What does it take to really know a place? 

When Jordan Salama arrived in Colombia for the first time, he realized immediately that it was a country that was deeply misunderstood. For a place so often associated with violence, Jordan found himself in a country teeming with rugged beauty, welcoming communities, vibrant music, and astonishing art. 

Jordan wanted to dive deeper. To do so, he heeded the advice of locals, who told him that to really know Colombia, he needed to sail along the Magdalena River. The Magdalena is the beating heart of Colombia’s countryside, flowing all the way from soaring southern peaks to windswept northern shores. And while Jordan suspected that he would gain a deeper understanding of Colombia, he had no idea how profoundly it would change his life. 

Along the way, he befriended people whose passions had carried them both hundreds of miles into the countryside and no farther than their front porch; he slogged through mud and paddled in canoes; he held tightly to wind-whipped kites and spun to music, dancing the lines between fable and reality. 

Whether you already know Colombia or you’re curious to learn more, Jordan's story will open your eyes and touch your heart in unexpected ways.  

HIGHLIGHTS 

- Trek into the far reaches of Colombia’s rugged jungles, traveling to archaeological sites that are only reachable on foot or on horseback 

- Meet the world-famous Biblioburro, Colombia’s one-man (and two-donkey) roaming library 

- Ride the unusual motobalinera, an improvised mode of transport you’ll have to hear to believe 

- Come face to face with nature in a hair-raising encounter with Pablo Escobar’s wild hippos 

- Journey to dreamlike town of Mompox, the fabled inspiration behind Gabriel García Marquez’s Macondo 

- Experience the joys, sorrows, and wonders of Colombia, perhaps the most misunderstood country in the world 

FIND JORDAN 
Follow Jordan’s work at jordansalama.com, where you’ll find links to his articles in National Geographic, The New York Times, and more. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok @jordansalama19. As you’ll hear in this episode, Jordan is a beautiful writer and his book, Every Day the River Changes, is an incredible read. There are some great stories in there that didn’t make it into the episode, so grab your copy at your local bookstore or online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon! 

SPONSORS 
A HUGE thank you to our new and incredible sponsor, The North Face, for supporting this episode! When you wear The North Face, it’s more than a jacket…it’s the calling to get out there and explore. Find your next fleece, parka, or winter jacket at thenorthface.com. 

And thank you to our other amazing sponsor, Juggernaut Wines! Get four bottles of their delicious wines delivered to your home for only 1 cent in shipping costs. Just head over to juggernautwines.com and type in the code ARMCHAIR21.

SOCIAL 
Share the show with your friends! Follow @armchairexplorerpodcast across Instagram and Facebook, and check out Armchair Explorer's website for background videos, photos and more on each episode. And please hit that follow button to support the show!