How I survived the massive European blackout
When all of Spain, Portugal, and Southern France lost power
Last Monday, a massive blackout hit Portugal and Spain.
I had just arrived in Barcelona for a week of work with two of my employees and was very unprepared for such a situation.
Not wanting to sit alone in my hotel room with no lights, internet, connection or food, I decided to go for a walk to see what I could learn.
My feet led me a few blocks away where a crowd of people had gathered underneath a balcony listening to the radio someone had graciously put at full blast.
The word on the street was that this had hit several other Northern European nations (not true) and that this was a cyber attack (not substantiated). Planes, trains, and all electricity were down and we could expect to be without power for 8 hours, possibly longer.
Upon hearing this, the people I had just met immediately went into action.
If the power was out and all security systems were down, who knows how the evening would go or the kind of crazy people would get with no light or internet.
Best to be prepared, get cash, water, food, and stay home, right?
I loved their strategy and very directly asked if I could go with them not wanting to be on my own in a strange city in a blackout.
The other half of the city took to the streets and spent the day drinking in the sun since no one could work anyway 😂
We ended up having the most beautiful day together.
We made lunch then dinner. Played cards for hours and traded stories by candlelight.
They even lent me comfy clothes including hand knitted socks by one of their moms.
Luckily the power came back on that night and all was well but I am so grateful that they took me under their wing and showed me such incredible hospitality.
Since telling this story to friends, many think I was brave to trust a stranger but I believe the majority of people are good.
Crisis is definitely good for bringing us deeper into community. Don’t you think?
My fav part of this story is that we have continued to talk & hang out since.
What would you have done in my situation alone in an unfamiliar city with no way to contact anyone?
How would you respond?
Here’s some scenes to get a vibe for the day!
