View over Avila, Caracas, Venezuela, January 2025

Life in Caracas has been quite the experience lately. Due to work-related constraints, my ability to travel both within Venezuela and beyond its borders has been significantly limited. For someone with a constant desire to explore new places, this has been a bit frustrating. I have always had itchy feet, and staying in one place for too long does make me restless.

However, there is a silver lining. With the reduced travel, I find myself with more time to focus on personal projects that require staying put and deep concentration. One such endeavour is my early-stage book project. The process so far has been both exciting and challenging. I am currently gathering materials, reflecting on what I want to include in the book, and figuring out the best way to structure it. The book is shaping up to be a collection of life stories—memories that have defined my journey so far. If you are curious, you can get a glimpse of some of these stories in my online photo albums.

Beyond the writing itself, I am also exploring the publishing process, which is entirely new to me. I have no clear idea of how to go about it, but I am genuinely enjoying the learning curve and all the possibilities that come with it.

Although I do not have any immediate travel plans, I am considering taking a short break in March. So far, I have been thinking about Portugal and Spain as potential destinations, though nothing is set in stone. Later in the year, if everything goes well, I hope to have a longer holiday at the end of April and in May. My plans include spending quality time with my Mum and possibly travelling with her, which I am really looking forward to.

Meanwhile, February will be an incredibly busy period for me and my team at work. We will be focusing on reviewing and analysing proposals related to our humanitarian efforts in Venezuela and the broader region. It is always a time of intense workload, but it is also a rewarding and intellectually stimulating process.

On a lighter note, I am excited about the upcoming weekend because Poland will be celebrating the final of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy). This remarkable initiative raises funds for medical equipment to support hospitals across the country. I have been a passionate supporter of this cause for years, and tomorrow, I will be closely following the event to see how it unfolds. For those interested in learning more about this fantastic initiative, you can visit their official website here: https://en.wosp.org.pl/.

Despite being temporarily grounded in Caracas, there is still much to keep me busy and inspired. Whether it is writing, work, or following events from afar, there is always something to look forward to.

European Humanitarian Forum 2024, Brussels, Belgium, March 2024

As the new year kicks off, I find myself reflecting on my plans for the coming weeks and months. Initially, I had envisioned ending 2025 with a break. The idea of taking a step back from work and dedicating some time to personal rest sounded enticing. Unfortunately, the realities of professional obligations had other plans for me. Despite my best efforts to carve out that time, the workload proved insurmountable, and I had to abandon my holiday aspirations.

Looking ahead, I remain optimistic about having a short break in March. However, I still do not have any concrete ideas about what to do during this time. Similarly, I am planning a more substantial holiday towards the end of April or early May, but my plans remain wide open. If anyone has good suggestions for destinations or activities, I would love to hear them.

This holiday will coincide with the period just before the European Humanitarian Forum (EHF) in Brussels, a key event in the humanitarian sector's calendar. The EHF brings together stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and experts, to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in humanitarian aid. This year, the event will be co-hosted by Poland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Council. For more details about the forum, visit the official website: European Humanitarian Forum.

Balancing work and personal life is always a challenge, but the prospect of meaningful engagements like the EHF and the possibility of future holidays keeps me motivated. Here’s to navigating the weeks ahead with purpose and, hopefully, a little bit of rest along the way.

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Happy New Year

As we step into 2025, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a year filled with hope, health, and happiness. This new year offers us a blank canvas—a chance to dream boldly, act decisively, and embrace the opportunities ahead.

2025 is a time to renew our commitments to making a positive difference, to deepen connections with those around us, and to explore new horizons. Whether it’s through humanitarian efforts, personal achievements, or simple acts of kindness, let’s make this year one of collective growth and shared success.

This space will continue to be a place for reflections, stories, and ideas that highlight the power of resilience and unity. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hearing your own stories of courage and hope throughout the year.

Here’s to a 2025 full of new adventures and lasting memories. Together, let’s make it extraordinary!