The Cathedral Square, Casco Viejo, Panama, January 2022

The year 2022 marked my third year of deployment in Panama, serving as the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator. While my work kept me engaged, I also made time to explore more of the country, discover new places, and enjoy life in Panama City with friends and colleagues.

Panama City – A Dynamic Home Base

Life in Panama City continued to be vibrant and full of contrasts—modern skyscrapers towering over colonial Casco Viejo, a bustling international hub with a distinct Caribbean-Latin rhythm. The city itself always offered new experiences, but I was eager to venture beyond it.

Colón – A Forgotten Treasure

One of my most surprising discoveries was Colón City. Despite its run-down reputation, I found myself captivated by its old colonial architecture, which, though faded and neglected, still held a sense of grandeur and history. Walking through its historic quarters, I could almost imagine its past glory, when it was a major commercial hub at the entrance of the Panama Canal.

Beyond the city, Colón Province is a natural paradise—lush rainforests, stunning Caribbean coastlines, and a sense of untouched beauty that made me appreciate Panama even more.

Other Adventures in Panama

Throughout the year, I also visited:
• Isla Contadora – A slice of paradise in the Pearl Islands, where crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches provided the perfect escape from the city.
• El Valle de Antón – A unique mountain town inside an extinct volcanic crater, known for its cool climate, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
• Panamá Oeste – Exploring the region west of the capital, with its mix of small towns, lush landscapes, and hidden beaches.
• Bocas del Toro – The Caribbean jewel of Panama, with its laid-back vibe, turquoise waters, and Afro-Caribbean culture, making it one of my favourite places in the country.

A Year of Work, Travel, and Friendships

Beyond the travel and discoveries, 2022 was also a year of deep friendships and connections. Whether with colleagues from work or friends in the city, Panama continued to offer a wonderful mix of professional fulfilment and personal joy.

Looking back, my third year in Panama was about balance—between work and leisure, city life and nature, familiarity and new experiences. And as always, Panama had more to offer than I ever expected.

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Itabuna, Brazil, January 2022

In January 2022, right after my mission in Argentina, I barely had time to repack in Panama City before heading straight to Brazil. This trip was not for leisure—it was to support Caritas in responding to the devastating floods that had hit Bahia.

The Floods in Bahia – Unprecedented Destruction

The flooding in Bahia was one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in decades. Torrential rains caused rivers to overflow, entire towns to be submerged, and thousands of families to lose everything. Roads and bridges were washed away, leaving many communities isolated and unreachable. The level of destruction was overwhelming—some areas were completely wiped out, homes and livelihoods gone in an instant.

Caritas, along with other humanitarian organisations, worked tirelessly to assist those affected, providing:
• Emergency shelter for displaced families
• Food and hygiene kits
• Psychosocial support for traumatised communities
• Reconstruction efforts to help people rebuild their homes

Despite the challenges of accessing remote areas, I saw firsthand Caritas’ incredible dedication and service to those in need. Their work was truly inspiring.

A Quick Stop in Salvador – A Glimpse of Afro-Brazilian Culture

While transferring in Salvador, I had an unexpected free afternoon, which gave me the chance to explore the city’s historic centre.

Salvador is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, with its colonial-era architecture, vibrant music, and deep-rooted traditions. Walking through the Pelourinho district, with its colourful buildings, cobbled streets, and rhythmic beats of samba and capoeira, was an unforgettable experience. Even though my time there was short, I could feel the spirit and soul of the city.

Travelling Through the Flooded Regions

After Salvador, I travelled to some of the hardest-hit areas:
• Ilhéus – Known for its stunning coastline, now dealing with the reality of flood damage.
• Banco de Vitória, Itajuípe, and Itabuna – Areas where entire neighbourhoods were underwater, and families were trying to salvage what little they had left.
• Teixeira de Freitas, Medeiros Neto, and Itamaraju – Towns where relief efforts were in full force, yet rebuilding would take years.

The resilience of the people I met was remarkable. Despite losing so much, they remained hopeful, determined, and grateful for any help they received.

A Sweet Surprise – Visiting a Chocolate Plantation in Itabuna

While in Itabuna, completely by chance, I had the opportunity to visit a chocolate plantation, which turned out to be one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip.

The Bahia region has a long history of cacao production, making it one of Brazil’s most important areas for chocolate cultivation. The plantation visit gave me insight into the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting the cacao pods to fermentation, drying, and finally transforming the beans into chocolate.

For decades, cacao farming was one of Bahia’s biggest industries, but in the late 20th century, a disease called “witch’s broom” (vassoura-de-bruxa) devastated cacao trees, nearly collapsing the industry. Today, through sustainable farming practices and local innovation, Bahia is making a comeback in high-quality chocolate production.

It was eye-opening to see the effort and craftsmanship that goes into something as simple as a chocolate bar, making me appreciate it even more!

Reflections on the Mission

This trip to Brazil was a mix of tragedy and resilience. The floods left behind unimaginable destruction, yet the strength of communities, the dedication of humanitarian workers, and even small moments of discovery—like the chocolate plantation visit—made this journey unforgettable.

Caritas’ efforts, the spirit of the affected families, and the resilience of Bahia’s people were a powerful reminder that even in the face of disaster, hope and humanity prevail.

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