Nowy Sacz, Poland, April 2022

In April 2022, I took a holiday to Poland and Romania—a wonderful trip filled with family time, exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. But while I enjoyed the journey, the reality of war in neighbouring Ukraine was impossible to ignore. I was preparing for my upcoming humanitarian mission to Ukraine, and everywhere I went, I saw the impact of the war on refugees and host communities.

Poland – A Return Home Before Deployment

My journey began in Kraków, and from there, I travelled to Nowy Sącz to spend time with Mum and family.

I visited my favourite places in town, as well as Stary Sącz, a historic town with a charming old square and monastery. Together with Mum and her friend, we also travelled to Łącko and Gołkowice, small villages known for their apple orchards and rural beauty.

A short trip took me to Warsaw, where I handled official matters—getting an apostille for documents needed for my Portuguese nationality process. Springtime in Warsaw was beautiful, with the parks in full bloom and a lively atmosphere in the Old Town.

After returning from Warsaw, I continued my explorations in southern Poland, visiting:
• Krościenko – A charming town in the Pieniny Mountains.
• Rożnów & Gródek nad Dunajcem – Beautiful areas by the Dunajec River and Rożnów Lake, perfect for quiet walks and admiring nature.

We then celebrated Easter in Nowy Sącz, a special and traditional time with family before setting off for Romania.

Road Trip to Romania – A Country in Transition

Together with Mum and her friend, Pani Kurzejowa, we embarked on a road trip to Romania, crossing through Slovakia and Hungary. In Slovakia, snow still covered the mountains, a striking contrast to the warmer spring weather elsewhere.

Our first stop in Romania was Lugasu de Jos, where we had our first Romanian meal, before continuing to our main destination—Cluj-Napoca.

Cluj-Napoca is a fascinating city, blending historic charm with modern energy. It was inspiring to see Romania’s transformation into a thriving European country, with a young and dynamic atmosphere, bustling cafés, and impressive architecture.

From Cluj, we visited:
• Cârțișoara & the Transfăgărășan – One of the most breathtaking mountain roads in the world. Though parts of it were still closed due to snow, the views of the Carpathian peaks were unforgettable.
• Sibiu – An incredible medieval city, with colourful houses, Saxon architecture, and a wonderfully preserved Old Town.
• Huedin – A town famous for its ornate Roma houses, an architectural style that reflects the rich culture and traditions of the Roma community.

The road back to Poland followed the same route, giving us one last chance to soak in the beauty of the journey.

Rzeszów – The Reality of War and a Meaningful Reunion

As my holiday ended, I travelled to Rzeszów, the main hub for humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine.

Here, I witnessed firsthand the enormous flow of refugees fleeing the war. Ukrainian flags were everywhere, and people across Poland had opened their homes to those in need. In Rzeszów, I met with NGOs and EU Civil Protection teams, discussing the ongoing response and ways to support the displaced population.

One of the most special moments of my time in Rzeszów was meeting my amazing American friend, Aimee, who had just completed a short mission in Ukraine. Our reunion, though brief, was a reminder of the deep connections we form through humanitarian work. Even in difficult and sad times, having friends like Aimee to share moments with made the experience more meaningful and comforting.

A Journey That Reflected Two Realities

This trip was a mix of joy and heaviness—on one hand, the beauty of family time, discovering Romania, and celebrating Easter; on the other, the harsh reality of war just across the border.

Seeing the solidarity of people opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees was incredibly moving. As I left for my humanitarian deployment to Ukraine, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose—knowing that while the world can be beautiful, it is also in desperate need of compassion and action.

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