Finding Stillness in the Chaos as I GOT ROBBED!!!!

As we wrap up 2026, I reminisce of my previous life of living around the world. I often think about the memories of experiences, and I honestly cannot believe them myself….so in 2026 (sh!t I actually just typed 2016….) I want to share more of my random travel stories.

When I lived in London in 2016 and 2017, I worked at a nightclub, Cargo.

I loved working there. I worked in bars, lounges, nightclubs and restaurants in Vancouver, Melbourne and London. Yes, I used to be a night owl. Now I like to be home by 8PM and in a bath by 8.15. How life has changed.

It was only just about 10 mins walking distance from my flat. What else can I ask for, right? I had so much fun. I was going there all the time, but just got paid to hang out.

Anyway, there was always a security guard in the back alleyway. 24/7. Guarding a wall.

I was pretty confused at first. I eventually asked him what he was doing, then he told me that they have an Original Banksy. (See above)

It just appeared overnight one day in 2003. Since, they’ve had to hire full time security so it doesn’t get stole. Ha.

Truly, a blessing and a curse. 24/7 security can’t be that cheap…

Cargo has since gone under, thanks to covid lockdowns and perhaps protecting that original Banksy 24/7. The artwork is still there though. Highly recommend a Banksy walking tour if you haven’t done one yet.

If you haven’t heard of Banksy, the Little Girl and the Ballon is likely one of the most famous ones by Banksy. Check the end of this rant.

This is my most prized possession. It is a collage I made in 2018 when I lived in Mexico City. It is full of my favourite people and memories.

I am sentimental. Every single person in this collage has had significant impact on me.

Every photo is a story.

Every photo reminds me that life is better shared.

I am very very very sentimental. I still cannot leave the US, but I look forward to going back to Montreal and seeing my dear friends Laurence and Talia. Laurence’s son, Brandon, is a year and a half now. Talia is about to have her first.

I miss them dearly.

This past Sunday morning, I got a text at 6.31AM from BoA, saying someone tried to use my card at HEB. $236…My thought was my card must have been duped. I don’t know how they do it, but I hear it is done often at gas stations and I had just filled up the night before, so, yeah….I didn’t think too much of of.

Anyway, I have been spending a lot of time at Casa de Luz lately. Almost every day for the last ten days. If you have not been, it is magical. and yes, I am still on keto and Casa is a vegan organic place.

Casa just brings me a sense of peace that is hard to explain. (The OG one. Not the new one on the east side).

Red Rocks was closed, so I decided to Casa again to do some work. When I opened my trunk, my handbag wasn’t there. I just assumed I took it home as I normally would, the night before. No bag. No laptop, but I decided to stay and enjoy the morning at my fav casa.

When I got home later after and realized the bag was actually gone, things clicked.

They have gone on major shopping sprees in HEB, 7-11, Burger King and P Terrys. Other than HEB, I’ve never been to 7-11, BK or P Terrys.

I had a meet at noon, so I temporary blocked out the thought of hunting the thief down. After the meeting, we went to HEB to investigate further.

I went full detective mode Sunday afternoon when I got another text at 2.30PM from BoA when they blocked a $250 charge at 7-11. I went to 7-11 and HEB myself trying to collect evidence, and find out more about the person who used my card.

According to the 7-11 clerk, was a woman in her 40s with brown hair and about 5'5" and a regular at 7-11. 

It was frustrating timing as my dear Emily was back Sunday evening for only a couple of days. Instead of quality time together, we were at Best Buy replacing my laptop.

Still, even in the middle of all of that, I felt deeply blessed. I love Austin.

At the same time, I have been feeling sentimental. I miss my friends. I miss my parents.

It’s hard to feel too down with the amazing weather we have here in Austin.

My dear Laurence in Montreal slipped on black ice recently while carrying her one and a half year old son. She fell hard but managed to throw him safely into the snow to protect him. That is one of the most Canadian things I have ever heard, and it made me oddly grateful to be in Austin, wearing boots instead of twenty layers.

It also reminded me of the time I slipped on a giant maple leaf and twisted my right ankle when I was 21. And how my right ankle still cracks to this day.

Some people may not know this about me, but I actually do not like to travel. I love living in places. I like roots. I like friends. I like routines. That is why I have lived in eight countries and nine cities across four continents, anywhere from six months to five years.

As the year closes, I just wanted to say thank you for being part of my world in one way or another. I hope you have a safe, and meaningful New Year’s Eve. I am looking forward to deeper connections in 2026.

If you work in real estate, construction, the trades, or anything adjacent, I would love for have you. If you know someone who does, please feel free to forward this along. I am excited to grow this thoughtfully with you in the year ahead.

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Lots of love,

Alice

See you in 2026

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