Returning to Caracas after 1 month of holidays, Lisbon, Portugal, May 2025

I’ve just arrived back in Caracas—back in my flat, back in the tropical air, and back to the rhythms of my Venezuelan life and work. It’s always strange how the body lands faster than the mind. As I sit by the window, hearing the hum of the city returning to life around me, I find myself still drifting somewhere between Nowy Sącz, Kraków, Samarkand, and the Tatra peaks.

The last month has been nothing short of extraordinary. A journey that was meant to be a break turned into a soul-filling, unforgettable exploration of places, people, and emotions. I travelled across continents, revisited beloved towns, discovered hidden treasures, and reconnected not only with family and friends, but with my own sense of wonder.

✈️ The Journey Home – Through Airports and Between Worlds

It all started in April 2025, when I left Caracas for a long-anticipated holiday. The journey itself became part of the experience. Airports have always been a strange comfort to me—places of transition, promise, and people-watching. From Caracas to Lisbon, then on to Warsaw, Kraków, and finally Nowy Sącz, I found myself reflecting on movement as a metaphor: not just of geography, but of life.

Each airport had its own rhythm—Lisbon’s friendly charm, Warsaw’s clean precision, and the warm intimacy of Kraków’s terminals welcoming me back to Poland.

📸 Journey Through Airports – April 2025

🌿 Home, Mountains and Mum

Once in Nowy Sącz, it didn’t take long before I found myself on the road again—this time with Mum. We took a delightful day trip to Krynica-Zdrój, one of our favourite spa towns. The spring sunshine, lush greenery, and the sweet rhythm of Polish life made for a perfect getaway. We rode the Góra Parkowa funicular, strolled through Krynica’s elegant centre, and drove back via Muszyna, tracing the border with Slovakia.

📸 Spring Day Trip to Krynica with Mum

🇲🇹 Malta: Sun, Sea and Shared Time

A few days later, Mum and I boarded a flight to Malta—a tiny island nation steeped in history. Though we only stayed for three days, we packed in Valletta, the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon. Malta left a strong impression on both of us: a stunning mix of Mediterranean light, Baroque architecture, and centuries of layered civilisations. Sharing these discoveries with Mum was priceless.

📸 A Long May Weekend in Malta with Mum

🏛️ Between Travels – Reconnecting with Home

Between Malta and our next big trip, we had a peaceful interlude in Kraków. Our visit happened to coincide with the celebration of 3rd May Constitution Day—a moment of pride for every Pole. Flags waved from balconies, and the atmosphere in the city was festive yet thoughtful. We walked through Wawel, admired St. Mary’s Basilica, and lunched at a Czech restaurant. Mum loved it—and so did I.

📸 Reconnecting with Home: Nowy Sącz and Kraków

🌍 Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan – A Dream Come True

Then came one of the most powerful chapters of this holiday: a long-awaited journey to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. This trip was a dream finally realised. We explored Tashkent, Samarkand, and Shymkent, walking through places rich in culture and history. Samarkand, with its regal Registan Square and its stories of Islamic scholars, truly stole our hearts. In Shymkent, our guide Larisa left a profound impression with her knowledge and humanity.

Crossing borders by foot, navigating languages, and encountering warmth at every turn reminded me that the world, though vast, can also feel deeply familiar. The contributions of Central Asian civilisations to science, art, and philosophy left us inspired and humbled.

📸 A Dream Journey: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Mum

🚗 Southern Poland by Roads and Borders

Back in Poland, I found joy in small excursions—rediscovering places that felt both old and new. I spent time with my brother and his family, shared Venezuelan rum chosen by Giovanni, and went on a road trip with Mum and our neighbours to Cieszyn and Český Těšín, walking across the border that slices the town in two. On the way back, we stopped in Žilina, Slovakia, and took in the landscapes of the Tatras as we drove home at sunset.

📸 Road Trip Across Borders: Cieszyn, Český Těšín & Žilina

🏘️ Rediscovering Forgotten Corners – Krosno and Miasto Galicyjskie

I also revisited Miasto Galicyjskie in Nowy Sącz—a place I always return to with affection—and took a spontaneous drive to Krosno, a town I hadn’t seen in years. I was astonished by how beautifully restored the old town is. The journey there, through patchworks of villages and rolling hills, reminded me of the richness of Lesser Poland, too often overlooked.

📸 Green Days of May – Miasto Galicyjskie & Krosno

🌄 A Special Guest – Leo in Poland and Slovakia

Then came a true highlight—Leo’s visit from Madrid. For four magical days, I had the pleasure of showing him Poland and Slovakia through my eyes. From the Old Town of Kraków to Kazimierz, from the wooden Lemko churches to Bardejov and Krynica, from the Pieniny mountains to the Tatra peaks, we crossed borders and gathered memories. Leo’s wide-eyed wonder, warmth, and excitement were contagious. His joy became mine.

📸 Four Unforgettable Days: Leo’s Visit to Poland and Slovakia

🏡 Final Hours – A Grateful Heart

On the last day before my return to Venezuela, I stayed close to home, soaking in the peace of Nowy Sącz and the company of my loved ones. These quiet hours were just as meaningful as the days of travel. They reminded me of how lucky I am to have roots in a place so rich in memory, tradition, and love.

📸 Moments Before Departure – Nowy Sącz Reflections

Now, as I sit here in Caracas once again, the experiences of the past month feel like a tapestry woven from many threads—each one vibrant, personal, and full of meaning. I return grateful beyond words for the time I had, the people I met and reunited with, and the places that opened themselves up to me. These weeks reminded me of how deeply rewarding travel can be when it’s done with curiosity, openness, and heart.

And yet—I’m equally excited to be back in Venezuela. I look forward to the challenges ahead, the stories waiting to be written here, and the joy of continuing to learn and contribute in this extraordinary country I’ve come to care for so much.

📸 Should you wish to explore some of the pictures from this journey, here are the links to the photo galleries:

1. ✈️ Journey Through Airports – April 2025
2. 🌿 Spring Day Trip to Krynica with Mum
3. 🇲🇹 A Long May Weekend in Malta with Mum
4. 🏛️ Reconnecting with Home: Nowy Sącz and Kraków
5. 🌍 A Dream Journey: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with Mum
6. 🚗 Road Trip Across Borders: Cieszyn, Český Těšín & Žilina
7. 🏘️ Green Days of May – Miasto Galicyjskie & Krosno
8. 🌄 Four Unforgettable Days: Leo’s Visit to Poland and Slovakia
9. 🏡 Moments Before Departure – Nowy Sącz Reflections

Thank you, Europe & Central Asia. Thank you, friends and family. And thank you, life—again and again.

Here’s to new chapters and new horizons, right here in Caracas. 🌍❤️🇻🇪