Crazy things that happen when you travel
Tragedies turned into anecdotes and memories
Every time you travel, you are getting out of your comfort zone. Sometimes, especially when going to new places, you need to face the unknown and embrace uncertainty. It doesn’t matter how well you have planned everything, most of the time you will still need to face some challenges along the way. Some might be unpleasant at the moment, but they can turn into great anecdotes and memories.
Have you ever been running through the airport with no shoes trying to catch a plane, boarding it just a second before they shut the door behind your back? Let me tell you it is no fun. You feel your heart pumping, the adrenaline flowing through your veins, and your feet are in pain, but as soon as you are seated, you have a smile on your face because of how fortunate you were. If you had been another minute late, you would have missed the plane. Instead of focusing on the bad, try to see the good out of those situations.
In my experience, there is always something to learn and cherish in some unfortunate moments. They can open new doors for you or at least give you a good laugh. You can be more prepared for the next time something similar happens.
Lucky Unlucky
One of the craziest things that have happened to me during a trip, happened while I was visiting my cousin in Madrid. One night we went out and things were not going very well. The streets were packed, every place was overcrowded, and there was no point in continuing with our little adventure. When we returned home, I went to the bathroom and changed into my PJs. As I tried to open the door, I realized it was an impossible task and there was no way I could unlock the door. Shouting and calling for help my cousin finally came to my rescue. After several failed attempts, we concluded there was nothing else we could do. 3 am and with no one to call, I accepted my fate and decided to sleep in the bathtub. I took some towels, threw them in, and curled up like a baby trying to fit in. The next morning, hungry and desperate after several hours, a kind man finally opened the door. Blessed for having my freedom back I appreciated how lucky I was that my cousin was with me in that apartment.
Things like these can happen to anyone, anywhere. They just make the list of the highlights of your trip, because you are surely going to remember them. You also get to know yourself better and the people around you. When you are in a tough situation people tend to react in different ways. I remembered my cousin getting upset and telling me from the other side of the door, that she couldn’t believe I had been so dumb for locking the bathroom door, while I thought it was the normal thing to do. No one knows how they are going to react in this kind of situation, but they always tend to bring the best or worst in people.
On a different trip, I was alone with my overweight, two-wheeled suitcase in Grand Central Station in NY. When one of the wheels broke, I found myself dragging it around trying to reach the right platform, and looking at my suitcase as it came down to pieces. I was a clear source of laughter dealing with a heavy suitcase at least half my size and trying really hard not to fall down the stairs. When I was finally on the train catching my breath, I looked at my suitcase and saw the bottom part coming apart, but I was glad all my clothes were still in. Thinking that the worst part was over, I was fooling myself for what was yet to come.
I was supposed to change trains at some point in my journey, something I had done before. Easy task, I thought, since I only needed to wait on the same platform. To my surprise, they were fixing the road and I had to take a van for half an hour and then board the other train. A good man helped me with my suitcase to reach the van and said he was committed to this difficult task. Exhausted, I was glad when we finally arrived at the train station, just to discover I needed to go to the other side of the platform. To do this, I needed to go up some stairs, then take the elevator, cross a bridge over the rails, and then come down the elevator again.
As I tried to get to the other side, the train made a stop and everyone boarded, except me. I soon realized they were all waiting for me and my heavy suitcase. Embarrassed and doing my best to hurry up, another nice guy came to my rescue. He was already on the train and decided to get off and help me. He lifted my broken suitcase and put it on his shoulder, as we both walked as fast as we could to board the train. After a long trip full of humiliation, I just needed to feel in control and not be such a damsel in distress. I have always considered myself capable of dealing with my problems. Nevertheless, I was pleased that I didn’t have to do everything on my own.
When I reached my destination, a friend picked me up and we drove to her house. I left my suitcase in her garage, and I only took some clothes out. Days later, I found out that two bears came inside, destroyed what was left of it, and ate all my candy. Another lesson learned: never leave chocolates and sweets in a suitcase when you are in the middle of nowhere. My suitcase never had a chance. In any case, I couldn’t believe all the strangers that were willing to stop and help me. No matter where you are, there are always good people around who would love to give you a hand. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and it doesn’t mean you are less of a person.
Tragedies turn into anecdotes and memories. There is always something there to learn and a good story to tell. Don’t be scared of visiting new places and not having everything planned. Sometimes the unexpected can become the best thing that can happen to you. Embrace the mess, and give it a chance. Let people surprise you and make the most out of every difficult situation. Likewise, when you see someone struggling and you are in a position to help, don’t hesitate and give them a hand. You never know what that small gesture can mean to them.
