Piotr Polo Przywarski recounts his most extreme experiences – from being the target of threats in Haiti to sleeping in a village in Samoa – to show that real travel is not a beach, but stepping out of your comfort zone and confronting the unknown.
2
According to him, Haiti is the worst place he has visited: he lived in a brothel, encountered aggression and threats every day, and never found any beauty there – he recommends no one go there for 10,000 PLN in flights.
3
In contrast, he describes Iran and Afghanistan as countries where people are incredibly kind, but the regime and the Taliban take away freedom – especially from women – yet a traveler feels safer there than on tourist beaches.
4
His approach to relationships has shifted from casual sex to seeking deeper connection; the swingers club episode and reflections on Asian vs. Latina women show that maturity made him focus on emotions, not just physicality.
Protocols
Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why
5 items
Samoa – accepting an invitation from a stranger at the airport
WhatWhen a local elderly woman offered him a place to sleep in her village home, Piotr agreed and spent the night at the tribal chief's, despite the lack of comfort and language.
WhenDuring a long layover between flights in Samoa, when he was alone at the airport.
DoseOne night's stay, but a cultural experience for a lifetime.
For whomBrave travelers who trust their intuition in a safe environment (Piotr decided the older woman posed no threat).
WhyIt gave him an authentic experience with the local community, a treat, beads around his neck and exceptional hospitality he wouldn't have received in a hotel.
CaveatsIt requires stepping out of your comfort zone; it involves risk (a stranger, the end of the world), but Piotr emphasizes it was worth it.
Piotr stayed at the airport after arriving from American Samoa, because he had a 12-hour wait for his next flight. He didn't want to pay for a hotel and taxi, so he laid out his sleeping bag. An elderly woman approached him and asked if he needed help. At first he thought she was offering a taxi, but it turned out her husband was a taxi driver and could take him to their village. The woman insisted he couldn't sleep at the airport because there was no food. He went with them, was hosted in a real Samoan village – he received beads around his neck, a staff as a symbol of a guest, a mat was spread for him on the floor. Although he slept poorly (bitten by mosquitoes) and didn't rest well, he recalls it as one of his most beautiful adventures. If he had gone to a hotel, he wouldn't have this story. Piotr notes that not everyone would agree, but that's what creates an adventure.
Personal experience
Piotr tells in detail how he thought it was a taxi offer, and then understood they were inviting him to their home. He describes the food, welcome symbols and night on the mat.
It was beautiful, because they invited me into their home, I slept somewhere there … I didn't get a good night's sleep at all, but … it was about that beautiful adventure, that I sat with those people, we barely talked. … they invited me, offered me food, gave me those beads.
Also said
“If I had gone to a hotel, I wouldn't have had such a story, such an adventure.”— Highlights the value of spontaneous hospitality.
Avoiding alcohol while traveling – how not to drink and keep a sober mind
WhatPiotr completely avoids alcohol, which helps him avoid dangers, maintain energy and make better decisions (e.g., in clubs or on the street).
WhenThroughout his travels, especially in places with alcohol (Thailand, South America).
DoseA permanent habit – zero alcohol.
For whomAnyone who wants to stay safe and healthy while traveling, especially solo.
WhySobriety gives him control, prevents him from becoming a victim (e.g., he won't be lured into a trap with ladyboys) and helps him react faster in difficult situations. Alcohol weakens vigilance and recovery.
CaveatsIt can hinder integration in some cultures where drinking is the norm, but Piotr manages anyway.
Piotr repeatedly emphasizes he doesn't drink alcohol. In the context of the swingers club, he says he was tense because he wasn't drinking and couldn't open up – yet he sees it as an advantage, because he avoided the drama that affected his companion. In Haiti or Afghanistan he could quickly assess threats and avoid provocation. The decision to abstain also stems from his lifestyle – he wants to stay fit, runs and is preparing for a marathon. He doesn't judge others, but for himself he decided it's the key to safety.
Mechanism
Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reactions, worsens sleep and recovery. In an unfamiliar environment, any mistake can cost health or life.
Personal experience
Piotr tells how in Thailand, thanks to sobriety, he recognized a ladyboy, which saved him from an awkward situation. In the swingers club, it was he who kept calm when the girl got drunk.
I am a sober person. I have a sober mind and, so to speak, I don't let myself be caught by any hook.
Also said
“I don't drink alcohol, I guess I couldn't open up to that extent.”— He admits it limited him in the club, but ultimately it was a plus.
Safety rules in favelas – what not to do to stay alive
WhatDon't record when riding a mototaxi, don't film drug dealers or weapons; keep your phone in your pocket, don't wear jewelry; don't provoke; stick to the 'tourist' favelas where tours are available.
WhenDuring a visit to favelas in Rio de Janeiro.
DoseFollow throughout your stay.
For whomBrave travelers who, despite fear, want to see real life in the favelas.
WhyGangs don't want problems – following these rules guarantees they won't do anything to you, because an attack on a tourist means police intervention and a shootout.
CaveatsNot all favelas are safe – Piotr advises choosing the two tourist ones or going with a local. Not following the no-filming rule can be very dangerous.
Piotr explains that the favelas are ruled by commandos (gangs) that control particular neighborhoods. They don't allow the sale of hard drugs, only marijuana. The police know what's going on, but don't intervene unless there's an incident with a tourist. That's why the locals are interested in protecting him. The rule 'no filming drug deals or guns' is crucial – if you film something inappropriate, you can be punished. While riding mototaxi you also can't film, because it reveals routes and faces. Piotr rode around the favelas with his phone in his pocket and was safe.
Mechanism
The deterrent mechanism: media attention would bring in the heavy police (BOPE), which benefits no one. The gangs have an interest in keeping things peaceful.
Personal experience
Piotr himself was in a small favela and felt the gaze of the residents, but no one bothered him because they knew he was 'one of us' or at least harmless. He also described a conversation with a Brazilian about the lack of prospects for children from the favela.
As long as you follow the rules, as long as you don't walk around with that phone, don't flash it, don't record God knows where, then no. ... They know that if they harm you, ... the police will roll in right away. They prefer to keep the peace.
Also said
“You can't record while riding a mototaxi. … don't record when the guys are dealing, when the guys have guns.”— Specific prohibitions he repeats.
Testing a relationship through extreme travel instead of beach lounging
WhatTake your partner on a demanding trek or backpacking trip, where the worst emotions will surface – if the relationship survives it, it means it's solid.
WhenAt the beginning of a serious relationship, before deciding on marriage.
DoseA few days to several weeks of demanding travel (e.g., Nepal, mountains).
For whomFor couples planning a long-term relationship, especially before marriage.
WhyOn the beach everything is easy and pleasant, but true character comes out in crisis. Overcoming difficulties together builds trust and lets you know your partner in their worst moments.
CaveatsNot everyone likes extreme conditions; it's a method for active and mentally resilient people. It can destroy a weak relationship, but Piotr considers it a valuable test.
Piotr says he'd like to take his future partner on an exhausting expedition, e.g., to Nepal. In his opinion, lying on the beach together doesn't show real reactions – only when lack of sleep, fatigue, hunger and stress kick in do you see who you're with. If despite that they overcome the difficulties together, they'll probably handle everyday problems back in Poland. It's a philosophy he intends to follow when looking for a wife.
Personal experience
Piotr doesn't share his own relationship tests, but says he plans to do so. He relies on observations of other travelers.
It's worth taking a woman who could be your future wife, for example, to a place where, so to speak, if it doesn't destroy your relationship, nothing else should.
Also said
“When you go somewhere to Nepal, on a tough trek, where you see your partner at your worst emotionally, physically… and if that doesn't destroy you, then… ideal partner.”— Turns general advice into a concrete example.
How to travel cheaply – budget methods with a backpack
WhatUsing hitchhiking, CouchSurfing, sleeping in a hammock or tent in the wild, choosing cheap destinations and traveling with a small backpack.
WhenWhen the budget is tight, especially at the beginning of your travel career.
DoseA constant saving strategy.
For whomYoung, beginning travelers, students, people on a low budget.
WhyProves that lack of money is not an obstacle if you really want to travel. He himself started on a very low budget and wanted to show young people that it's possible.
CaveatsIt requires giving up comfort, flexibility and acceptance of risk (e.g., wild camping in unfamiliar terrain). Not every country is suitable for wild camping.
Piotr recalls that his first trips were very cheap – he bought tickets for 200 PLN, slept at people's homes for free, hitchhiked. He didn't pack many things to avoid weight and travel light, chose warm countries so he wouldn't need jackets. Today, even though he earns more, he still respects money and rarely spends on unnecessary things. He believes if someone says they can't afford to travel, they're making excuses – there are plenty of opportunities.
Personal experience
Piotr tells how he started – manual labor in Berlin, a broken-down car, and then the decision to go to Asia with his last money. His first trip was a spur of the moment and he immediately used cheap options.
You can go with a backpack, you can hitchhike, you can sleep on people's couches via CouchSurfing, you can sleep, I don't know, somewhere in the wild, in the forest, a hammock, a tent, whatever. There are plenty of ways. If someone just wants to go, they will go.
What's new
Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions
5 items
Haiti – the hardest place to be and a declaration he'll never return
Piotr describes Haiti as a country where he found no beauty, and daily experienced verbal and physical aggression, throat-slitting threats, living in a brothel, and mass insults. He states he recommends it to no one.
Why this matters: It's the harshest and most personal criticism of a country he voices; he opposes narratives showing only nice beaches and emphasizes that showing the truth is more important.
Background
The media often portray Haiti as a poor but exotic Caribbean country. Piotr went there to check if one could show its beauty.
Piotr recounts in detail his week in Haiti. Already during booking he encountered a scam – the address was fake, and the house turned out to be a 'brothel by the hour' where locals brought women. The owner tried to rip him off with a 100-dollar taxi ride, while the normal price was 7 dollars. On the very first day at the market a young boy showed him a throat-slitting gesture, and throughout his stay 60–70% of people he met insulted him, spat at his feet and blocked his way. The climax was a visit to the Citadel, where hundreds of young people, mostly drunk men, harassed him out of jealousy over girls who wanted to take photos with him. Piotr believes Haitians provoked him to start a fight and beat him up. He tried to run among the garbage to release tension, but that also met with aggression. Despite attempts, he couldn't reach a voodoo ceremony – no one wanted to invite him. Ultimately he concludes Haiti is too expensive (10,000 PLN for flights), dangerous and not worth going – better to spend the money on a beautiful vacation anywhere else.
Personal experience
Piotr tells how the first night he slept in a motel that was a brothel, how every day he faced hostility ('blan kaka' – white shit, throat-slitting gestures), and at the Citadel he was the target of the rage of hundreds of young men. He says: 'I was already boiling… I didn't let myself be crushed and they saw that'. At the end of the trip, the same boy from the motel accompanied him to the market and was also harassed. Piotr admits he's never felt so bad in any country.
Haiti is a miserable place and I recommend no one go there. I recommend no one spend their hard-earned money just to feel bad, to feel harassed, to feel psychologically and I think maybe even physically oppressed.
Also said
“I come to the market, buy bananas, nuts and a little boy approached me and showed me like this, you know, that he'd slit my throat. I'm like: 'Oh fuck, it's probably not going to be pretty'.”— Recounts the moment when the threat became literal and personal.
“60–70% of people I passed walking to the Citadel and back simply insulted me, called me names, and they followed me, you know, trying to fuck me up.”— Shows the scale of collective aggression, not a single incident.
Swingers club – an adventure without a happy ending and a change of approach to casual encounters
Piotr describes his only visit to a swingers club, which ended with the girl he was with crying and a fight. He admits he stopped deriving pleasure from casual sex and increasingly wants a steady partner.
Why this matters: A personal confession of a traveler known for romantic adventures, showing his evolution from seeking thrills to emotional maturity.
Background
Piotr previously talked a lot about meeting women while traveling and didn't shy away from adventures. His book contains a story about 'relationships without a happy ending'.
Piotr went to the swingers club with a girl he met, who herself suggested they try. He was curious, but tense, because he doesn't drink alcohol and it was hard for him to open up. The club looked normal, but had a separate room with a one-way mirror where couples had sex. His companion, after a few drinks, started accusing him of looking at another woman, even though he wasn't. At the climax, when he suggested doing something wild, she accused him that 'that whore in red' caught his eye and told him to go to her. When another man refused her oral sex, the situation worsened. After returning to the hotel, the woman cried for three hours. Piotr concludes that such adventures often end badly and that he increasingly values deeper relationships. He says casual sex stops being fun as he enters the age of 35 and dreams of a family.
Personal experience
Piotr tells the whole story in detail – from the invitation, through the club atmosphere, to the argument with the girl. He emphasizes he wasn't drinking and was tense, and her behavior was shocking to him. It reinforced to him that casual sex without emotional connection gives no satisfaction.
Such casual encounters give me less and less pleasure. … maybe I'd like to spend time with someone and have a steady partner somewhere out there.
Also said
“When writing my book, I also wanted to show that this happens, that not every encounter ends with a happy ending, literally and figuratively.”— Points to a broader message: male weaknesses and sexual failures are a taboo subject.
“She downs three drinks… She started crying and I'm like 'fuck, there's drama'. … I say 'just let's do something', you said it yourself. And she again… says do you want me to do something, should I blow someone, and I say fuck, we're in a swingers club, do what you want.”— Captures the chaos and failure of the visit.
Iran and Afghanistan – a travel contrast between the people and the regime
Despite the media image of the regime and war, Piotr experienced tremendous warmth and the beauty of women in Iran, and in Afghanistan – normal people longing for freedom, even though the Taliban forbid women basic rights.
Why this matters: Demythologizes the image of these countries, showing that ordinary people are hospitable, and oppression comes from the regime, not the culture.
Background
Piotr visited Iran before the latest escalation of the conflict. In the media, Iran is a repressive regime, and Afghanistan under the Taliban is a country without women's rights.
In Iran Piotr felt 'incredibly safe' even at night. Young Iranians don't want the regime, secretly drink date alcohol, go to parties, women have tattoos and don't wear headscarves whenever they can. In his opinion, they are among the three most hospitable nations in the world. In Afghanistan under Taliban rule, physical safety is better (no fighting), but women's rights have been drastically restricted – they can't study after 6th grade, go to parks, listen to music, or even play chess. He himself attended a wedding where men's and women's halls were separate, and the only entertainment for women was music. He also told about an incident with a Taliban guard who yelled at a woman for not wearing a headscarf. Despite that, ordinary Afghans are kind and hospitable. Piotr emphasizes that you need to separate the regime from the people and then you can feel good there.
Personal experience
In Iran Piotr flirted with girls who had tattoos and weren't afraid of contact; in a postcard shop he bought four packs because he was fascinated by the seller's beauty. In Afghanistan he smiled at women, but quickly realized he shouldn't. At the wedding it was boring and without music. A Taliban demanded money from him, and he didn't want to pay because they were forbidden to give. He accidentally slammed the door on his legs.
If we don't look from the perspective of that regime and the fear of that regime, we will feel very good, because I felt fantastic.
Also said
“In Afghanistan women, in my opinion, are treated worse than animals there. … the Taliban are terribly afraid of women, … an educated person will defend themselves.”— Explains his interpretation of the Taliban's policy towards women.
Favelas vs. Copacabana – the safety paradox
Piotr felt safer in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro than on the tourist beach of Copacabana, because the gangs maintain order and don't want police intervention, while on the beach theft is common and goes unpunished.
Why this matters: Challenges the common belief that slums are the most dangerous, showing that the local 'authority' has an interest in avoiding publicity.
Background
The media portray favelas as a place ruled by drug gangs and dangerous for outsiders. Meanwhile many people avoid Copacabana because of petty crime.
Piotr explains that in the favelas there are unwritten rules: you cannot film drug dealers or guns, you cannot record while riding a mototaxi. The gangs keep order and forbid hard drugs – you can only buy marijuana. If a tourist follows these rules, they are safe, because an attack on them would mean the police rolling in with heavy equipment and a shootout, which suits no one – not the police, not the residents. On Copacabana, on the other hand, no one watches over criminals, so the risk of having your phone or chain snatched is many times higher. Piotr emphasizes that he himself walked around with his phone in his pocket and nothing happened to him, whereas on the beach robberies happen often.
Personal experience
Piotr says: 'I felt much safer in the favela than on Copacabana'. He recalls hearing a story from a Brazilian who said that kids from the favela see dealers with motorcycles worth 100,000 reais and choose easy money over a job paying 2,000.
I felt much safer in the favela than on Copacabana, which is a super-touristy beach and the probability of someone snatching your chain or robbing you of your phone on Copacabana is 10 times higher.
Also said
“As long as you follow the rules, as long as you don't walk around with that phone, don't flash it, don't record God knows where, then no.”— Key rule for staying safe in favelas.
“They know that if they harm you, … it will be on the internet right away, it will be loud right away, the police will roll in right away. They prefer to keep the peace.”— Explains the mechanism by which gangs maintain safety.
All inclusive is not rest – people come back more tired
Piotr criticizes all-inclusive vacations as an escape from problems, where tourists are drunk from morning to evening, return in a worse mental and physical state, and don't rest because alcohol doesn't provide regeneration.
Why this matters: Opposes the common Polish model of vacation, putting forward the thesis that such a trip is a waste of money and health.
Background
All inclusive in Egypt or Turkey is for many Poles synonymous with a vacation. Piotr says he himself has never traveled in such a form.
According to Piotr, on all inclusive 90% of people are drunk from morning to evening because alcohol is free. Even if someone drinks only 2-3 drinks a day and doesn't get drunk, the body doesn't rest because alcohol disrupts sleep and regeneration. People come home and immediately want to go away again because they haven't really rested – they feel mentally and physically tired. Piotr suggests it's a form of escape from problems, but ineffective, because after returning the problems come back and the condition is worse. In his view, a vacation should allow you to detach from everyday life without escaping into alcohol.
Personal experience
Piotr admits he has never been on an all inclusive and doesn't intend to. He plans his trips to be active – runs, explores and gets to know the culture, which gives him real rest.
People going on such vacations are partly, I'd say, an escape from problems, where people go to drink … and you come home in an even worse state, in my opinion.
Also said
“Even if you don't get into a state where you're actually drunk, the body won't rest. … you come home and say: 'Oh man, I'd love to go on vacation again'. … But you just got back.”— Shows the paradox of not resting despite returning from vacation.
Recommendations
Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode
1 item
Hitchhiking as free transport
Practice
Piotr encourages hitchhiking, especially when the budget is tight; he lists it alongside wild camping as an element of a cheap lifestyle.
Hitchhiking is fully legal and safe in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia or Latin America. Piotr probably used it himself, because he speaks of it naturally. For him it's not just saving money, but also a way to meet people and stories he later tells. He doesn't elaborate on safety rules in this interview, however.
vs alternatives
Compared to tourist buses, it's free and often faster over short distances, but requires time and trust.
Piotr repeatedly refers to his book, including when telling about the swingers club, about relationships without a happy ending, and about the beginnings of his travels. The second book was 'shadowbanned' by YouTube.
DisclosureThese are his authorial books, in which he describes, among other things, sexual failures and travel adventures. His own work.
Piotr has published at least two books. The first tells about his travels, the decision to quit his job and leave. The second, as he suggests, was somehow restricted by the platform (shadowban). He mentions that in the book he describes situations men usually don't talk about – e.g., that sex lasted 7 seconds or that not every adventure ends with a 'happy ending'. He wants to normalize male imperfections and encourage openness.
vs alternatives
Unlike typical travel guides, he focuses on failures and controversial situations, not just successes.
Personal experience
Piotr personally weaves a life story into the book narrative, saying: 'when writing my book, I also wanted to show that this happens'. He treats the book as his legacy.
When writing my book, I also wanted to show that this happens, that not every encounter ends with a happy ending, literally and figuratively.
Also said
“They shadowbanned my second book.”— Confirms the existence of a second book and problems with censorship.
Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased
4 items
Haiti is a miserable place and I recommend no one go there. I recommend no one spend their hard-earned money just to feel bad, to feel harassed, to feel psychologically and I think maybe even physically oppressed.
The strongest warning against a specific country that appears in the entire conversation.
If we don't look from the perspective of that regime and the fear of that regime, we will feel very good, because I felt fantastic.
The key to understanding why one can feel safe in Iran or Afghanistan.
Such casual encounters give me less and less pleasure. … maybe I'd like to settle down, maybe I'd like to spend time with someone and have a steady partner somewhere out there.
Revealing a shift in life priorities of a known traveler – from casual sex to looking for a wife.
In Afghanistan women, in my opinion, are treated worse than animals there. … the Taliban are terribly afraid of women, because an educated person will defend themselves, will protest, will want to resist.
A strong, vivid metaphor and at the same time an explanation of the Taliban's policy.
Sign in to share feedback
Tell us if this brief hit the mark or missed it — feedback feeds back into the next iteration of the prompt.
Reading is free for everyone. A free account adds the personal layer: save protocols, follow experts, and see how the other experts weigh in on this same topic.
Educational summary of the cited expert source — not medical advice. Open the source recording linked above and consult a qualified physician before acting on any protocol.
