Madrid, Spain, September 2020

In September 2020, after months of uncertainty and restrictions, I finally travelled back to Europe. The trip began in Spain, where I spent a weekend in Madrid, soaking in the atmosphere of a city that, despite COVID-19 distancing measures and restrictions, still had its unmistakable charm.

After so long without international travel, being on the move again felt both strange and exciting. It was a small glimpse of normality returning, a reminder that life—though changed—was still out there, waiting to be lived.

Madrid – A City That Never Loses Its Appeal

Madrid has always been a favourite destination, and this visit was no exception. Even with fewer crowds and a quieter energy, the city’s elegance and warmth remained untouched. Walking through Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, and the Retiro Park, I felt a sense of familiarity and comfort. The cafés were open, albeit with spaced-out tables, and life was adjusting to the new reality of the pandemic.

One of the highlights of my time in Spain was meeting my colleague Rafi, a Spanish humanitarian worker from my headquarters. It had been too long since we last caught up in person, and this trip gave us the perfect chance to reconnect.

A Visit to Boadilla – A Reunion with Family

While in Madrid, I also had the chance to visit Marta and her family in Boadilla, a moment that was incredibly special to me. Marta is more than just a friend—she is like a sister. We first met while working together for Action Against Hunger in Khartoum, and since then, our bond has only grown stronger.

Spending time with Marta and her family was a true highlight of my trip. It was one of those reunions where time seems to stand still, where you pick up right where you left off, no matter how many months—or years—have passed. We reminisced about our time in Sudan, shared laughter over meals, and enjoyed the warmth of being together again.

A Day Trip to Toledo – A Journey Through Time

Rafi suggested a day trip to Toledo, and I couldn’t have been happier with the plan. Just a short train ride from Madrid, Toledo is one of Spain’s most historic and picturesque cities.

As we wandered through narrow medieval streets, we talked for hours—about our families, lives, and shared experiences in humanitarian work. It was refreshing to step away from virtual calls and emails, to sit in a plaza with a coffee, and to have real, uninterrupted conversations.

Toledo itself was as stunning as ever—ancient stone walls, grand cathedrals, and traces of its rich Jewish, Christian, and Muslim heritage at every turn. The city’s nickname, “The City of Three Cultures,” felt more fitting than ever. We visited the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the old synagogues, taking in the layers of history that make Toledo so unique.

Reflections on Travel in Uncertain Times

Though COVID-19 restrictions were still in place, and the world was far from fully reopening, this short trip to Spain was a reminder that movement was possible again. Travel looked different, but the joy of discovering places, reconnecting with people, and stepping into history was still very much alive.

Spain, as always, had a way of making me feel at home.

Click here to access the album.