As I got used to living in this 'high-class neighbourhood' in Mexico City, I never anticipated encountering certain inconveniences that challenged my assumptions about the comforts of modern living. The biggest surprise came in the form of an unexpected electricity cut. The entire apartment plunged into darkness, leaving me and my flatmate in a state of confusion. The Airbnb host kindly provided us with candles (which I never used for lighting in Hong Kong), but we had to wait hours for the electricity to resume. Worries about spoiling food prompted me to gather all perishables and bring them to another apartment where some other scholars were staying.
In addition to the electricity issue, the water heater stopped functioning one night, making it impossible to take a warm shower in the cold weather. It soon became apparent that the apartment I have been staying in always has frequent electricity system problems, resulting in sporadic power outages. As I was writing this reflection, the host knocked on my door and informed me that the lighting would be absent for some time, and I am now relying solely on daylight to continue typing. These novel experiences are stark reminders of the privileges I enjoy back home in Hong Kong, where stable electricity and water heating systems are a given and never a cause for concern.
Another unexpected challenge during our second week in Mexico City was the illness that afflicted some fellow scholars. To prevent the transmission of any potential infections within the group, we had to work online. While remote working was necessary as a precaution, I could not help but feel that in-person collaboration would have been more efficient and conducive to meaningful discussions. However, prioritizing our health and safety was paramount, and we had to make the necessary adjustments. The unstable internet connection in Airbnb further compounded the difficulties of working online, adding an extra layer of frustration.
Despite these challenges, I am grateful that our discussions were still possible, albeit through virtual means. My team came up with internal deadlines and developed a comprehensive plan for the upcoming four weeks. What initially appeared as simple tasks now revealed their complexity, as numerous assignments with different deadlines loomed ahead. It became evident that we would soon be involved in a whirlwind of activities and responsibilities.
Looking back at these unexpected challenges and the need for adaptation, I became more aware of the importance of resilience and flexibility in navigating unfamiliar situations. The experiences in Mexico City have shed light on the privileges I often take for granted, such as reliable electricity, hot water, and stable internet connections. These inconveniences serve as humbling reminders of the varying circumstances people face in different parts of the world.
As we embark on this busy period, I am excited and apprehensive about the tasks for the upcoming four weeks. I anticipate that the coming weeks will demand our utmost dedication and effort.