Las Mercedes, Caracas, Venezuela, February 2024

It's a very busy February here, and I'm spending the long Carnival weekend in front of my computer working, rather than celebrating and dancing away on the beach like many residents of Caracas. No complaints though! Things are good and interesting despite needing to read dozens of various project proposals that our partners are sending us for consideration. I find studying project proposals to be educational most of the time. You're forced to take the time to read in detail all sorts of analyses and arguments, which ultimately gives you a broader understanding of the environment you work in. So, as I said, no complaints - it's an inspirational task that I'm undertaking.

Last week was stressful. I had my regular medical check-up at the hospital, which included a colonoscopy. Although I didn't find the procedure troublesome, I was a bit worried about the results. Luckily, everything seemed to be fine, and the doctor commended me on my efforts to undergo regular check-ups. I'd like to echo her sentiments to all of you. Please make sure you do your preventive/screening health procedures, even if they seem scary sometimes! By the way, I was so impressed with the service I received at the Santa Paula Clinic in Caracas. The team there was very friendly and professional, for which I am very grateful!

I've already purchased my tickets for the conference in Washington DC. Now, it's time for actual preparations to ensure the trip is as useful as possible. I'll be having a series of meetings with various organisations this and next week to get a full picture of what to expect, which should help me prepare better for my own advocacy messages.

While I have some familiarity with the US, this will be my first trip to Washington DC. I won't have a lot of time, but I should manage to carve out some free hours for exploring the city. I wonder what advice you would have for me regarding what's worth seeing, apart from the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument?

Obviously, I'll be reporting back to you from the US trip in my posts, and this will include a new photo gallery as well. Stay tuned if you're interested!

One of the murals on the streets of Caracas, Venezuela, January 2024

My short break in Cartagena de Indias of Colombia was splendid. One week of exploration of the city's wonderful architecture and the nature around was perfect and enjoyable. Except the unbearable heat, it was a perfect city break: a good balance of culture, nature and good cuisine.

February, perhaps will be less exciting when it comes to travelling and getting to know new places, however it will be a very busy month. We are now receiving our partners' proposals for humanitarian projects to be implemented across the country. We will be trying to read all of them and make rational decisions whether we should engage with them or not, and negotiate possible adjustments. Reviewing a large number of proposals is a difficult and tiring job, but then it is also challenging, as it gives you a chance to reflect on needs, our own capacities to respond and push for better organisation and coordination so that the resources are used as efficiently as possible so that more people can benefit from the outcomes of the projects.

Last days of February, March and April however will be filled with travels. Although, this is not yet certain, at the very beginning of it, I may be travelling to Washington D.C. for the meetings in the World Bank on the occasion of the Fragility Forum 2024 conference, where we are planning to discuss our work and needs of communities in Venezuela. Some weeks later, I will be heading to the European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, where we will also have a chance to discuss, among other issues, our work in Venezuela and Colombia.

If all goes according to plans, I will then be taking holidays in April. The idea is first to visit family and friends in Toronto, and then head to see Mum and family in Nowy Sacz.

I hope to see some of you around, either here in Venezuela, or while travelling!