✍️ A Short Story from Jordan: Selling Bitcoin, Longing, and the Unexpected

Five years ago, I sold some Bitcoin to fund a solo trip to Jordan.

I didn’t understand back then, nor that you could use Bitcoin as money.

At that point, I’d wiped my feet on the Bitcoin rabbit hole's doormat but hadn’t ventured further inside.

Anyway. I flew into Aqaba, rented a car, and headed north.

On the way to one of the Wonders of the World—Petra—I got caught in a uniquely dangerous snowstorm.

It was a surreal experience that taught me something unexpected: it can snow in the desert. ❄️🏜️

For some of these kids, it was their first time seeing snow.

I arrived at Petra armed with a series of podcasts about Wadi Rum's history.

I walked over 30,000 steps across what remains one of my favorite places in the world.

Listening to historians unravel the stories behind this ancient wonder made it all the more magical.

I didn’t need a guide, and I certainly didn’t need a donkey to get around, thanks to the podcasts. 🎧🐪

Petra is breathtaking—truly a must-visit.

From there, I drove north to the Dead Sea, from which you can see all the way to Israel.

I thought I'd go for a run along the absolutely mad coastline that's chock-full of salty rocks before going for a swim.

Fun fact: You can't actually swim in the Dead Sea.

I was the idiot who brought swimming goggles, thinking you could. Classic Brit.

Of course you can't swim—you're far too buoyant! 🤿🌊

I mooched about; I ate far too much surprisingly delicious Jordanian food, even finding Jordanian beer, before making my way back south, the trip complete.

Solo travel always leaves me thinking:

"This is amazing—but wouldn’t it be even better to share it with someone?"

And yet, here’s the kicker: the Bitcoin I sold to fund the trip would now be worth 12 times what it was.

I could be sitting on a cool £9,000 today. 9 THOUSAND POUNDS MY GOD.

Instead, I’ve got these damn, rather lovely memories.