After 42 days, the car came back to me. It traveled in a container from Montevideo, Uruguay to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The shipping process in Montevideo was almost hassle-free, but in the Netherlands, there were unexpected complications, time and money-wise. International container shipping procedures are complex and full of unfamiliar vocabulary, and in the end, individual customers usually have no other option but to accept unplanned delays or costs.
But I had not been particularly anxious while waiting. Although the vehicle has emotional value to me, I am trying to take this travel as an opportunity to practice detachment. So the car is my full-time travel buddy, but at the same time, it’s just my means of transportation. Also, I was curious to be reminded of what it’s like to be backpacking, which I think is a very different way of traveling.
Still, the moment of reunion was sweet. Other than the extreme hunger found in the battery, I did not notice anything unusual. It was also nice to have access to more trousers, socks, some language books, and extra sunblocks.
When the basic checks were finished, I decided to let it enjoy some sunlight with a typical Dutch landscape. It was actually very windy and chilly outside, but the inside was warm like a greenhouse.
@zaanse schans, the Netherlands, October 2, 2018
