Mum, Leo and I at the restaurant in Gołkowice, Poland, May 2025

ENGLISH

Dear Friends,

With spring's full bloom behind us and the soft whisper of summer approaching, I thought I would take a moment to reconnect and share a little update from this part of the world — and my life.

After a long stretch of work, I was lucky to take a month off and spend some time in Europe. Most of that precious time I shared with my mum, who continues to be a source of light, wisdom, and quiet strength. It truly was a blessing to slow down and just be together. We talked for hours, watched the trees change colours, cooked, laughed, and enjoyed the small joys that tend to get lost in the speed of daily life.

We also travelled a bit: first to Malta, with its golden cliffs and sunlit alleys, and then to Central Asia — Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. We explored Tashkent and the majestic Samarkand, marveling at the intricately tiled mosques and medressas. One day, we even crossed the land border by car to visit Shymkent in Kazakhstan — a short adventure that gave us a taste of another culture and landscape. The vastness and beauty of the journey itself — through land and sky — was an adventure in its own right.

Later in the month, we welcomed Leo, a dear Venezuelan friend who now lives in Madrid — many of you kindly helped him when he relocated to Spain to start his new life ✨. He joined us in Poland for a few days, and it was so heartwarming to see him discovering new places: from the charm of Krakow, to the wooden churches in the Polish countryside, from Bardejov in Slovakia to the dramatic beauty of the Tatras on both the Slovak and Polish sides. Watching Leo getting hooked on travel and embracing the joy of discovering was one of the highlights of this spring.

I also managed to make a little nostalgic stop in Cieszyn and its twin city across the Olza river, Český Těšín. Walking the familiar streets where Poland meets Czechia reminded me once again how much beauty lies in quiet corners of the world.

Now, I'm back in Caracas. As much as I cherish the time away, it also feels good to return to familiar routines and reunite with colleagues and friends here. I realise once again how much I enjoy my work, even with all the challenges it brings. The world is in a strange and uneasy place right now — full of uncertainties, divisions, even fear. I too feel the weight of it sometimes. But the work I do, the people I meet, the belief that we can make a small difference — that gives me energy, purpose, and, quite frankly, keeps me sane.

The next few months will likely be busy with work in Venezuela and, with some luck, a bit of travel across the region too. If you're curious about some glimpses from our travels, you can find photos here: https://www.romanmajcher.eu/blog-2/files/7d9a8e4ebb1ee5b2dbdf379b7235313b-141.html 🌄📷

Wishing you all a peaceful summer ahead — with moments of joy, meaning, and connection. Hope to hear from you soon.

With love,
Roman 🌿

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ESPAÑOL

Queridas y queridos,

Con la primavera ya quedándose atrás y el suave viento del verano acercándose, quería tomar un momento para reconectar y compartir con ustedes una pequeña actualización de mi mundo.

Tras una larga etapa de trabajo, tuve la suerte de tomarme un mes de vacaciones y pasarlo, sobre todo, con mi mamá. Ese tiempo compartido fue una verdadera bendición. Conversamos mucho, cocinamos juntos, caminamos, reímos y simplemente disfrutamos de esos pequeños placeres cotidianos que a menudo se nos escapan.

También tuvimos la oportunidad de viajar un poco: primero a Malta, con sus acantilados dorados y callejuelas soleadas, y luego a Asia Central — Uzbekistán y Kazajistán. Visitamos Taskent y la mítica Samarcanda. Un día incluso cruzamos la frontera terrestre en coche para llegar a Shymkent, en Kazajistán. Los paisajes, los caminos recorridos, las personas encontradas... el viaje fue tan especial como los destinos mismos.

Hacia el final del viaje, nos visitó Leo, un querido amigo venezolano que ahora vive en Madrid (gracias a muchos de ustedes que lo ayudaron a comenzar su nueva vida en España ✨). Compartimos algunos días maravillosos recorriendo Cracovia, los pueblos del sur de Polonia con sus iglesias de madera, Bardejov en Eslovaquia, y finalmente los Tatras polacos y eslovacos. Fue hermoso ver a Leo descubrir, disfrutar, engancharse con el viajar...

También hicimos una pequeña parada nostálgica en Cieszyn y su gemela checa, Český Těšín. Caminar por esas calles, donde Polonia y Chequia se abrazan, fue un recordatorio de la belleza que se esconde en los rincones tranquilos del mundo.

Ya de vuelta en Caracas, me alegra retomar mi rutina y reencontrarme con colegas y amistades. Me doy cuenta, una vez más, de cuánto me gusta mi trabajo. A pesar de los retos, me da energía y sentido. El mundo está en un momento complicado, incierto y a veces aterrador. Y yo también me asusto. Pero trabajar en algo que importa, junto a personas valientes y comprometidas, me mantiene en pie.

Los próximos meses estaré ocupado con el trabajo en Venezuela y, con suerte, también podré viajar un poco por la región. Si quieren echar un vistazo a las fotos del viaje, las pueden encontrar aquí: https://www.romanmajcher.eu/blog-2/files/7d9a8e4ebb1ee5b2dbdf379b7235313b-141.html 🌄📷

Les deseo un verano lleno de calma, sentido y alegría. Espero saber de ustedes pronto.

Con mucho cariño,
Roman 🌿

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POLSKI

Kochani,

Wraz z odejściem wiosny i powolnym nadejściem lata, chcę się z Wami podzielić kilkoma refleksjami i wieściami z mojego świata.

Po długim okresie pracy udało mi się wziąć miesiąc urlopu, który w dużej mierze spędziłem z Mamą. To był naprawdę wspaniały czas — spokojny, wspólny, przepełniony rozmowami, uśmiechem, gotowaniem i spacerami. Proste rzeczy, ale jakże cenne.

Podróżowaliśmy razem: najpierw na Maltę, a potem do Azji Centralnej. Odwiedziliśmy Taszkent i bajeczną Samarkandę, a na jeden dzień samochodem przekroczyliśmy granicę z Kazachstanem, by odwiedzić Szymkent. Sama podróż przez bezkresne krajobrazy Azji była przygodą samą w sobie.

Pod koniec urlopu do Polski przyleciał Leo, mój wenezuelski przyjaciel, który obecnie mieszka w Madrycie (wielu z Was pomogło mu się tam odnaleźć i zacznąć nowe życie ✨). Razem odwiedziliśmy Kraków, drewniane cerkwie i kościoły w Małopolsce, Bardejov na Słowacji, a także Tatry po obu stronach granicy. Cudownie było patrzeć, jak Leo odkrywa nowe miejsca i zakochuje się w podróżowaniu.

Zajrzałem również do Cieszyna i Czeskiego Cieszyna — spacer po tych znanych uliczkach, gdzie spotykają się Polacy i Czesi, był dla mnie pięknym momentem zadumy i radości.

Dziś jestem już z powrotem w Caracas. Choć miło było odpocząć, dobrze też wrócić do rytmu pracy i znajomych twarzy. Przypominam sobie, jak bardzo lubię to, co robię. Mimo trudów, niepewności i niepokoju, które ogarniają nasz świat, moja praca daje mi siłę, sens i... zdrowy rozsądek.

Najbliższe miesiące będę intensywnie pracował w Wenezueli, ale z odrobiną szczęścia uda się też coś zobaczyć w regionie. A jeśli macie ochotę na kilka zdjęć z naszych podróży, zapraszam tutaj: https://www.romanmajcher.eu/blog-2/files/7d9a8e4ebb1ee5b2dbdf379b7235313b-141.html 🌄📷

Serdecznie Was pozdrawiam, życząc dobrego, spokojnego i słonecznego lata!

Roman 🌿

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. 🌍❤️🇻🇪

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.