Centre of Istanbul, Türkiye, May 2024

In May 2024, I set off for a longer holiday in Europe, planning to spend quality time with Mum and family. The journey began with an exciting stopover in Istanbul, before continuing to Poland, where I would prepare for our next big adventure—a trip to Japan with Mum.

Istanbul – A City Between Continents

Travelling from Caracas to Kraków via Istanbul was an opportunity to enjoy a brief but fascinating stay in one of the world’s most historically rich and dynamic cities. Even during a short visit, Istanbul’s unique blend of East and West was immediately captivating. Walking through the bustling streets, passing ancient mosques, grand palaces, and lively bazaars, there was an overwhelming sense of the city’s centuries-old history.
• The sight of the Bosphorus at sunset was breathtaking, with ferries crossing between Europe and Asia, symbolising Istanbul’s dual identity.
• I made sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, standing in awe of its immense Byzantine architecture, while the Blue Mosque impressed with its intricate tilework and grandeur.
• The Grand Bazaar, as always, was a feast for the senses—spices, carpets, ceramics, and the unmistakable aroma of Turkish coffee filling the air.

Nowy Sącz and Stary Sącz – Time at Home

After arriving in Kraków, I travelled to Nowy Sącz and Stary Sącz, enjoying the familiar comforts of home. This time was special, as it involved preparing for the upcoming trip to Japan with Mum. Between errands, I took moments to visit my favourite spots, appreciating the beautiful landscapes of the region and spending precious time with family.

A Wonderful Surprise in Warsaw – Reunion with Lucy

Before heading to Tokyo, a wonderful surprise awaited me in Warsaw Airport—a chance meeting with Lucy, my dear Australian friend. Our friendship goes back to years ago in Ethiopia, where we first met while working in humanitarian response. At the time of our meeting in Warsaw, Lucy was deeply involved in the Ukraine response, dedicating her efforts to supporting those affected by the crisis.

Seeing Lucy again was unexpected and incredibly special. She has always been one of the most inspiring people I know—her dedication, kindness, and humour make every conversation with her meaningful. Despite both of us being constantly on the move, we always manage to pick up right where we left off, as if no time had passed.

Between sharing updates about our respective missions and travels, we reminisced about the intensity of our work in Ethiopia, the challenges of humanitarian response, and, of course, the joys of seeing the world through our unique experiences. It was the perfect way to mark the beginning of another exciting journey, as soon after, I found myself boarding the plane with Mum, bound for Japan.

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