Nov 14, 2024
Mallorca Journey-Untill We Meet Again
This past summer, I decided to leave Barcelona and move to Mallorca for around six to seven months. After spending seven years in Barcelona, I wasn’t sure what awaited me. I had never traveled anywhere for more than three days, and in the previous two years, I hadn’t even left the Catalonia region. I needed a break to recover from the challenges and setbacks I had faced. I’d been immersed in a startup program, juggling the development of my venture while assisting others with their products. Unfortunately, things weren’t progressing as I had hoped. I noticed myself becoming lethargic and losing enthusiasm for tasks that once motivated me. It became clear that I needed to pause and reconnect with life beyond the hustle.
The startup world often demands relentless optimism and visionary thinking, which can sometimes feel detached from immediate realities. I found myself frustrated by the lack of practical, grounded approaches, even when they were necessary. I wanted to focus on the fundamentals, but I couldn’t escape the cycle. One day, I realized it was time for a change and a fresh experience. After speaking with people in both Gran Canaria and Mallorca, I ultimately chose Mallorca, feeling it could offer the renewal I needed.
You might ask, why Mallorca, and for what purpose? I planned to work in a role that required physical activity. I had a few contacts in the hospitality industry. Although my experience was limited—I had only worked as a waiter once, back in 2016—I decided to take the plunge. Initially, my confidence was low, and the first few days were challenging, but I managed to push through. Ten days later, I moved to a different location for a new job, this time with greater confidence. I started as a dishwasher and kitchen helper at a German restaurant and, after a month and a half, transitioned to a waiter role. I enjoyed the work and felt happy again. Balancing online work for a startup during the day and my restaurant job in the evenings brought me a newfound sense of balance.
The best part of my time in Mallorca was the people I met. From day one, I was overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of those around me. Living independently had sometimes made me skeptical about whether strangers could truly care, but these people proved me wrong. Of course, there is always a give-and-take in human relationships, but they gave me reasons to trust. Meeting fellow Nepalis was another pleasant surprise, as my connections with the Nepali community in Barcelona had been limited. I often spent time with a bright, curious two-year-old boy, and watching him grow felt like being at home.
As you know, I’ve always been eager to engage in conversations about movies, filmmaking, science, and technology. This time, however, I consciously avoided startup events and networking, choosing instead to gain new life perspectives. I often wandered through Magaluf, which, next to Ibiza, is known for its summer parties. Mostly, I kept things low-key, drinking at local spots with roommates and friends from Nepal and the Philippines. We’d stay out until morning on nights out. It made work the next day tough, but we managed. My roommates made me feel at home. They were always ready to share a beer, and sing songs—though my singing was terrible, so I stuck to listening and playful handboxing.
I never imagined drinking beer for a month straight, but that’s what happened during my first and last months in Mallorca—not to excess, though. The rest of the time, I drank only occasionally and got drunk just a few times. While I never completely lost control, it was a time of camaraderie and unwinding. Karaoke nights, laughter over my horrendous singing, and friendly games of snooker added to the fun. I also spent some time playing snooker—though I wasn’t particularly skilled, I still enjoyed it. We’ll skip the details about dating and hookups. I wasn’t looking for anything serious unless something truly changed my mind; instead, I focused on living in the moment and cherishing every encounter.
The restaurant owners and my colleagues were humble, supportive, and a joy to work with. One valuable lesson I learned: get the job done first; there’s always time to refine it later. In a fast-paced environment, making things work is what matters most. I’ve always had a habit of listening to people’s stories—wondering about their lives, their pasts, and their dreams. The stories I heard often took my imagination to new levels and inspired my creative pursuits. Working in the restaurant, I was the only waiter, surrounded by amazing waitresses who supported me and made me feel comfortable, far beyond what I expected.
Life has taught me that most of the people you meet, you may never see again. There have been times when I wished I had said a proper goodbye or offered a compliment but couldn’t for various reasons. We all experience this, but there’s nothing to lose by being kind and sincere in the moment. Life moves on, but those memories can linger. It’s important to live and connect genuinely in the present. For example, I prefer doing things my way, which sometimes leads to disagreements, but I always respect the people I work with, even if I don’t always agree with their ideas.
There were moments I could have handled better, but I’m proud of what I accomplished. I spent mornings at the library and Monday afternoons helping a company with a machine learning project. Their focus was on IoT, and I assisted by analyzing data, restructuring the platform, and developing a chatbot-accessible system. Working remotely, I met the team only twice. The project took three months because I could only work when I felt motivated, balancing it with restaurant work and social outings.
My seven months in Mallorca were incredible, filled with growth, challenges, and joy. I could list every person I met, but it’s better to keep some memories personal. One unforgettable moment was sailing on a rented boat called Crimat. The weather started fine but quickly changed. Despite warnings, we ventured further than we should have. Huge waves trapped us, creating a tense, dangerous experience. Fortunately, we managed to turn back safely after a harrowing struggle. That moment reminded me of life’s unpredictability and strength in adversity.
There’s so much more to share, but for now, it’s time to focus on the future. Finding the right path is never easy, but with determination and the right attitude, I believe I’ll get there. To everyone I crossed paths with in Mallorca, thank you. If we meet again, don’t hesitate to say hi. Life is a long journey—let’s pursue what we love and enjoy every bit of it. Thank you, Mallorca. Until we meet again.