Krynica Górska, Poland, April 2025

After the long journey from Caracas to Nowy Sącz in April 2025, I wanted nothing more than to spend some peaceful, joyful time with my mother. To celebrate our reunion and the beginning of my holidays, we decided to take a day trip to one of the most charming places in southern Poland—Krynica-Zdrój. It turned out to be a perfect choice.
 
The day was everything we could have hoped for: bright spring sunshine, lush greenery everywhere, and a vibrant atmosphere as people flocked to enjoy the beauty of the season. Together, we talked, laughed, and simply savoured each other’s company, grateful for the moments of closeness after months apart.
 
Krynica-Zdrój, often referred to simply as Krynica, is one of Poland’s most beloved spa towns, known for its healing mineral waters and stunning architecture. Nestled in the foothills of the Beskid Sądecki mountains, the town combines natural beauty with elegant charm. Krynica’s history as a spa resort dates back to the 19th century, when it became a fashionable destination for those seeking rest and recuperation. Even today, it retains a nostalgic air of a bygone era, while still welcoming visitors with modern amenities.
 
One of the highlights of our visit was taking the delightful little funicular railway to the top of Góra Parkowa. The “Góra Parkowa train,” as it is affectionately known, has been carrying visitors up the hill since 1937. The ride, though short, is a journey into another world: as we ascended, the panorama of Krynica opened up below us, bathed in spring light. At the top, we strolled around the Parkowa Mountain Park, enjoying the views, the fresh mountain air, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature.
 
Back in the centre of Krynica, we wandered through its beautifully preserved streets. The architecture of the town is a feast for the eyes—an eclectic blend of Art Nouveau, Swiss-style wooden villas, and historic spa houses. Among the gems are the Old Spa House (Stary Dom Zdrojowy) with its grandiose façade, and the picturesque Wooden Pump Room (Pijalnia Główna), where visitors can still sample the town’s famous mineral waters. Every corner of Krynica seemed to whisper stories of its golden age, when it was frequented by writers, artists, and aristocrats seeking health and inspiration.
 
After spending a few wonderful hours exploring, we decided to extend our adventure and return to Nowy Sącz via Muszyna, driving along the enchanting road that hugs the Polish-Slovak border. The scenery was breathtaking—gentle hills, dense forests, and the winding Poprad River creating a serene landscape that felt untouched by time.
 
On the way, we passed through Żegiestów, a once-renowned spa town that shares the same cultural and geographical tapestry as Krynica. Żegiestów, like much of this border region, is steeped in a rich, complex history, blending Polish, Slovak, and Lemko traditions. Though quieter than Krynica today, its old spa buildings and natural beauty hint at its former splendour. The entire Polish-Slovak borderland is an area of unique charm, where cultures meet and nature reigns supreme.
 
As we drove home, with the sun slowly setting behind the hills, both Mum and I felt a deep sense of contentment. It had been a simple day, but a profoundly beautiful one—a celebration of family, spring, and the deep roots that connect us to home.
 
This trip to Krynica was not just a lovely excursion; it was the perfect beginning to my holiday, a gentle and heartwarming reminder of the simple joys that matter most.

Click here to access the album.

Okecie Airport, Warsaw, Poland, April 2025

In April 2025, I embarked on a long-awaited month-long holiday, a journey that would take me from Caracas, Venezuela, to my hometown of Nowy Sącz in Poland. This album captures the essence of that journey through the airports I passed along the way—each one a gateway not just to another destination, but to emotions, memories, and small rituals that have accompanied me throughout my life.
 
Airports have always been an integral part of my story. They are places where excitement and nostalgia intertwine, where the thrill of new adventures meets the bittersweetness of departures and reunions. I love airports for the promise they hold—the unknown that lies just beyond the gate—and for the simple joy of people-watching: observing countless stories unfolding in every smile, every farewell, every hurried step.
 
The journey began at Caracas International Airport (Simón Bolívar International Airport), often referred to simply as Maiquetía. With its chaotic charm, it mirrors the spirit of Venezuela itself—vibrant, sometimes unpredictable, but always full of life. As I waited for my flight, the Caribbean breeze sneaking into the terminal reminded me how close Caracas lies to the sea, and how departures from here always feel a little more tropical, a little more emotional.
 
Next came Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport), my gateway into Europe. Lisbon’s airport, though modest in size compared to some major hubs, carries a warmth and friendliness that reflects Portugal’s character. It feels less like a machine and more like a welcoming parlour, where the smell of coffee and pastel de nata sweetens even the longest layovers. Passing through Lisbon, I could sense the Atlantic’s spirit, the legacy of explorers who once sailed into the unknown.
 
From Lisbon, I flew into Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland’s busiest and most important air hub. Named after the beloved composer, the airport strikes a balance between modern efficiency and a distinctly Polish soul. Walking through its corridors, I felt an overwhelming sense of returning to my roots—the familiar language, the familiar faces, the rhythm of life that, no matter how far I travel, always pulls me back. Warsaw’s airport is like Poland itself: proud, resilient, and deeply human.
 
The final leg of my air journey took me to Kraków John Paul II International Airport, a place smaller but filled with a special kind of warmth. Kraków’s airport feels almost personal, reflecting the historic city it serves. It carries with it a sense of tradition, quiet dignity, and a hint of excitement, knowing that home lies just beyond the horizon. Landing there felt like stepping through a portal from my wider world travels into the embrace of my own past and present.
 
And finally, after these many transitions, I reached my destination: Nowy Sącz. The town where my roots are deepest, where every corner tells a story of family, growth, and belonging.
 
This album, with its snapshots from terminals and gates, is not just about the airports themselves. It is about the movement they represent—the in-betweens that shape our journeys as much as the destinations do.

Click here to access the album.