Residence of Poland, Caracas, Venezuela, November 2024

As I sit down to write this post, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the past two weeks, which were full of joy, surprises, and exciting plans for the coming days.

First and foremost, I want to share that I recently celebrated my birthday, and thanks to my incredible friends, it turned into an unforgettable experience. In fact, I had not just one, but two separate celebrations! Both parties were filled with laughter, great food and the warm company of people who made me feel truly cherished. It was a reminder of how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a caring community, especially in a place as dynamic and, at times challenging as Caracas. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday special!

Adding to the highlights of recent weeks, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of the National Day of Poland at the Polish Embassy in Caracas. The event was truly special, and I enjoyed meeting new people, particularly members of the Polish community who have settled here in Venezuela. It was heartwarming to connect with fellow Poles, exchange stories, and share a moment of cultural pride so far from home.

On the professional front, after a longer break, I am finally heading out on a work mission to the State of Sucre. This trip has been on my mind for quite some time, and I am thrilled to be getting back into the field. During this visit, I will be checking in on various humanitarian projects, which is always a rewarding and eye-opening experience. There is nothing quite like seeing the impact of our collective efforts first-hand and connecting with the communities we aim to support. I will be leaving tomorrow and expect to return to Caracas by Wednesday evening. It promises to be a packed schedule but one that I am truly excited about.

Looking ahead, the first week of December holds much-anticipated break as I will be heading to Barbados for some holiday downtime. The thought of relaxing on a beach, exploring the culture, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the island is giving me plenty to look forward to. I can hardly wait!

A quick update on Leo: he has now been in Madrid for three weeks and is settling in well. The initial days were busy as he navigated the essentials of starting a new life in a foreign country, including opening a bank account, obtaining health insurance, and preparing all the necessary paperwork for his student visa and work permit. The great news is that his application has been submitted, and our lawyer remains optimistic about a positive outcome in the coming months. Leo is adjusting well, discovering the city, and, amusingly, experiencing his first bout of true European cold weather! He is grateful for the overwhelming support from everyone who has helped hi get to this point!

As for Christmas, I will be spending the holiday in Caracas, which I am eagerly looking forward to. It will be wonderful to celebrate with friends and enjoy the festive spirit here.

Finally, I will be updating the photo galleries from my upcoming trips and posting them online, so stay tuned on more snapshots and stories from my journeys (for now you can peep in into latest Venezuela photos, by clicking at this link).

Until next time, take care and thank you for being a part of my life's adventures!

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!