Lost My Hard Drive: A Journey Through Chaos and Recovery
Have you ever lost something so crucial that it felt like the end of the world? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me when I lost my hard drive. This tiny device, no bigger than a credit card, contained all the videos I recorded in Oaxaca. But thanks to the incredible folks at AeroMexico, I got it back. Here’s the story of how it all went down, plus a little tour of my life in La Paz.
The Big Mistake
Let’s start with the colossal mistake I made. I had been in Oaxaca for a week, filming videos non-stop. After each day of interviews, I would diligently transfer the files to my external hard drive. However, due to poor internet connections at the Airbnbs, I couldn’t back them up online. This oversight led to a near disaster.
On my flight to La Paz, I was editing videos on the plane, feeling productive. But when I got home, ready to back up my files, I realized the hard drive was missing. Panic set in as I frantically searched through my bags and contacted everyone who might have seen it.
The Search Begins
I reached out to Zaida, who had given me a ride from the airport, and asked her to check her car. No luck there. I called the La Paz airport, hoping it had been turned in, but no such luck. The most likely scenario was that it was left on the plane.
My attempts to contact AeroMexico’s lost and found were met with dead ends, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I made two trips to the La Paz airport, finally catching AeroMexico staff during a flight. They promised to check with the cleaning crew in Mexico City, where the plane was stationed overnight.
A Glimmer of Hope
With a slim chance of recovery, I began planning a return trip to Oaxaca to redo the lost interviews. Meanwhile, I ordered a new hard drive to start fresh. But then, out of the blue, I received a call from Mauricio at AeroMexico. They found my hard drive!
The relief was immense. I rushed to the airport to retrieve it, thanking Mauricio with a pastry as a token of gratitude. Back at home, I immediately backed up my files using BackBlaze, a reliable cloud backup service that I highly recommend for safeguarding your data.
Lessons Learned
This ordeal taught me the importance of having a solid backup plan. Losing my hard drive was a wake-up call that emphasized the need for immediate and reliable data protection. BackBlaze offers a seamless solution with its automatic backup capabilities, making it easier to avoid such crises in the future.
Life in La Paz
Amidst the chaos, life in La Paz continues. I’ve been working on my house, which is a construction zone at the moment. From painting projects to bathroom renovations, there’s a lot going on. Despite the mess, it’s a beautiful place, especially with Mexican Independence Day festivities adding a vibrant touch to the atmosphere.
The House Tour
The house is in mid-construction, with new tiles being custom-painted for the bathrooms. Unfortunately, delays are part of the process, but I’m hopeful everything will come together soon. The goal is to have the house ready for when Kat returns, complete with surprises like funky reupholstered chairs.
Outside, the pool area is a work in progress. We’ve had issues with the pump and timer, but those are being resolved. The green tiles and accent pieces are set to bring a more Mexican flavor to the showers, replacing the outdated aesthetics.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about. We’re planning to replace the palapa roof gradually and improve ventilation by installing operable windows to let hot air escape. The peso’s current value means we can stretch our budget further, allowing for more renovations.
Support the Journey
This journey has been filled with unexpected expenses and challenges. If you’d like to support my work, consider visiting Buy Me a Margarita. You can join at different membership levels, receive shout-outs, and gain access to behind-the-scenes content.
Your support helps me continue creating content and sharing the beauty of moving to Mexico. Check out the Mexico Relocation Guide for more insights on making the move yourself.
Final Thoughts
In the end, this experience reinforced the kindness and honesty of the Mexican people. From AeroMexico’s staff to everyday encounters, it’s a reminder of why I love living here. As I continue working on my projects and recovering from this mishap, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the support received.
If you’ve ever lost a hard drive or faced similar challenges, I’d love to hear your stories. Leave a comment below and let’s connect over our shared experiences. Until next time, gracias y hasta luego!
