I lost my passport in Barcelona

By Thomas Feng

July 19^th, 2018

Dear July,

The worst moments happen when you least expect them to.

After two days of resting and drinking on the streets in Barcelona, I was ready to explore the city from the monumental architecture at its heart, to the colourful beaches which draw hordes of tourists.

I opened my travel wallet to use my passport for ID as I went to hire the bike for a day.

F***. It's missing.

Where is it? I checked my backpack.

Not in any pockets. Nothing else is missing. Don't panic. It's probably at home.

I rode back to the apartment. I emptied my travel pack and my tote bag.

I rummaged through all of my pockets inside all of my pants and jackets and my bags.

Marina called all the cafes and supermarkets that we frequented in Barcelona.

Nothing.

Losing a passport is something you hear about, but you never think it will happen to you.

The first day was a stressful nightmare; especially as I was worried I wouldn't be making it to Ireland where I was photographing my friend's wedding. The following day, I learned that I would still be able to travel but would have to buy an emergency passport. I did all the paperwork and rearranged my plans. I would spend four extra nights in Spain and have to go back to Madrid. I resigned myself in defeat, but I count myself fortunate to have the money to buy a new passport on the spot; and to have been relatively nearby a consulate.

If you lose your passport, this is what you should do.

You probably haven't lost your passport - check all your belongings and try to remember when you last saw it
Check your surroundings on anywhere it may have dropped
Call and check any places where you might have brought your passport with you
Look up where your nearest embassy/consulate is
Report your passport missing with the local police
Go to the embassy/consulate and apply for a replacement/emergency passport
Wait and receive new shiny passport
Move on with life

You have always been one for surprises with me July, from unexpectedly climbing mountains to falling into a low rut, so I guess I should not expect anything less from you.

It was a wake up call to be more present and aware of my belongings; a reminder that shit happens; and a traumatic exercise of learning that everything is going to be okay.