“Do you have an emergency contact?” the lady from Avianca Airlines at the airport in Arequipa asked.
I had to think. And then, sadly realizing how alone I was in this world and that nobody cared, I said “no”, evoking pity from the young woman at the counter as well as the bystanders who had overheard our conversation.
“Nobody?” she asked incredulously.
“No, I can’t think of anyone,” quickly analyzing that if I died, anyone who cared would find out one day and that this would hardly be an urgent matter. If I was only injured, anyone would be clever enough to take me to a hospital, even without instructions.
“I am single,” I tried to lighten the mood with a flirtatious smile. To no avail.
Well, I am really a hermit, justifying the name of my blog. But maybe I will start to provide random names and numbers to avoid this awkward situation.
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The Happy Hermit 
Just say you’re an orphan
But then they would still ask for friends.
It’s actually not that I don’t know anyone, it’s just that they are on a different continent and wouldn’t show up at a hospital in Peru anyway.
Yes I know, If i end up in a hospital in Europe, which I have. The last thing I would want to do is worry my father in Sydney.. Perhaps the fake contact is the best option. All the best!
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Just give them my number next time, I’ll make sure to take the call if anything happens.
Oh, thank you, Nicoleta!
When I come to Romania, I should also give your number to CFR, so they can call if the train will be 2 or 3 days late.
That’s not an emergency, just business as usual.
Not having been to Romania in five years, I actually have the suspicion that this is an old cliché which may long have been overtaken by speedy and reliable trains whizzing past efficiently.
And if they are going slow, maybe it’s just to ensure the safety of everyone aboard.