San Pedro Sula, Honduras, November 2020

In November and December 2020, I travelled to Honduras to support the design of a humanitarian response to the devastating Hurricanes Eta and Iota. The scale of destruction was immense, and the response was even more complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder to assist those displaced and to ensure safety in overcrowded shelters.

From Panama City, I flew to Tegucigalpa, where I began the mission with meetings and logistical planning before heading to the affected areas. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I was deeply charmed by the kindness and resilience of the Honduran people, who, even in the face of adversity, remained welcoming and full of strength.

Hurricanes Eta and Iota – A Double Disaster

Hurricanes Eta and Iota struck just two weeks apart in November 2020, causing widespread devastation across Honduras and much of Central America.
• Eta (Category 4) made landfall on 3 November, bringing torrential rains, landslides, and extreme flooding.
• Iota (Category 5) followed on 17 November, hitting many of the same areas that were still underwater from Eta.

Entire communities were wiped out, with homes, roads, and bridges destroyed. More than 4 million people in Honduras were affected, with hundreds of thousands displaced. The hardest-hit areas were low-lying communities, where rivers overflowed, leaving families stranded on rooftops waiting for rescue.

A Humanitarian Response Amid a Pandemic

The response required urgent action, but the pandemic added a layer of complexity. Shelters were overcrowded, making physical distancing nearly impossible, and the risk of disease outbreaks was high.

Our work focused on:
• Emergency shelter – Providing safe spaces for displaced families, ensuring they had access to clean water, sanitation, and medical assistance.
• Food and essential supplies – Distributing food, hygiene kits, and protective equipment to families who had lost everything.
• Health and COVID-19 prevention – Supporting local authorities in managing health risks inside shelters while ensuring access to basic medical care.
• Long-term recovery – Planning for housing reconstruction, infrastructure repairs, and livelihood support to help communities recover beyond the immediate emergency.

Exploring Valle de Ángeles and Santa Lucía

Before heading to the most disaster-affected regions, colleagues from the EU Delegation took me on a short trip outside Tegucigalpa to Valle de Ángeles and Santa Lucía.
• Valle de Ángeles was a picturesque colonial town, filled with cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and lush green hills.
• Santa Lucía had stunning views over the valley and a charming old church, a peaceful escape before diving into the intense humanitarian work ahead.

San Pedro Sula and Surrounding Disaster Zones

We then travelled by car to San Pedro Sula, the economic heart of Honduras, which had been badly flooded. From there, we visited multiple disaster-affected areas, witnessing firsthand the destruction left by the storms:
• Choloma – One of the most heavily flooded urban areas, where entire neighbourhoods were submerged.
• Pimienta and Potrerillos – Towns where residents lost their homes and livelihoods, struggling to restart their lives.
• Azacualpa, Pueblo Nuevo Petoa, Gualjoco, Santa Bárbara, Gualala, and Chinda – Rural areas where bridges had collapsed, leaving communities cut off from aid.

The resilience of the people we met was inspiring. Even in destroyed villages, they were working together, helping neighbours, and finding ways to rebuild their lives.

A Stop in Comayagua – A Moment of History

On the way back to Tegucigalpa, we stopped in Comayagua, a city known for its colonial heritage and the oldest clock in the Americas. Walking through its historic centre, I admired the beautiful cathedral and charming plazas, a brief but much-needed moment of reflection before wrapping up the mission.

A Mission That Left a Lasting Impact

Honduras left a deep impression on me—not just because of the devastation I witnessed, but because of the incredible strength of its people. The sense of solidarity among communities, the hard work of local responders, and the dedication of humanitarian partners made it clear that, despite the challenges, Honduras would rise again.

As I flew back to Panama City, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose—knowing that, even in the face of tragedy, the human spirit remains unbreakable.

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Dobrzyca, Poland, October 2020

After my self-imposed quarantine in Kraków, I finally arrived in Nowy Sącz in October 2020 to begin a longer holiday with my mum and family. It turned out to be one of the most joyful breaks I can remember—filled with laughter, reunions, and beautiful travels through Poland.

Our home in Biegonice and the whole of Nowy Sącz looked stunning in the golden colours of autumn. But we didn’t just stay at home—we took the time to venture out into nature, visit new places, and reconnect with loved ones.

Krynica – Autumn Views Over the Beskids and Tatras

One of our first trips was to Krynica, a famous spa town nestled in the Beskid Mountains. We took the cable lift up the hill, where a newly built wooden viewing platform offered breathtaking views of the Beskids and the distant Tatra Mountains. The fresh mountain air, the golden and red leaves, and the crisp autumn light made it a perfect day outdoors.

Exploring Stary Sącz

Closer to home, we visited Stary Sącz, a town full of history and charm. Walking through its cobbled streets, past the monastery and the main square, we were reminded of the region’s deep cultural heritage.

Rzeszów and the Painted Village of Zalipie

We also took a trip to Rzeszów, where we fell in love with its Old Town—a mix of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. The town square, surrounded by colourful townhouses and historic churches, was a wonderful place to stroll and soak in the atmosphere.

From Rzeszów, we travelled to Zalipie, a village like no other. Known as “the painted village”, every house, barn, and even fences were decorated with bright, hand-painted floral patterns. It was truly a living piece of folk art, and walking through this fairytale-like place was a unique experience.

Tarnów – A City of Hidden Beauty

On our way back to Nowy Sącz, we stopped in Tarnów, another underrated gem of southern Poland. The city had a warm and welcoming feel, with beautiful Renaissance architecture, a historic Jewish quarter, and a lovely main square. We enjoyed our short visit, taking in its old-world elegance.

Świnoujście and Uznam Island – A Polish-German Escape

Later in the month, we travelled north to Świnoujście, where we spent five days exploring Uznam Island, which is shared between Poland and Germany.

It was an incredible experience, especially since we explored both sides of the island entirely by bike. Seeing how these two nations—once divided by history—are now shaping a future of friendship and cooperation was inspiring. We cycled through seaside forests, along the sandy Baltic coastline, and through picturesque German resort towns, fully embracing the unique spirit of this borderland.

Day Trip to the Baltic’s Hidden Treasures

From Świnoujście, we took a day trip to explore other parts of the Baltic coast, visiting:
• Ogrody Hortulus Spectabilis in Dobrzyca – Mum’s favourite! These gardens were breathtaking, with beautifully designed landscapes, mazes, and themed floral displays that changed with the seasons.
• Międzyzdroje – A charming seaside town that I particularly fell in love with. The iconic pier stretching into the sea, the sandy beaches, and the relaxing promenade made it one of my favourite stops.
• Kołobrzeg – Though we only passed through, its historic centre and impressive cathedral made a strong impression.

A Holiday to Remember

After this wonderful time by the Baltic, we returned to Nowy Sącz, where we continued enjoying the comforts of home, family, and slow autumn days together.

This time in Poland was more than just a holiday—it was a chance to appreciate home, reconnect with family, and find joy in both familiar and new places. The beauty of autumn landscapes, the warmth of loved ones, and the peaceful moments shared together made it a truly unforgettable season.

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