Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----Hey now… Thank you for joining me on Counting Countries. I'm your host, Ric Gazarian, . On today's episode, I welcome Adam Hickman to Counting Countries. Adam is on a mission to visit every country before he turns 40 and moving to the UAE opened up many travel opportunities. Before I introduce Adam, a quick reminder that Counting Countries is now partnered with Patreon. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that's you, to support creators, and that is me creating Counting Countries. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and be able to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. So for example, some benefits are extended interviews. Some Patrons are able to listen to an exclusive Counting Countries Extra with former guests Sal Lavallo or Lexie Alford. And a reminder, Counting Countries is offering its first group tour to Bhutan on November 7th. This is a great agenda which I consulted on and helped create. I have been to Bhutan three times and looking forward to returning for a fourth time. Besides seeing amazing things like Tiger's Nest and the Punakha Dzong, I have scheduled this trip to coincide with two festivals. I have also negotiated a daily $25 discount from the mandated government minimums. Please go to GlobalGaz.com to see more information as well as disclosures. Adam had thoughts of travel as a kid as he studied maps and spun globes. His dream of traveling to every country became more concrete, when he left the UK to work in Dubai. Using Dubai as a hub he supercharged his travels racking up countries. Adam shares with us recent visits to Syria and Yemen. And shares an amusing anecdote traveling with fellow 193ers and the police in Sao Tome and Principe. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify and write a review, hopefully a positive one. But for now, here's my conversation with Adam while I was recording in Bangkok and Adam was in UAE. A special thanks to Adam for his patience as we encountered too many technical difficulties. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Bisa Myles, Ted Nims & Ryan Gazder. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase today on Amazon. And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friend: Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. And watch my full length documentary in Cambodia when I traveled with Large Minority. More about Adam Hickman: Born in: Northamptonshire, UK Passports from: UK Favorite travel film: The Way or The Motorcycle Diaries (only subtitled film I've ever watched) Favorite travel site: Country Counter, Check my Trips, flightdiary.net Must carry: Camera & Lenses - Sony A630 Favorite drink: Water (non alcoholic) Gin & Tonic (alcoholic) Website: Hick Hiker Instagram: Hick Hiker About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who've spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter's Dance, written, performed, and provided by Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 226 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 327 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1281 regions. SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world. Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Check out our friend and his new book: The Curious Case of William Baekeland William is a former guest of Counting Countries. Harry Mitsidis, the author and extreme traveler, traces William's arrival and unraveling in the travel community. It is a story worthy of a film … and this book. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.