Key Links -----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 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 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 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.    You can purchase today on Amazon. And now you can listen to ! And Alexa! And write a review! Check out our friend: .  They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon.  And watch my full length 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: Must carry: Camera & Lenses - Sony A630 Favorite drink: Water (non alcoholic) Gin & Tonic (alcoholic) Website: Hick Hiker Instagram: 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 . About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: , , and .  He is the producer of two travel documentaries: and .   Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has and keep up with his journey at How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are . The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are . The Century Club states that there are . The Most Traveled Person states that there are . The Nomad Mania SISO says there are .   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. Check out our friend and his new book:       Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.