Arriving to the airport of Caracas, Venezuela, August 2023

The second half of 2023 marked a significant transition as I moved to Venezuela to take on my new role as ECHO’s Head of Office. The first few months were a time of learning, adjusting to my new responsibilities, getting to know my amazing colleagues, and making new friends. I was also excited to explore the country and get a feel for its diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Exploring Caracas – A City of Contrasts

Most of my time in Venezuela was spent in Caracas, the country’s bustling capital. Caracas is a city of contrasts—it is both vibrant and challenging, with a unique energy that is difficult to explain until you experience it. My flat is located in the neighbourhood of La Castellana, one of the more upscale areas of Caracas. From here, I could easily access key parts of the city, making it a convenient base for both work and exploration.

La Castellana is known for its tree-lined streets, modern buildings, and a somewhat more relaxed pace compared to other parts of the city. The area is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and local shops, which I enjoyed frequenting during my downtime. The views of the surrounding mountains from La Castellana were a constant reminder of how connected the city is to nature.

El Hatillo – A Charming Escape

A delightful area I visited in Caracas was El Hatillo, located on the southern outskirts of the city. This charming neighbourhood is a welcome break from the busy city life, with its cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and historic town square. El Hatillo retains an old-world charm, offering a glimpse into Caracas’s colonial past with its traditional architecture and quaint shops. It’s a peaceful retreat where locals and visitors alike can wander through the picturesque streets, visit artisanal markets, and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants that line the main square. The laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenic views of the surrounding mountains make El Hatillo a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day in the city.

Other Parts of Caracas

While I spent most of my time in the central areas of Caracas, I also had the chance to explore different parts of the city. I visited areas like Altamira, known for its bustling energy, wide avenues, and large shopping malls. I also ventured to El Hatillo, a charming, more laid-back town on the outskirts of the city with cobbled streets, colourful houses, and a historic town square. El Hatillo offered a peaceful escape from the frenetic pace of the city.

Another memorable experience was visiting Candelaria, one of the older, historic neighbourhoods in Caracas, where I wandered through narrow streets, admired the old colonial architecture, and experienced a more traditional side of the capital.

Exploring Other Parts of Venezuela

Beyond Caracas, I had the opportunity to visit several other regions in Venezuela for work. I travelled to San Fernando de Apure, Cunaviche, and Biruaca to visit various humanitarian projects that ECHO was supporting. These trips allowed me to see firsthand the challenges facing communities in the more remote parts of the country and understand the humanitarian needs on the ground.

For leisure, I also made time to explore the beautiful coastal areas of La Guaira, Macuto, and Caraballeda. These coastal towns offered beautiful beaches, seaside views, and a sense of tranquillity that was a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of Caracas. It was wonderful to relax by the Caribbean Sea, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the beauty of Venezuela’s coast.

A Special Friendship – Meeting Leo

One of the main pleasures and privileges of my time in Caracas was getting to know Leo, a young Venezuelan man from Merida, who had recently moved to Caracas in search of work. Leo is the cousin of Julio, a friend I had met in Panama. We thought it would be a good opportunity for Leo to work for me, helping out around the house. Little did I know, this would turn out to be one of the best decisions I made.

Leo quickly became more than just an assistant or housekeeper; he became a true friend. His sense of responsibility, kindness, and genuine care made him an invaluable part of my daily life. He not only helped keep things organised at home but also became someone I could rely on and enjoy spending time with. Leo’s support made my transition to Caracas much smoother, and I felt incredibly lucky to have him as part of my life in Venezuela.

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Centre of Lisbon, Portugal, August 2023

After a month-long holiday in Europe and Madagascar, it was time for the next chapter of my life to begin. In August 2023, I departed from Kraków and made a two-day stop in Lisbon before heading to Caracas to take up my new role as ECHO’s Head of Office for Venezuela. My time in Lisbon was a wonderful final pause before the big move, and I made sure to enjoy the city’s unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Strolling Through Central Lisbon

I spent my first day in Lisbon wandering through the heart of the city, revisiting some of my favourite spots. There’s something magical about Lisbon’s streets—the cobblestones, the trams climbing up the hills, and the beautiful mix of historical and modern architecture. As I strolled through the Baixa district, I loved the grand squares and tree-lined avenues, the buildings in pastel colours, and the lively atmosphere of locals and tourists alike.

The walk took me through Praça do Comércio, one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares by the river, where I could feel the historic significance of the place. From there, I walked to Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, where I stopped for a coffee to soak in the vibrancy of the area.

As I ventured further, I made my way up to Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods. The narrow alleys, steep hills, and colourful buildings with their characteristic balconies created a truly charming atmosphere. I took my time walking around, enjoying the viewpoints that overlooked the city and river, and the peaceful ambiance of the little streets. I also made sure to visit one of my favourite spots—the Miradouro de Santa Luzia—where I could see the red rooftops and whitewashed buildings stretching all the way to the Tagus River.

Lisbon’s mellow vibe and the warmth of the sun made the walk even more enjoyable. It was a perfect way to spend my last few days in Europe before the big move to Venezuela. Every step in the city reminded me of the beauty of Lisbon—its blend of the old and the new, its rich history, and the unmistakable charm of its people.

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A tourist office of Bardejov municipality, Bardejov, Slovakia, August 2023

On 11 August 2023, just a day before my flight to Lisbon and then Caracas, I had the pleasure of meeting up with two of my wonderful friends, Lucia and Aidan, and their lovely son. We decided to meet in Bardejov, a charming town in Slovakia, which was conveniently located halfway between Nowy Sącz and Kosice—where Lucia’s parents live.

A Beautiful Friendship Started in Juba

Our friendship goes way back to when we first met in Juba, South Sudan. It was there that we first connected, and we immediately bonded over shared experiences in humanitarian work. Over the years, our friendship has only grown, and it felt so special to reunite after a long time apart. Lucia, a Slovak, and Aidan, an Australian, now live in Melbourne, but they were on a family visit to Kosice, so meeting up in Bardejov was the perfect middle ground.

Catching Up in Bardejov – A Precious Reunion

In Bardejov, we had such a wonderful time together. We spent the day talking, catching up, and laughing, as we shared the latest updates from our lives. It was truly a joy to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about our time in South Sudan and the adventures we’ve had since. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, and we all felt like no time had passed at all.

We had an amazing lunch together at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed some traditional Slovak dishes and wonderful conversation. Lucia and Aidan’s son was an absolute delight, and it was such a treat to meet the little one and see how much he had grown.

Although our reunion was short, it was incredibly precious and a reminder of the strong friendships formed through our shared humanitarian journeys. It was a moment of pure joy, and I left Bardejov feeling grateful for such meaningful friendships in my life.

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The Old Town, Warsaw, Poland, August 2023

In August 2023, while I was in Poland enjoying my holiday with my mum, I had to travel for two days to Warsaw to take care of some administrative matters. It was a quick trip, but it gave me a chance to explore the city once again and catch up with a dear friend.

The Journey to Warsaw – A Scenic Ride

I started my journey with a bus ride from Nowy Sącz to Kraków, where I then took a train to Warsaw. The journey itself was quite scenic, and it gave me a chance to reflect on my time in Poland while observing the beautiful Polish countryside. The train ride to Warsaw was smooth, and the excitement of visiting the capital city made the journey feel like part of the adventure.

Administrative Success and City Exploration

Once in Warsaw, I quickly took care of all the administrative issues that had brought me there. It was great to get everything sorted out without any hassle, which meant I could fully enjoy my time in the city. After finishing my tasks, I took the opportunity to explore Warsaw. I walked through some of my favourite parts of the city, such as the Royal Route and Łazienki Park, and soaked in the vibrant energy of the capital. I always find something new in Warsaw, whether it’s discovering a quiet corner in the park or enjoying a coffee in one of the city’s bustling cafes.

Catching Up with Fawad – A Heartwarming Reunion

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting with Fawad, my Afghan friend who now lives and works in Warsaw. Fawad and I met during my time working in Afghanistan, and it was so good to catch up with him in person. We spent a few hours reminiscing about our time together in Afghanistan, sharing stories, and discussing our experiences. It was a reminder of the special friendships that form during our humanitarian work, and I felt incredibly grateful to be able to reconnect.

Back to Nowy Sącz

Two days later, I was back on a train from Warsaw to Kraków, then catching a bus back to Nowy Sącz to continue my holiday with mum. It was a short but fulfilling trip, and I was happy to return to the familiar comfort of home to finish my break before heading to Venezuela.

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Nosy Be, Madagascar, July 2023

In August 2023, during my holiday in Europe, I fulfilled one of my deepest dreams—I had the incredible opportunity to visit Madagascar, and even better, I could share this experience with my mum. It was her first time in Africa, and I was overjoyed to introduce her to this beautiful continent, especially Madagascar, which I had always longed to visit.

The Journey to Nosy Be – A Smooth and Pleasant Start

We flew to Nosy Be, a stunning island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, with a direct flight from Warsaw on a charter flight. The flight was comfortable, and it was such a pleasant surprise to see so many Polish travellers with us. My mum especially appreciated the chance to speak Polish with fellow passengers. The excitement was building as we approached our destination, a place neither of us had ever seen before.

Upon landing, we were greeted by a friendly team who took us by minibus to Madirokely, a peaceful and picturesque area on the island where we would be staying. The hotel was stunning, nestled near an amazing beach, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blue sea. The colours of the ocean and the landscape were simply breathtaking, and it was a moment of pure joy to share this with Mum.

Madirokely – Our Home in Madagascar

Our time in Madirokely was nothing short of magical. We were welcomed by the warmest of people, and the vibrancy of the local culture was immediately evident. Here, we met Musa, a young guide who became our friend and whose family we continue to support. Musa’s hospitality and kindness made our stay even more special. We spent time chatting with him about the culture, the history of Madagascar, and of course, the wonders of the island.

Exploring the Island – A Journey Through Nature and Culture

During our stay, we had the chance to explore some of the most incredible places in Madagascar:
• Andoany: We started by visiting Andoany, a town near Nosy Be, where we experienced local markets, tasted traditional Malagasy food, and learned about the local way of life. The blend of African and Asian influences was apparent in the food, architecture, and culture.
• Ambanoro: Mum and I had a blast traveling in a tuk-tuk through Ambanoro, a charming village where we interacted with the local community and witnessed their simple yet vibrant lifestyle. The tuk-tuk ride through the narrow roads, surrounded by lush greenery, was an unforgettable experience.
• Andonday: We visited Musa’s family house in Andonday and spent time learning about the traditional Malagasy lifestyle. The warmth of his family left a lasting impression on us, and we felt like part of their community.
• Ampangorinana: Known for its amazing wildlife, we had the chance to see lemurs in their natural habitat. The forest around Ampangorinana was full of life—everything from colourful birds to small reptiles and, of course, the playful and curious lemurs.
• Nosy Iranja: This place truly felt like paradise. We visited Nosy Iranja, which offered the most amazing beach we had ever seen. The pristine white sands, the clear turquoise waters, and the gentle waves made it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Madagascar.
• Djamandjary: After Nosy Iranja, we continued our exploration to Djamandjary, where we were introduced to the local culture and traditions. This was another chance to witness how community and nature are intertwined in Malagasy life.
• Dystrict Ambanja: Here, we had the chance to visit a local market that was bustling with life and colors. The market was full of fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods—giving us a true taste of Madagascar’s local economy.
• A Local Chocolate Farm: One of the highlights of our visit to Ambanja was the chance to tour a chocolate farm. Madagascar is known for producing some of the best cocoa beans in the world, and it was fascinating to learn about the chocolate-making process, from harvesting the beans to crafting the finished product. The experience included a delicious tasting session, and we even brought some local chocolate home with us.
• Baobab Forest: We also visited the famous Baobab Forest near District Ambanja, where the iconic Baobab trees towered above us, their massive trunks and outstretched branches creating a surreal landscape. The Baobab trees are often referred to as the “upside-down trees” due to their unique appearance, and the forest was a mystical and awe-inspiring place to explore.

A Magical Experience in Madagascar

Visiting Madagascar was a life-changing experience, and sharing it with my mum made it even more special. From the amazing wildlife to the warm-hearted people, and the unbelievable landscapes, the island exceeded all our expectations. The trip allowed us to connect not only with the culture but also with the natural beauty of a place that feels like a world apart from anywhere else.

As we said our goodbyes and headed back to Warsaw, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the adventure we had shared. It was a trip full of memories, experiences, and moments of connection that will stay with us forever.

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