Mum's Place in Nowy Sacz, Poland, May 2024

These days, the world seems to be spinning into chaos. Politically, we are witnessing events we could never have even imagined, and it is unsettling, to say the least. The unpredictability of global affairs is truly alarming. Yet, in the midst of all this, I have been trying to keep myself grounded. Work has been my anchor—I have focused on doing it well and ensuring that I remain engaged in what I can actually influence. At the same time, I have been allowing myself some excitement because, tomorrow, I am off to Spain!

I will be visiting Leo, Marta, and her family, which I have been looking forward to for quite some time. For a week, I will be exploring Madrid and Seville, enjoying the vibrancy of these incredible cities, catching up with friends, and simply taking in the beauty of Spain. I can already imagine the bustling streets of Madrid, the charming alleyways of Seville, and the joy of simply being in a place that is so full of history and energy.

Adding to my good mood is the fact that I have now finalised my plans for a longer holiday at the end of April and into May. I will start by travelling to Nowy Sącz in Poland to spend time with Mum and family, something that always brings me great joy. This time, however, we have decided to do something special and travel together. After spending a few days in Poland, we will be heading to Malta!

Malta has always intrigued me with its stunning coastline, ancient history, and Mediterranean charm. From Valletta’s grand fortifications to the picturesque streets of Mdina, I am eager to discover what this island has to offer. Exploring its history, savouring the food, and simply enjoying the sea views with Mum will be an unforgettable experience.

After Malta, we will set off on another adventure—Uzbekistan. This is a destination that has long been on my list, and I can hardly believe that I will finally be visiting. Tashkent, the country’s capital, is known for its mix of Soviet-era architecture and Islamic heritage. But what excites me the most is visiting Samarkand. The city’s magnificent blue-tiled mosques and madrasas, particularly Registan Square, are among the most breathtaking sights in the world. Walking through its ancient streets and immersing myself in the history of the Silk Road is something I have dreamt of for years.

While in Tashkent, we also have an exciting plan—a day trip to Shymkent in Kazakhstan. This will be my first time visiting the country, and I am eager to see what it has in store. Though I know little about Shymkent, I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture, tasting Kazakh cuisine, and taking in a part of Central Asia that is still relatively unexplored by tourists.

The sheer thought of all these upcoming travels makes me incredibly happy. Not only am I visiting places that I have always wanted to see, but I get to do it with Mum, which makes it even more special. Travelling with her is always a joy, and I cherish the time we spend together on the road.

With Spain just around the corner and a grand adventure awaiting in a couple of months, I feel grateful and excited. Despite all the turmoil in the world, I am holding onto these moments of joy, exploration, and connection. After all, there is still so much beauty to experience, and I intend to embrace it fully.