One of the beautiful old houses in Casco Viejo of Panama City

Discovering Panama: The Second Half of 2019

The second half of 2019 in Panama was filled with discovery—not only of my new professional role but also of the city and the country. As I settled into my new life, I made sure to explore every corner of Panama City, from the fancy high-rise areas to the run-down districts, and from the bustling city centre to the quieter neighbourhoods where everyday life flows undisturbed. It was important for me to see all sides of the city, getting to know the true pulse of Panama, rather than just the polished tourist attractions.

Exploring the Diverse Sides of Panama City

Panama City is an exciting, dynamic place, with a rich history and an unmistakable blend of modernity and tradition. The skyline with its tall towers is iconic, but it’s also worth discovering areas like Casco Viejo, the old town, which offers colonial charm with cobblestone streets and vibrant, colourful buildings. In contrast, El Chorrillo and the surrounding areas reflect the struggles of a city in transition. Yet, even in these parts, there’s beauty in everyday life, from the local street vendors to the neighbourhood parks, showcasing Panama’s true spirit.

Venturing Beyond the City Limits

I didn’t just spend time in the city—venturing outside was equally important. Some of my favourite escapes from the city were to places that felt far removed from the fast-paced urban environment:
• Saboga Island: Located in the Pearl Islands archipelago, this tranquil spot was the perfect place to disconnect. I spent time enjoying the sun, the sea, and peaceful beaches, where the only sound was the waves.
• Anton Valley: A lush, picturesque area nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano. The cooler climate and stunning mountain views made it a refreshing retreat. I enjoyed hiking, exploring waterfalls, and discovering local markets full of handmade goods.
• Punta Chame: A beautiful beach destination, where I often enjoyed long walks along the coast and indulged in the local seafood while watching kite surfers zipping across the water.
• Portobelo: Rich in history and culture, Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colonial fortresses and significance in the transatlantic slave trade. The atmosphere here is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to explore the historical ruins and beachfront views.
• Cerro Azul: A hidden gem, this mountain town offers cooler temperatures, breathtaking scenic views, and a great place for hiking or simply relaxing in nature.
• Gamboa: Located on the Panama Canal, Gamboa is a great place for nature lovers. I visited this area to enjoy the abundant wildlife and lush greenery, which made it feel like an oasis in the middle of the country.

New Connections and Friendships

Beyond the places I visited, one of the highlights of my time in Panama was meeting new people. One of my closest friendships developed with Julio, a young Venezuelan migrant who worked at the house lobby where I lived. His family became my close friends, and they truly made me feel at home in Panama. Julio’s enthusiasm and warmth were contagious, and I’m grateful for the friendship that blossomed.

Another unexpected friendship came through Stivens, a charismatic taxi driver from Colombia. His passion for life and his never-ending enthusiasm made him more than just a taxi driver—he eventually became a housekeeper and one of my greatest friends in Panama. Both Julio and Stivens showed me the best of Panama’s warmth and generosity, making my time there even more special.

Conclusion

Exploring Panama City and beyond allowed me to immerse myself in the country, connect with people, and truly understand the complexity of the culture and landscapes. Whether in the bustling streets of the city, the tranquil shores of the islands, or the cool heights of the mountains, Panama offered an incredible mix of experiences that I’ll always cherish.

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August 2019: A New Chapter Begins – Arriving in Panama

After an intense summer filled with travel across Europe, reunions with loved ones, and sentimental farewells, I landed in Panama City to take on my new role as Emergency Rapid Response Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region) with DG ECHO. This marked the beginning of a completely new adventure—a new region, a new professional challenge, and a new home.

Settling into Life in Panama City

The first weeks in Panama were a whirlwind of activity. I had to familiarise myself with the city, meet new colleagues, understand the humanitarian landscape of the region, and most importantly, find a place to live. Choosing the right apartment and creating a comfortable space was a priority—it needed to be a place where I could relax after intense deployments and feel at home despite being far away from Nowy Sącz, Bangkok, and Lisbon.

Panama City itself was a fascinating mix of contrasts—modern skyscrapers towering over colonial districts, a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and international cultures, and an unmistakable energy of a regional hub. The Panama Canal, one of the most significant engineering feats in history, was always in the background, serving as a reminder of the country’s global importance.

New Challenges, New Goals

A major part of settling in was also diving into my new responsibilities. The LAC region has some of the most complex humanitarian challenges in the world—from hurricanes, earthquakes, and droughts to migration crises and political instability. It was clear from the start that my work would be dynamic and demanding.

At the same time, I knew that effective communication in Spanish would be crucial for my success in the region. While I had already studied Spanish before and had immersion experiences in Spain and Latin America, I committed myself to further improving my fluency. Upgrading my Spanish skills became an essential part of my transition, allowing me to communicate more effectively with colleagues, partners, and local communities.

Embracing the Adventure

Despite the initial challenges of adjusting to a new culture and work environment, I quickly felt excited and motivated for this next chapter. Panama was proving to be a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming place, and I was ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. With a new home, a new professional role, and a new language to master, my journey in Latin America and the Caribbean had officially begun.

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The famous 'Hollywood Sign' in Hollywood, just outside of Los Angeles

August 2019: A Day in Los Angeles – An Interesting but Unimpressive Stopover

After leaving Warsaw and saying goodbye to Tahir, I found myself in Los Angeles for a full day before catching my flight to Panama City. Given the long layover, I decided to make the most of my time and explore the city. I arranged a guided tour with a taxi company, allowing me to see some of LA’s most famous landmarks and neighbourhoods.

Exploring LA’s Iconic Spots

My first stop was the city centre, where I walked around downtown Los Angeles, observing the towering skyscrapers, the mix of modern and historic architecture, and the hustle and bustle of California’s largest city. From there, the tour took me through Beverly Hills, home to luxury stores, multimillion-dollar mansions, and an air of exclusivity that defines the area. While I understood the appeal for some, I couldn’t help but feel that it lacked authenticity.

A visit to Hollywood followed, where I saw the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and some of the legendary theatres like the TCL Chinese Theatre. It was surreal to stand in a place so ingrained in global pop culture, but at the same time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all a bit artificial and exaggerated—a place built more for spectacle than for substance.

A City That Didn’t Quite Click

While I always appreciate the opportunity to see new places and understand different cultures, I must admit that Los Angeles was far from my favourite city. It felt pretentious, arrogant, and lacking the charm that makes other cities more endearing. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills seemed detached from the reality of most people living there. Even the city’s famous sunshine and palm trees couldn’t make up for what I felt was a city with an identity built on illusion rather than character.

That being said, I was still glad to have visited. It’s always valuable to experience new places firsthand, even if they don’t resonate with me as much as others. As the day came to an end, I made my way back to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), ready for the next chapter—a flight to Panama City, where a new adventure was about to begin.

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Warsaw, City Centre, July 2019

August 2019: A Farewell to Poland and New Beginnings

After completing our incredible grand European trip, we still had some precious days left in Poland before Tahir departed for Toronto and I set off for Panama City. These final days were a perfect opportunity to savour the beauty and warmth of Polish summer, and we made sure to make the most of it.

Enjoying Poland’s Treasures

We spent our time exploring the familiar places we love, soaking in the charm of Nowy Sącz and Krynica Zdrój. The beautiful summer weather made it even more enjoyable to walk through town squares, forests, and trails, and simply be present in the moment.

In Kraków, we returned to the Old Town, revisited Kazimierz, and even went for some of the more hidden gems that made the city feel magical. Walking through Rynek Główny and sitting in cafés, we reflected on how far Tahir had come—from being in a precarious position in Thailand to exploring Europe and now preparing for his life in Canada.

Finally, we made our way to Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital, where we spent a few memorable days. Staying on one of the top floors of the Intercontinental Hotel, we were treated to panoramic views of Warsaw’s skyline, a striking blend of historic and modern architecture. From up there, the city looked grand, giving us a moment to appreciate its energy and history.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

While in Warsaw, we explored the city’s parks, museums, and historical landmarks, soaking up its unique energy. It was hard not to feel a sense of gratitude for all the experiences we had shared. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.

Soon, we were at Warsaw Airport, preparing for our separate journeys. Tahir, with his ever-growing confidence, boarded a flight to Toronto, ready to return to his new home in Canada. Watching him go, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how far he had come and the journey he had embarked on.

For me, it was time to head to Los Angeles, where I would catch my onward flight to Panama City and begin my new chapter in the Americas.

Reflections

This time in Poland, particularly after our European adventure, was a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate life’s triumphs. It was about appreciating the journey we’d all taken—Tahir, Mum, and I—and looking forward to the next adventures awaiting us in Canada, Poland, Panama, and beyond.

Though it was hard to part ways, it was also exciting to know that new beginnings and challenges were on the horizon, and this wasn’t goodbye—it was just the next step forward.

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Budapest City Centre, Hungary, July 2019

July & August 2019: A Grand European Road Trip

The end of July and August 2019 brought an unforgettable adventure filled with joy, excitement, and discovery. Together with Mum, Tahir, and our neighbour Agnieszka, we embarked on a road trip across Europe, making memories that will last a lifetime.

From Poland to Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary, every place we visited had something unique to offer. But above all, what made this trip truly special was experiencing it all together—especially seeing Tahir, free and happy, enjoying the wonders of the world that once seemed out of reach for him.

Salzburg: The Sound of Music and Stunning Architecture

Our first major stop was Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and the city of The Sound of Music. From the moment we arrived, we were enchanted by its elegant baroque architecture, charming streets, and lively evening atmosphere. Staying overnight allowed us to soak in the city’s magic, with evening strolls along the Salzach River and a wonderful meal in the Old Town.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A Bavarian Gem

Next, we crossed into Germany, heading to the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, it was a perfect place to experience the authentic alpine charm of Germany. The traditional houses with their painted facades, the crisp mountain air, and the laid-back atmosphere made this stop truly enjoyable.

Liechtenstein: Exploring One of the Smallest Countries in the World

We then made our way to Liechtenstein, staying in the mountain village of Malbun. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Liechtenstein captivated us with its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and fairytale-like vibes.

We explored Vaduz, the capital, visited Triesenberg, and even made a side trip into Swiss villages nearby. The peaceful atmosphere of the country and the stunning Alpine scenery made this part of the trip particularly special.

Italy: The Magic of Florence, Pisa & Cinque Terre

Our adventure then took us to Italy, stopping briefly in Sufers, Switzerland, before making our way to the heart of Tuscany—Florence.

Florence completely mesmerised us. It was a city where art, history, and culture came alive in every street and square. Each of us found something to love:
• Tahir loved absolutely everything, from the art to the atmosphere.
• Mum was enchanted by the gardens and greenery.
• Agnieszka and I indulged in the food, wine, and the stunning architecture.

From Florence, we took a day trip to Pisa, marvelling at the Leaning Tower, and then travelled to the spectacular Cinque Terre, where the colourful cliffside villages took our breath away. Italy, as expected, was simply magical.

Slovenia: Ljubljana & the Beauty of Bled

From Italy, we made our way to Slovenia, stopping in Ljubljana, one of the most charming capitals we had ever visited. Small but lively, the city had a wonderful mix of medieval charm and modern vibrancy.

A highlight of our time in Slovenia was visiting Lake Bled—a postcard-perfect destination with its emerald-green waters, fairy-tale island, and breathtaking views of the Julian Alps. It was a place straight out of a dream.

Budapest: The Queen of the Danube

Next, we journeyed to Budapest, Hungary, a city that immediately stole our hearts. Elegant, grand, and full of history, Budapest had something for everyone.

The highlight for Tahir was undoubtedly the night cruise on the Danube River, where we watched the Parliament Building and Buda Castle beautifully illuminated, reflecting on the water like a scene from a movie.

Back to Poland via Slovakia

After our magical time in Budapest, it was time to head back north. We crossed Hungary and Slovakia, admiring the rolling landscapes and villages along the way, before finally arriving back in Nowy Sącz.

The Joy of Travel & Freedom

I can’t put into words how extraordinary this journey was. Seeing Europe through the eyes of Tahir, watching him experience new cultures, places, and people, and witnessing his joy and disbelief that such dreams could come true was the most rewarding part of it all.

This road trip wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about celebrating freedom, friendship, family, and the sheer joy of exploration. An unforgettable adventure that we will cherish forever.

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