From Nothing to Everything: Backpackers Journey

From Nothing to Boundless Backpacking Adventures

My journey didn’t start with privilege or comfort—it began in the chaos of a broken home. My parents separated when I was two, and I grew up in an alcoholic household where violence was an everyday reality. At six years old, I became a caretaker for my younger sister, trying to shield her from the turmoil of our home. With a stepfather who brought danger into our lives and a mother often absent, I learned early what it meant to grow up too fast.

By the age of 13, I had moved to a public children’s home because living with either of my parents was no longer safe. Though I found refuge there, my challenges were far from over. At 18, I became a father, only to lose the chance to be in my son’s life—a heartbreak that still stays with me. Yet, these struggles didn’t define me—they shaped me into the resilient person I am today.

Breaking Barriers and Finding My Path

Despite the odds, I was determined to rewrite my story. At 21, I fought tirelessly against my father’s relentless attempts to crush my dreams and proved him wrong by enrolling in university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business. Although I completed only one year before accepting a high-paying job in Helsinki, Finland’s capital, it was a step toward proving to myself that my circumstances would never define or limit my potential.

In Helsinki, I gained recognition for addressing one of Finland’s most pressing issues—loneliness. My project brought media attention, and for a time, I became a public figure. But success didn’t bring happiness. My mind was always on my son, and I realized my life wasn’t fulfilling.

The Turning Point: Leaving It All Behind

Before moving to Helsinki, I made a promise to myself: if I ever left the city, I’d leave the country entirely. When the weight of my unhappiness became too much, I uploaded my CV to a public database with no real expectations. To my surprise, Netflix reached out with an opportunity, despite my limited English skills at the time. It was the chance I needed to take a leap of faith and embark on a journey that would change my life forever.

8 Years on the Road

For the past seven years, I’ve been traveling nonstop, without ever returning home. If you’re familiar with Polarsteps, I started using it in Sri Lanka in November 2023. In just one year, as of November 2024, I’ve covered an astonishing 42,000 kilometers—literally crossing the globe. It makes me wonder: if I’d tracked my travels from the very beginning, how many times would I have circled the Earth by now? Perhaps only the universe knows the answer.

Global Footprints

I’ve explored 20 countries so far. While that number might not seem high, my philosophy is rooted in depth, not speed. To truly understand a culture, its religion, society, and even the soul of its cities, one must take the time to immerse oneself. I’ve chosen to stay longer in each place, embracing the environment and connecting with people on a deeper level, instead of rushing from one destination to another.

Crazy Adventures

My travels are filled with unforgettable, heart-pounding adventures that will finally be revealed on this blog. From narrowly escaping imprisonment, standing face-to-face with a gun pointed at me, and even finding myself inside a mafia and gangster’s houses multiple times—my stories are anything but ordinary. These are just the beginning of what I’ll share with you. Prepare for thrilling tales that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, giving you moments of shock, wonder, and inspiration as you dive into the secrets I’ve held close—until now.

This webpage and blog were inspired by the encouragement of my closest friends—those who know me best. Time and time again, they’ve told me, “You need to write a book about your stories!” While a book may come one day, for now, I’ve chosen to share these extraordinary experiences here, hoping to inspire, entertain, and perhaps even inspire you to take that leap of faith, embrace the risks, and live every moment as if it were your last day—because the greatest stories are written outside your comfort zone. This is where my wildest adventures come to life for you to explore.

Beyond The Backpackers Life

Unveiling the Universe’s Infinite Possibilities

During the COVID lockdown, I found myself stuck on the island of Malta for three years. Those years, though challenging, became a time of deep reflection and growth—but they were also some of the hardest of my life. In the isolation of lockdown, I began to lose myself. Instead of facing the pain of the past, I tried to escape it, turning to unhealthy habits and substances as a way to numb the struggle. Life didn’t slow down for reflection—it became a blur as I ran from the feelings I needed to confront. Looking back, it feels like I lost three years of my life to that darkness.

Now, when I look back on those years, I see them for what they were: a harsh but necessary lesson. While I lost so much, I also gained clarity. And through it all, Claire’s words still echo in my mind: "In Life, there are no limits, the only limits are in our head". It took me years to understand what she truly meant, but now I see it clearly.. The universe is vast, and the only barriers are the ones we place on ourselves.

In Life, there are no limits, the only limits are in our head

Travel Gallery

The images are presented in chronological order, tracing my growth and the development of my artistic expression from the very beginning of my backpacking life.

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to connect? Reach out to share your travel stories or seek advice on the nomadic lifestyle.

If my story resonated with you, or if you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts, I’m always open to conversation. You can find me on Instagram where I share more about my daily life, travels, projects, and inspiring moments. Come say hi, share your thoughts, or follow along on my journey—it would be great to connect with you!