moving day

If money were no object, I would always have an overlapping day for moving.  Otherwise, like yesterday, I had to move my stuff to Katie’s by 11 a.m..  She had to work, so I did stuff at her place and took at long walk while I waited until 4 p.m. to get into my new AirBnb.  You can see her building above, with her sweet face peeking over the 4th floor, on the right 🙂

I always worry on “transition” days.  Did I mention the time I got to the Detroit Airport 4 hours early?  Ask Katie, she’ll tell you the story.  So yesterday I was reeeeeeeeally eager to get to the new place.

At 3:45 I trudged over, carrying way too much stuff.  I forced myself not to set it down once–my punishment for not throwing out an item for every item I bought.  It was about a 10 minute walk.

According to the instructions which I had photographed in case I had phone troubles, first you enter the building using a code with a Japanese symbol.  Done.  Next you use a combination on the mailbox to get the key box.  Done.  Next you use a 4-digit combination to get the key out of the key box.

Nope.

It just would not open.  I tried for 30 minutes.  I messaged the host, who had been very responsive, in fact she had messaged me that morning.

The message would not go through.

I tried different numbers in different orders, tugging, pulling–it was like a realtors box hanging on a door–very solid and heavy.

After an hour I could not think of any other options except going back to Katie’s for the good wifi signal and to regroup.  I laid my stuff in front of the door of the apartment–I was not going to carry it all back.  I was nearly to Katie’s when I thought if my stuff gets stolen (unlikely) or confiscated by the building manager, then serves me right for having too much stuff…….except…..

My passport was in my backpack.

I turned around and walked back and got my passport.  I walked back to Katie’s and started messaging the host.  Nothing.  I messed with the key box for another hour and waited.  The instrucitons on AIrBnb said to give it a little more time.  So I sent another message and waited, continuing to try the key box.

For the 47th time, I fiddled with the key box and click! the box opened!

Off I went back to the new place and oh man it was sooooooooooo cute!  It even has a heated toilet seat!  AND, it has the great wifi!  I was able to video call Katie with no problem.  The place was small but spotlessly clean with a really comfy bed.

So I was really excited this morning and started video chatting family and friends–it was great!

Until my computer wouldn’t work.  I simply could not log into the wifi.  Over and over and over I tried, rebooting, restarting–nothing.  So I started messaging my host again–nothing.

Finally at 9:15 a.m. I went to Katie’s so I could use the wifi again while she was at work.  I was so disappointed.

I still have not heard from the host.  I’m confused and a little worried for her.  I have now messaged AirBnb at the Help Center.  But since I don’t have a phone they can call, I will hear back within 24 hours.  Having stayed in AirBnbs in 4 European countries, Mexico, Canada, and several states in the US, I was simply fearless and confident with AirBnb, so this has really shocked me.

I keep taking short walks to keep my head in the game.  It’s 64 degrees and sunny, which really helps!  In a park a couple hours ago I was admiring the flowering trees when this crazy bird started squawking loudly.  I swear he was telling me to get away from his tree!  I laughed out loud and figuratively slapped myself and felt better.

I tried a bit ago to get some brain food–something more than cereal and chips.  A friend in Michigan who had been here said look for the noodle place that’s crowded, so I did.  I stood there watching from outside trying to make myself go in.  There would be no hiding the noodles under the lettuce in this place.

Then I saw a window at a restaurant with people ordering stuff.  Was this take-out???  Excellent!  So I ordered a giant paddy of like hash browns with who-know-what in it.  380 yen.  I had a few bites.  Tastes like cabbage, which I like, but isn’t cutting it today.

So working through the hassles.  I was pretty excited doing my first check-in all by myself and eager to report to you how easy and amazing it was.  Feels like a pretty gaping hole in the AirBnb experience.  In fact, this minute I finally got a message from the Help Center that someone will be in touch soon.  Meanwhile, I have a nice place, my Kindle, Japanese cable, and my sweet daughter nearby.  No complaints.  Will keep you posted 🙂

 

Photo:  Giant metal dragonfly high atop a building near us

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