• Solving the Enigma

    December 29, 2020 in Saudi Arabia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    For a few days now I was unable to use any app on my phone that required internet: no maps, no calls, I could not transfer money to my card to use on the ATM, no email, nothing. First I thought, there was an internet outage, but in the next bigger city I had the same problem. There must be a problem with my internet provider. But finding one without internet is quite difficult as well and following verbal directions was never my strong side. Slowly I ran out of money, and it was really hard to get around, particularly in towns. The internet providers really tried their best, perhaps I have more luck in the next town. I am running out of money and out of fuel. It is getting desperate. I go to Al Baik, a very popular Saudi food retailer a la MacDonalds. You always find young, and I thought as well computer savvy people there. Nobody could help me.
    I was really getting desperate. I am sitting in my car, crying! The first time during the whole two years I am on the road. Rex is consoling me, putting his head on my lap and sighs loudly. I need to find a solution!
    Finally, after asking I don't know how many young men for help, one asks me, if I perhaps had a VPN turned on. OF COURSE! And schwupps.... I was back in the game. What relief! If I wasn't in Saudi, I would have given this guy a huge hug.
    After getting money, refuelling, stocking up on groceries, I am back in the game. But just about 20km our of town, a hear a loud noise coming out of the engine compartment: one of the belts was broken. Being in Saudi it is not a big problem to get stuck on the side of the road. Inevitably one of the next cars passing stopped and organised for a pick up truck.
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