Travelling is such a privilege! Krakow, Poland, May 2025

As I sit here in Mum’s flat in Nowy Sącz, enjoying a quiet spring afternoon and looking out onto the budding trees, I finally have a moment to reflect on the past two weeks. I left Caracas for Europe a little over a fortnight ago, flying via Lisbon—a city that already brings good energy. It was also the very first time I used my Portuguese passport for international travel, which felt like a personal milestone: symbolic, emotional, and exciting.

From Lisbon, I continued on to Kraków, where Mum and I began our long-anticipated spring holiday. After some rest in Nowy Sącz, our first shared experience was a day trip to Krynica-Zdrój, one of southern Poland’s most charming spa towns. It was everything I had hoped for—sunshine, spring air, green hills, and the soothing rhythm of a place steeped in history. We wandered through the elegant streets, admired the architecture, and took the historic funicular up to Góra Parkowa for spectacular views. That day, captured in smiles and shared silences, was a perfect opening to this holiday.

You can view our photo gallery from Krynica here:
📸 Click here for the album.

We also spent time in Nowy Sącz, soaking up the atmosphere of my hometown and enjoying long walks, home-cooked meals, and simple, meaningful time with family.

From there, we boarded a flight for Malta—and what a surprise that little island was. We had just three days, but we packed them full of exploration and discovery. Valletta immediately captivated us with its golden limestone, narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the sea. We explored St. John’s Co-Cathedral, wandered the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and soaked in the rich history that seems to rise from every stone. Mum was fascinated by how different everything was—from the Mediterranean architecture to the blend of cultures and languages. Malta was new for her, and seeing her eyes light up with curiosity and joy was a gift in itself.

Beyond Valletta, we explored the eastern and southern coasts, visited Marsaxlokk with its brightly painted fishing boats, and sampled fresh seafood at the harbour. Our day trip to Gozo and the Blue Lagoon was unforgettable. Gozo’s peaceful hills and ancient temples, especially the Ġgantija Temples, left us both speechless. To stand among ruins older than the pyramids felt surreal. The Blue Lagoon was crowded but spectacular—clear turquoise waters and white rocks shimmering in the sun. We swam, laughed, and simply enjoyed the moment.

You can browse our Malta photos here:
📸 Click here for the album.

After Malta, we returned to Kraków for a lovely day, which happened to coincide with Poland’s Constitution Day on the 3rd of May. The city was alive with flags, music, and celebration. We explored the Royal Route, paused in the courtyard of the Jagiellonian University, and enjoyed a long, delicious lunch in a Czech restaurant near the main square. The weather was perfect, the city at its most elegant, and the timing made it all the more special.

Some photos from our time in Nowy Sącz and Kraków can be found here:
📸 Click here for the album.

From there, we boarded a flight eastward—to Uzbekistan. A destination I had dreamed about for years, and an entirely new world for Mum. From the moment we landed in Tashkent, we were struck by how clean, green, and calm the city felt. Parks, fountains, tree-lined avenues, and a surprising blend of Soviet legacy and modern design gave Tashkent a unique, tranquil charm.

But it was Samarkand that stole our hearts. We spent two full days exploring the ancient city—Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The architecture was beyond anything we expected: blue domes, intricate mosaics, golden calligraphy. Mum kept saying she felt like she had stepped into a storybook. It was hard to comprehend the scale and artistry of it all. For her, as for me, everything was new—every street offered a chance to learn and be amazed. We took our time, absorbing the colours, the textures, the sounds, and the warm hospitality.

While in Tashkent, we took a day trip to Shymkent in Kazakhstan. It was my first time in the country and Mum’s as well. Shymkent may not be a well-known tourist spot, but thanks to our incredible guide, Larisa—a kind, wise Kazakh-Russian woman—the visit became a highlight. Her stories about the region’s history, culture, and daily life resonated deeply. We talked about Soviet legacies, national identities, and the connections between past and present. The experience reminded us both of our own Polish background and the importance of memory and resilience.

You can find photos from that part of our journey here:
📸 Click here for the album.

And now, back in Nowy Sącz, we are catching our breath, enjoying family time, and embracing the gentle rhythm of spring in southern Poland. The holiday is only halfway through, and there is so much still ahead. In just a few days, Leo will be arriving from Madrid for a short visit. Together, we’ll explore Kraków again, hike to Morskie Oko, cross into Slovakia to enjoy the High Tatras, and take the traditional Spływ Dunajcem—rafting through the scenic Dunajec River Gorge.

I also hope to continue exploring small towns across southern Poland and northern Slovakia, visiting historical sites, mountain paths, and quiet cafes. But above all, I’m treasuring this time with Mum and with Paweł and Kasia—moments that, in the busy pace of everyday life, are rare and all the more meaningful.

Next week holds another special occasion: I’ll be voting in Poland’s presidential election. For the first time in years, I’ll cast my vote not in a consulate overseas but right here in Nowy Sącz. It may be a small thing, but it feels deeply grounding—to participate in democracy while physically present in the community that raised me.

Spring in Poland is beautiful—fresh and green, full of birdsong and bright mornings. I feel immense gratitude for this time: for the places we’ve seen, for the family around me, and for the promise of the days still to come.

On my way back to Caracas, I’ll have one final stop—Lisbon. Just for a day, but the thought of being in that radiant city, walking through its hilly streets, perhaps sipping a coffee near the Tagus, makes me smile already.

More stories to come. For now, I’m holding onto the beauty of the present moment, and the joy of being exactly where I need to be.