Matan is a landscape photographer and filmmaker who likes to travel. He is 27 years old and one day decided to leave everything and go on a journey around the world. He has recently launched his Youtube channel and his first project, “Matan’s Journey – Inception.”
Let’s hear his story…
I’m just a regular guy who decided to listen to the heart and follow the dreams. So at age 27, I left everything and set out on a journey around the world.
My connection to nature began years ago. Since I was a little boy. I grew up in a family who like to travel a lot and used to spend time in nature together. When I was 8 years old, we began to travel overseas. Almost every year, we were renting an RV and just travel to the most beautiful places. That’s where I started to fall in love with our earth. My eyes opened to different landscapes, different people, cultures. I wanted more and more. So at a very young age, my main dream was to leave everything one day and just travel around the world.
But sometimes, there is a gap between your dreams and reality. At age 18, I was recruited to the army for several years. At this time, I also lost my best friend. After I finished my service, the only thing I wanted is clear my head from everything. So I packed a backpack and hiked 500 km by myself in the arctic circle. Armed with a tent, sleeping bag, and food for one month on my bag. It was a journey that changed my life. It was only my mother nature. I felt alive.
After this journey, I came back home, moved to the big city, and went to university. I studied politics and international relations. I had an apartment, car, job. I had “everything.” but actually, I felt empty. It was the same routine every day. I felt I’m participating in a race. Race of life. And I started asking myself questions, like what are we actually chasing after in this race?
Is it money? Luxury? Class? I didn’t want to participate in this race. I knew it isn’t for me.
My parents always told me, “collect experiences, not stuff.” So I decided to follow my heart and make my dream come true. It was the same old dream. It hasn’t gone nowhere.
So I packed two duffel bags, with all my photography & filmmaking gear, and bought a one-way ticket to a journey around the world. Now I’m here in Costa Rica, and a few days ago released my first episode on my new Youtube channel called ‘Matan’s Journey.’
I want to inspire people to not afraid of doing what they love.
So, I am inviting you all to be part of my journey. Feel free to contact me on Instagram @matansjourney. You can also drop me an email at matansjourney@gmail.com.
Thank you so much, Matan, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!