Backpacking Syria

Ayyyy welcome back to your fave travel podcast. Thanks for tuning in and getting yourself ready to make some MOVES with me. Let's get it!In Season 4 Episode 12, I am joined by Eli from Kansas City, Missouri. Eli—an adventurer who has traveled to more than 100 countries, always choosing curiosity over caution and firsthand experience over headlines.From the beginning, Eli realized that the world looks completely different when you step away from media narratives and instead listen to the people who live in the places you visit. That mindset has shaped his travels over the last few years, taking him to remote regions, misunderstood nations, and destinations far beyond the typical tourist path.What started as a simple love for geography and culture became a lifelong pursuit of authentic connection. Eli travels slowly and intentionally, focusing on conversations, shared meals, and everyday life. In today's episode Eli and I dive into his moves from earlier this year to a country that is always in the news for the wrong reasons- Syria. Syria, a place many are curious about but few truly understand from firsthand experience. Eli talks about what modern-day Syria is really like—from the hospitality of the people to the country’s complex history, vibrant food scene, safety on the ground, and the emotional experience of visiting a nation shaped by conflict yet full of beauty and resilience. Tune in today!To follow Eli's moves on social media: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠To join one of Eli's group expeditions:⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Follow the Makin Moves with Matt Podcast on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are looking for someone to give expert travel advice and book your next adventure, be sure to check out our Travel Agency- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Trusted Travelers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Did I mention we are FREE? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with your Host on Social MediaMatt:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Makin Moves with Matt:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Makin Moves with Matt: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠