I’m typing this from a borrowed computer, in a room I’ll be staying in for just one night, thanks to the kindness of a stranger who saw that I didn’t have a place to stay on my first night in this town.

It all began when my laptop died during the flight to Copenhagen—completely refused to turn on. My exploration of the city included stops at beautiful churches and a surprising number of computer repair stores, more than I’d ever visited in my life. After taking apart my trusted laptop of five years, all I had left was the hard disk.

In Stockholm, between scenic tram rides and coffee hunts, a friend of mine even had to call a stranger selling a second-hand laptop on my behalf. But by the time we reached him, it was already sold.

On my third day, things got worse—I started coming down with a cold, and adjusting to the freezing temperatures was brutal for someone like me, used to the warm climate of a tropical island.

To top it all off, my research on prepaid SIM cards in Norway proved useless. One convenience store after another gave me conflicting information. When you’re in a foreign country, desperate for a data connection, and the part-time student at the counter has no idea what mobile surfing plan you need, frustration starts to creep in. I had to find another way.

But despite all these setbacks, I’ve learned to stop getting emotionally swept up by situations I can’t control. Instead of succumbing to worry or frustration, I’m focusing on enjoying the new sights, sounds, and experiences so I can share them later with my friends and family.

I’ve never appreciated my smartphone more—for helping me find my way when I got lost late at night in unfamiliar areas, for letting me share glimpses of my journey with friends on social media, and for helping me plan my next steps.

Staying connected with real friends and family, who understand that traveling isn’t always fun and glamorous, has been a huge comfort. Talking to them has reminded me that it’s okay to struggle sometimes—travel isn’t all sunshine and postcard moments. Having faith that things will work out has also helped, and so far, despite the setbacks, everything is turning out okay.

I haven’t confirmed a flight or accommodation for my next city yet, but I’ve at least researched doctors and second-hand laptops. After this fast-paced sprint around Scandinavia, I’m looking forward to slowing down. The few photos I’ve managed to upload are on Facebook and Instagram, and they’ll have to suffice for now.

But for the moment, it’s time to take a walk and explore the snow-clad beauty of Tromsø, with all its challenges and unexpected turns adding to the experience.