rest. Brain OFF.

Photo: Leaving from Eindhoven, January 19th 2025