Crazy crazy Europe trip
So many thoughts to process, and so much work to be done, so keeping a long emotional story short: my backpack with passport, purse with all money & cards, some personal belonging, etc got stolen from Barcelona, Spain on 12th May 2022.
Messy right? The dream of traveling Europe solo was messy and went messy. I felt broken as I canceled my travel to France, Belgium, and Germany; drafting this blog in the next tab of my computer browser while sitting in a hotel room in Madrid. Thank GOD, I didn’t carry my laptop that day otherwise I could have lost 90% of myself there.
Canceling further trip because, I don’t feel like it, definitely not this time. The excitement is gone :(
Scary right? Yeah, it was. Almost lost my cool. But happy that I survived. Things happen for a reason, and it was a good learning experience.
But how? Was attending the dinner with the team and network at the wonderful LEKA restaurant, and before the dinner officially starts, was drinking the usual red wine and chatting with colleagues about the country, the world, and more. Kept my backpack on the side of the chair where I was sitting, for a moment I realize someone sat on the chair which was just behind mine, and later realize that my backpack was gone.
How was it handled? Glad that I was surrounded by very resourceful and knowledgeable individuals, who know how to handle things. A big hug and thanks to Renata Avila and Cassandra Woolford for helping me throughout the process, and of course Open Knowledge Foundation team for all the support. Also, many thanks to the Embassy of Nepal, Madrid for being so helpful and issuing the travel documents within a few hours.
Back in Nepal? Yes, drafted this from Madrid, but publishing this from my room in Kathmandu.
Life goes on 🚶♂️
