Packing – Human Kind’s Arch Enemy

On the summer of 2007, I was accepted to my number one choice to undertake Masters’ studies in Barcelona. Laws of attraction were in the works I suppose. Like most individuals who have grown up as a TCK, my travel shoes were getting itchy after spending over three years in one place. Although I enjoyed my time in the nation’s capital, I welcomed this new opportunity for a brand new journey overseas.

Among the least pleasurable aspects of concluding your affairs and transitioning to a new life is the move. Public servants and business executives that get shipped off to fulfill a greater mandate are certainly well looked after - even though they moan about the stress of moving. Just slap those post-its on what boxes destined to to storage, items shipped by sea and the rest via air cargo. Easy as pie. Their primary concern is whether they will be walking distance to the office and good shopping.

As a regular citizen, I think we can all agree that the moving process is as much fun as stapling your hand to a wall. Yes, ouch indeed. You are not going on vacation, and if you are a tall fellow like myself (I’m not fat… just big boned), a pair of shoes fills up your suitcase and you may have some space for dental floss. It’s not all dread though. Imagining what awaits you and the situations you may need to dress for, such as a new job, a date with a special Catalana or even just to go out for a jog.

Another element that would give more wrinkles to a dried prune is wondering, “Where am I going to stay?” You will soon realize that Loquo is filled with scam artists. I met a British expat over this online classified who was interested in renting a room out as long as I paid him through a charitable organization in Nigeria. Be careful out there people. I am not saying don’t trust others… just be a little extra careful or your adventure will seem like another chapter in Mr. Magoo’s diary.

I was lucky as well. Through this same service, I met a friendly Argentine gentleman with a room to spare for a month and was a property manager in a few buildings in the urban area. I did of course HAVE to trust that human nature was to be charitable. I discovered later on, he had been in my same shoes several years before when he moved from Argentina to the old world. As I have said before, there are always angels around you especially when you least expect it. Patience is key.