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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Nowy Sacz, Poland, July 2023

The summer of 2023 was a special time for me, marking the end of my deployment in Panama and preparing for my upcoming mission in Venezuela. I spent nearly a month traveling through Europe and Africa, taking the opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and explore new places.

Exploring Poland – A Return to My Roots

I began my trip in Poland, where I spent much of my time revisiting my hometown of Nowy Sącz with my mum. The trip was an opportunity to recharge before the next chapter.
• Hrusztyn (Slovakia): Together with Mum, we took a side trip to Hrusztyn, a quaint town in Slovakia, just across the border. We enjoyed the quiet charm of the area and the peaceful countryside views.
• Krynica Zdrój: Known for its amazing wooden architecture, Krynica Zdrój was a favorite stop. The town’s wooden houses and traditional spa culture made it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. The stunning landscapes and fresh air provided the perfect escape.
• Łódź: The highlight of my trip was undoubtedly Łódź. Łódź, long considered an industrial city with a tarnished reputation, surprised me completely. Known for being the center of Poland’s once-booming textile industry, the city has gone through a remarkable transformation in recent years. Łódź is now a vibrant city of culture, with a thriving arts scene, stunning modern architecture, and a reinvention of its historical spaces.

Walking through Piotrkowska Street, one of the longest commercial streets in Europe, was a revelation. This pedestrian-friendly avenue is lined with neo-renaissance buildings, art galleries, and local boutiques. The street is dotted with street art, creating an exciting blend of history and modernity. What once was a working-class street with gritty industrial buildings has now been reimagined into a cultural hotspot.

Łódź has gone to great lengths to restore many of its historic factories and warehouses, transforming them into creative spaces for art exhibitions, museums, cinemas, and even luxury apartments. This transformation is most visible in places like the Manufaktura Complex, which used to house a huge textile factory and is now a stunning shopping mall and cultural hub, featuring everything from contemporary art galleries to boutiques and restaurants. The architecture of Łódź is truly something special, with grand 19th-century buildings, loft spaces, and modernist structures standing side-by-side.

The Post-Industrial Revolution vibe in the city gives Łódź a unique identity. It’s not a typical Polish city; it is raw, with a sophisticated edge, and feels like an exciting work in progress. The city’s revitalization has turned Łódź into a magnet for creative professionals—from filmmakers and artists to designers and startups.

One of the highlights of visiting Łódź was meeting Marysia, a neighbour from Nowy Sącz, who had moved to the city years ago. She’s made Łódź her home and introduced me to her life there. We enjoyed catching up and discussing how much the city has changed since she arrived. Her stories gave me a deep appreciation for Łódź’s transformation and how it continues to attract people seeking new beginnings and creative opportunities.

Visiting Warsaw – Always Wonderful

Next, we headed to Warsaw, where we spent some time exploring the city. Warsaw is always a joy to visit, with its blend of history and modernity. Despite the heat, the city’s energy and beauty were incredible. Walking through the Old Town, Łazienki Park, and enjoying the vibrant local cafes was a great way to experience the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

A Day Trip to Slovakia

In a highlight of the trip, Mum, Agnieszka (our neighbour), and her mum, along with Pani Kurzejowa (Mum’s friend), took a day trip to Slovakia. The places we visited were full of natural beauty and history:
• Poprad: This town was a lovely spot in the Tatra Mountains, known for its thermal spas and scenic views.
• Vysná Boca and Nízná Boca: Both places were nestled in the mountains, and we spent the day walking through picturesque villages, surrounded by beautiful nature.
• Banská Štiavnica: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Banská Štiavnica is a historic town that is a hidden gem. With its well-preserved architecture and charming streets, it was one of the most stunning stops on our trip.

Wysowa Zdrój – Relaxation in the Mountains

We also spent some time in Wysowa Zdrój, a small spa town in the Beskidy Mountains. Known for its mineral springs and health resorts, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, taking in the fresh mountain air, and exploring the nature trails.

Saying Goodbye to Poland – Last Visits Before Venezuela

Finally, it was time to leave Poland and head to Lisbon for my flight to Venezuela. Before I left, I spent time in Krakow, where I met with Julian and his partner, colleagues from ECHO, who were visiting Krakow for their holiday. It was wonderful to see them before my departure to Venezuela. It felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to Poland before embarking on my new adventure.

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