This is self-improvement related.

My sister is going to Nicaragua for the week and subletted her apartment to me. She gave me the key to her building and left the key to her door under the mat.

When I came to the building I searched my pocket for the key but it must have dropped out. I panicked. I didn't know what to do. I had my suitcase and backpack with me, and had nowhere to go.

I immediately texted my sister telling her the situation. I wasn't sure if she would get it since she may have been on the plane. She got back to me and gave me the name of the landlord but he didn't answer his phone.

There was a cafe under the apartment so I went to them and asked them if they knew the owner. They gave me a phone number of someone who supposedly owned the building. I called them and they answered, and said they weren't available today.

Finally my last option was to stand in the front of the building and wait until someone came by. Fortunately someone did and I was let in. I asked them for the number of the real estate company and they gave it to me. I called them and they said they weren't available to do it today but could do it tomorrow.

Once I was in the apartment I had to drop off my stuff and leave for an appointment. So I knocked on the neighbors doors. One of them opened and I explained my situation, got his number, and told him I would text him to let me in the building when I came back.

Lessons learned: Use a lanyard for keys so not to lose them. Be resourceful and don't be afraid to ask others for help.