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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