Sh*t Happens

This past week, I had my passport stolen from me. My credit cards, my driver’s license, about $38 USD and a stack of business cards from people I’ve met all over the world. I’ve also been hospitalized, cracked my iPhone, been questioned by Amsterdam police and was told that my future job may be in jeopardy for reasons out of my control.

I’ve spent time being frustrated and angry about the situation (especially about the fact that I’ve had to replace my STELLAR passport photo…) but at the end of the day, I’ve realized that there’s not much I can do but accept the fact that SH*T HAPPENS.

You’ll have to excuse my language, but I honestly can’t find a better phrase to explain everything that has happened in my life lately. But at the end of the day, I’m surprised that a lot of these kinds of things haven’t happened to me sooner. I’ve met so many travelers on the road who have had things much worse happen to them. From having entire suitcases and laptops stolen, to being threatened with AIDS from infected needles… I’ll have to admit, my troubles seem almost minor in comparison. However, I’ve definitely learned a few lessons that will hopefully help me in the future.

LESSON #1 – Always keep your passport on you while traveling. Not in your backpack, not in your purse, but ON YOU. According to the woman at the US consulate, if your passport is lost/stolen twice within 10 years, the US government can actually restrict you from getting a new one. Since this has happened to me twice in the last 5 months… Lets just say the US did not have much sympathy in getting me my replacement.

LESSON #2 – Do not keep all of your money/credit cards in the same place. Adhering to this rule actually saved my butt… The thieves may have gotten my credit cards and a bit of cash, but lucky for me the majority of my money was hidden elsewhere.  I have no idea what I would’ve done without it.

LESSON #3 – Hospitals in the Netherlands will not take care of you unless you exaggerate your symptoms. I was told this from my hostel before I left, and found this to be undoubtably true. They even kicked me out after finding nothing wrong with my blood, despite the fact that I was still extremely nauseated and dehydrated.

LESSON #4 – Do not attempt to nap in front of a tourist monument in Amsterdam. Particularly if it’s early morning, and you’re deathly ill and clutching an airplane blanket like it’s your whole life. The police will have no sympathy, and will most definitely make you leave.

LESSON #5 - If you are not using your iPhone, do not hold it in your hand when you are climbing down a mountain. Maybe this only applies to people with bad balance (ME!) but I think this one is pretty much self-explanatory. The crack on my iPhone screen will most definitely agree.

Someone once told me that “No matter how bad you think your life is, wake up each day and be thankful for what you have. Someone somewhere is fighting just to survive.”  Lucky for me, today I’m still alive and healthy, with a brand new passport in Seoul, South Korea. And although sh*t happens, it can always be worse.