It all starts this morning in Cádiz, when I leave my little home on wheels: the strongest winds I’ve ever experienced are shaking the van.
Driving towards Tarifa, even my heavy vehicle struggles against the gusts. Shortly before reaching town, I stop at a supermarket – I’m already at the cashier when suddenly the lights go out. A complete blackout. Luckily, I can still pay in cash.
When I arrive in Tarifa, I want to grab a coffee before playing my first set – but even the café has no electricity.
The waiter tells me that it’s not just Tarifa: most of Spain and large parts of Portugal are affected.
Luckily, I still have some battery left. So I play music outside for the passersby and the café guests – the only live music around.
People sip their last cold drinks as the world slowly goes silent.
By early evening, mobile reception disappears as well.
My parking spot isn’t great anyway, so I decide to move on – heading towards Gibraltar. Everything in Tarifa has already shut down.
As I try to drive off, I realize Google Maps isn’t working either.
Luckily, I still remember the rough way. Along the road, every city lies in darkness. Even the gas stations are closed – and my tank is almost empty.
Just before reaching San Roque, I find a gas station that’s still open – cash only. I scrape together my last bills and fill up for €60.
In San Roque, I park with a direct view of the great Rock of Gibraltar.
It’s already night, and from the parking lot, a group of people plays haunting music – trumpets, drums, and strange sounds echoing through the dark city.
This day made one thing painfully clear:
We’ve become deeply dependent on our smartphones. Without apps, many of us feel disoriented – unable to move, pay, reach out, or even find each other.
It’s a strange and slightly frightening thought. Something I’ll carry with me for a while.
I hope tomorrow the world will find its “normal” rhythm again.
My tips for Tarifa:
Hard to say this time – everything was closed because of the blackout. But normally, Tarifa is famous for its spectacular winds.
It’s a perfect spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the old town is absolutely beautiful. Definitely worth a visit!
