Chapter 1: A Journey Begins

This summer, I embarked on a spontaneous adventure, taking a three-month hiatus from my usual routine while transitioning between apartments. As someone accustomed to traveling frequently, I thought, "This will be a breeze." With that, I decided to forgo detailed planning beyond two weeks. How confident was I in managing the unknown? Very—though perhaps it was misplaced.

One might wonder why I hadn't secured an apartment immediately. The truth is, I yearned for an experience akin to "Eat, Pray, Love," wandering through Europe and North Africa with just a backpack. It felt romantic, liberating, and deeply inspiring. However, I soon realized that I craved a stable home base.

My journey commenced with packing up my Madrid apartment and placing my belongings in storage, before crashing at a friend's place for the night. This shift from my norm—typically not one to impose on others—was a hint of the challenges ahead.

After a lovely dinner with friends in a lively Madrid plaza, I got some rest before heading to Casablanca, Morocco, to visit my family for an indefinite duration during July and August.

Within a week, anxiety set in regarding my lack of autumn housing arrangements. I had no contingency plan for if my travels became overwhelming or if I overspent. The worry persisted until I started frantically contacting real estate agencies about September apartments, only to realize it was premature to be searching.

It's worth noting that I have a full-time job in technology, which I am fortunate enough to do remotely. This necessitated a reliable internet connection and a designated workspace, somewhat constraining the freedom that a summer gap typically offers.

In Morocco, my family's approach to summer plans is rather spontaneous, given the stunning nature and ocean nearby. This lack of advance planning proved challenging for my remote work obligations, resulting in missed beach days and visits, adding to my stress.

Seeking respite from the moving chaos, I decided to fly to London, my hometown, to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in ages. I visited some cherished spots like Covent Garden and Seven Dials market, soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Ultimately, I realized that regardless of where I travel, establishing a solid base in Madrid is essential for feeling grounded enough to plan future adventures. Now, as I sit in Heathrow airport awaiting my flight, I've resolved to find my apartment and get my summer back on track. Stay tuned to see if I end up embracing the autumn vibes London has to offer this summer...

Chapter 2: The Need for Stability

In this chapter, I will explore the necessity of having a stable foundation while pursuing adventure, and the balance between spontaneity and preparation.