Muszyna, Poland, May 2022

In May 2022, after completing my intense humanitarian deployment in Ukraine, I was granted an extra week of leave to rest and recuperate before heading back to Panama City. This unexpected break allowed me to spend more time in Poland, enjoying the company of Mum and family—something that always feels like a gift.

Relaxing in Nowy Sącz and Exploring Nearby Villages

While based in Nowy Sącz, I took the opportunity to travel around the surrounding region, visiting:
• Krynica-Zdrój – A beautiful spa town, famous for its healing mineral waters, charming promenades, and mountain views.
• Muszyna – Another picturesque spa town, where I enjoyed relaxing walks through lush gardens and quiet streets.
• Bardejov, Slovakia – Just across the border, this UNESCO-listed medieval town was a delight to visit, with its well-preserved historic centre and peaceful atmosphere.
• Smerekowiec & Kwiatoń – These villages are home to stunning wooden churches, masterpieces of Lemko and Carpathian architecture, blending history, faith, and craftsmanship in an incredibly serene setting.

A Farewell Dinner by the Lake

As my time in Poland drew to a close, I had a farewell dinner in a lovely restaurant in Gródek nad Dunajcem, overlooking the beautiful lake. It was a perfect setting to reflect on my time at home before heading back to work.

The Journey Back to Panama

Soon, it was time to leave. My route took me from Kraków to Warsaw, then onward to Los Angeles, before finally landing back in Panama City.

This extra week in Poland was exactly what I needed—a chance to recover, reconnect with loved ones, and appreciate the simple joys of home before returning to humanitarian work on the other side of the world.

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