Club Tachira, Caracas, Venezuela, November 2024

Today is my birthday, and it's given me a chance to pause and reflect on the journey so far. Celebrating here in Caracas, I feel grateful for the experiences, challenges and personal growth that this year has brought. While life here hasn't always been easy, it's shaped my perspective, reminding me of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and, perhaps most importantly, staying grounded. This birthday, I'm feeling a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for all that I've learned and achieved, both in my work and in my personal life.

Work has kept me busy, yet lately, I've found it less overwhelming. The steady rhythm is allowing me to catch my breath a bit, creating space to appreciate each day—even amid the familiar chaos. The celebration yesterday (we had a party yesterday) felt special, shared with friends and colleagues who have become like family here. Those moments make the time in Caracas richer and remind me why I do what I do.

But as much as I love this work and place, I am also looking forward to something I haven't had in a while: a real holiday. After months of being grounded in Caracas, I've finally booked a trip to Barbados for a week, with a quick stopover in Trinidad and Tobago. It's the kind of break I've been raving for ages—a chance to unwind, explore, and simply be.

In Barbados, I am planning on taking things slow. I can't wait to explore the island, go sightseeing, and take long walks along the beaches and in the towns. I'm looking forward to absorbing the Caribbean atmosphere, discovering the local flavours, meeting new people and getting a feel of the rhythm of island life. It's a much-needed escape, and the promise of warm sun, blue waters, and a change of scenery feels like the perfect way to reset and recharge.

So here's to another year, to all that lies ahead, and to the gift of time to reconnect and reflect. I'll be sharing updates from the journey and hopefully some fantastic photos—stay tuned for a taste of the Caribbean!