Standing with Playa Venao

Sometimes, the most beautiful connections begin in places you never expected to find.

That is exactly how Playa Venao entered the picture during a trip through Panama. Over the past year, returning there several times has meant spending a lot of time in that special place. Through work as a Virtual Assistant, the freedom exists to work from different places around the world. That freedom has allowed me to discover unexpected corners, meet wonderful people, and build connections that mean so much to me.

Playa Venao became one of those unexpected corners for me. Hearing about it for the very first time, it was a place completely unknown to me. Coming across it by pure chance, it feels as though destiny was at play; it was impossible to imagine how closely connected my soul would become with this small corner of the world. A magical slice of jungle and beach that quickly started to feel like home. Filled with warm people who welcomed me back with a big smile, and who now hold a very special place in my heart.

So what is Venao to me? Picture waking up to the sounds of birds and monkeys, the stillness, and sunsets more stunning than I’ve ever seen anywhere else. Days start slowly there, and end in every colour imaginable. Time seems to move at its own pace. And the ocean is always there, ready to give you a moment of calm and let everything slide off your shoulders.

Those are my Venao vibes. The kind that never really leave you. Which is why it’s hard to see it hurting now.

When the earthquake struck Panama on 9 October, I wasn’t there. Thousands of kilometres stood between me and Venao. The news arrived very quickly, bringing an immediate sense of shock and worry. Out of pure instinct, checking in on loved ones was my first thought, just to make sure they were safe. Hearing their stories and seeing the pictures has been truly heartbreaking. There is still so much fear and uncertainty, and the aftershocks have continued. The damage to homes, accommodation and businesses is visible. But behind that damage are beautiful souls whose lives have been turned upside down.

For many of them, what they do is so much more than a job. It’s all about passion! Just like in my own life, their businesses were built out of dedication and a love for the happiness and freedom it brings. Now, that flow has been put on hold, leaving so much uncertainty about the coming days. Life goes on is easily said, but how do you move forward when nobody knows what the coming days will bring? Thoughts constantly drift to the people there, wondering what can be done from so far away. Caring this deeply about a place and its people means you can’t just look away. Doing nothing is simply not an option.

I can’t change what has happened, and I can’t take away the uncertainty. But perhaps I can do something, however small, to help. That is why I decided to start a fundraiser for the people and local businesses in Playa Venao and the surrounding area. More than anything, this is about reaching out, sharing this story, and bringing together people who want to support this community in whatever way they can. No matter the amount we raise, every single euro makes a world of difference.

Every bit of love, energy and support is so needed in this lovely small corner of the world.

If you feel moved to support the fundraiser, the link can be found here: WhyDonate – Een hart voor Playa Venao. (Note: the page is in Dutch, but very easy to navigate or translate).

Giving back to a place that means so much to me is simply the natural thing to do, holding onto the wish that its warmth, freedom, and beautiful smiles will soon return to the shores.