Navigating Life in Martignas-sur-Jalle Without a Car or Wi-Fi

Living in Martignas-sur-Jalle has its perks, like the neighborhood forests, but this past week has really tested our patience. Without a car, and with the Wi-Fi down for days, Jon and I have had to get creative to stay sane. Add to that the sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring to 103 degrees, and the high humidity that makes everything sticky—it's been quite an experience.

Usually, our car is our lifeline. Whether it’s quick grocery runs, vet visits for Frankie, or just heading to a nearby town to escape the heat, we rely on it for most of our adventures. But we turned in the rental car three weeks ago, with the expectation of buying one soon, so even the simplest errands have turned into long, sweaty treks. The supermarket isn't far, but walking there and back in this weather, carrying bags of groceries, has felt like an endurance test.

And then there’s the Wi-Fi—or rather, the lack of it. Four days without internet has made us realize just how much we rely on it for everything. No more Prime or Netflix, no more easy access to job forums, and no more seamless online shopping. We’ve had to dig out some downloaded audiobooks to keep ourselves entertained and Jon is hitting around the ball in the late evenings at the local tennis club.

The heatwave has been relentless. Even when the sun finally dips below the horizon after 9pm, the humidity sticks around, making it impossible to cool down. Jon and I have been spending most of our time in the coolest part of the house, the main bedroom, where there is a small room air conditioner. Frankie’s been feeling it too—she’s spending most of her time sprawled out on the cool tile floors, trying to beat the heat.

Despite all this, we've tried to make the best of things. With no internet and no car, we’ve found ourselves walking more around the neighborhood, exploring new paths, and discovering parks we hadn’t visited before. It’s been nice in a way, slowing down and enjoying the simplicity of just being outside, despite this oppressive heat.

Living in Martignas-sur-Jalle without a car and without Wi-Fi has definitely been challenging. But it’s also given us a new appreciation for the little things—like a quick drive to the store or a lazy afternoon streaming our favorite shows. We’re looking forward to getting back to normal, but in the meantime, we’re doing our best to find joy in the slower pace and the small moments.