Jordan - an extraordinary journey - Sebastian Cyranek - With the sparkle in the eye...

What an extraordinary journey it was! Our university's walls echoed with the tales of Sebastian Cyranek, a passionate traveler who, one afternoon, took us on a captivating journey to Jordan. His travelogue wasn’t just enriched with photos, films, and memories but was animated by the sparkle in his eyes, a testament to his passion.

Sebastian spent two months in Jordan, trekking 600 kilometers on foot. He walked for 40 days, occasionally aided by a mule and a rented car for shorter stretches. It was primarily a solitary journey that led him through the mesmerizing landscapes of Jordan. 🗺️

In a room filled with eager listeners, Sebastian shared tales of sleeping in caves, encountering the Bedouins' hospitality, and how their first question upon meeting was always, "how can I help you?" His stories highlighted that cultural differences and lifestyles do not hinder forming heartfelt connections, although understanding certain customs and rules is beneficial. For instance, the Bedouins do not have a concept of theft as they "borrow" each other's possessions, humorously illustrated by an incident where one "borrowed" Sebastian’s shoes.

🎒 The meeting also covered practical advice on how to pack a backpack for such an expedition to be as light as possible while ensuring safety, the challenges with water, and Sebastian’s view of Jordan as a safe country, highly recommended for travelers.

Among Sebastian's memories was a touching encounter with Mama Aida, an elderly woman who is also a popular TikToker! She welcomed him into her cave, feeding him and treating him as a son.

It was evident that Jordan left a profound impression on Sebastian. He admitted that looking at the photos makes him have “buttery eyes,” feeling a spiritual connection to the place and treating the Bedouins as brothers.

The meeting was full of surprises and curiosity not only for us. Sebastian was delighted to see a full room, among which he spotted a couple he met during his stay in Jordan! They traveled specifically to reunite with Sebastian and revisit their memories of those distant lands…

We thank everyone for this shared time, for the stories, photos, and films. Has this meeting changed anyone’s perspective on traveling? Or perhaps has it inspired someone to plan their own adventure?

It turns out one can stand at the Poznań airport, holding tickets for… 160 PLN, with a well-packed backpack, ready to fly straight into the adventure of a lifetime.

Sebastian Cyranek, thank you, and we wish you more journeys with that sparkle in your eye.