#6: Navigating Rebel Zones in Colombia
Colombia’s lush hills and thick jungles weren’t just beautiful—they were dangerous. As Karl ventured north, he entered regions shadowed by drug cartels, armed militias, and corrupt police who eyed him with suspicion. Checkpoints weren’t predictable.

Sometimes they were manned by government soldiers, and at other times by rebels pretending to be them. Karl relied on instinct, luck, and a borrowed smile to get through. Once, he talked his way past a checkpoint using only gestures and a calm demeanor. There was no backup, no escape plan. Every interaction could turn.
