Download Episode! Being a lazy workaholic propelled Artemy to become one of the world's most traveled people Artemy had exploration in his DNA. As a kid he traveled the metro in Moscow visiting scores of different theaters, satisfying his passion of cinema as well as exploring the nooks and crannies of his city. As an adult, he made a pact with himself ensuring that at least once a month he would partake on a trip, whether the neighboring town or across the world. This led him to be ranked 25th on the Nomad Mania list. Artemy is a very popular and successful blogger in Russia. Artemy organizes incredible contests and trips on behalf of his fans. He has brought his fans on explorations of the Pacific via a yacht. Another adventure had Artemy driving in the dead of winter to Norilsk. Norilsk is a city located north of the Arctic Circle and is in essence an island. It is typically reached via airplane or ship. Artemy and his crew traveled overland for two weeks covering 1000 km on non-existent roads partaking on an epic roadtrip. Artemy was also a member of the now infamous expedition to Bouvet Island which included William Baekeland. Artemy touches on his experiences with William during and after the trip. Artemy joined me from Moscow while I was in Boston, please join in and listen to today's episode. And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Check out our friends: Chasing 193, Volume II: The Quest To Visit Every Country In The World and Large Minority. They organize international rallies around the world including: Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Philippines and the Amazon. More about Artemy Lebedev : Born in: Moscow, Russia Passports from: Russia Favorite travel book: Robinson Crusoe Favorite travel film: The Secret LIfe of Walter Mitty Favorite websites: Wikitravel Must carry: plug adaptor for the US Favorite food: Steak Favorite drink: Dry red wine Favorite airline: Turkish Airlines Favorite hotel: Hotel De La Paix, Siem Reap, before the renovation. Facebook: Facebook Website: Tema Map: Nomad Mania Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today!! 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 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Nomad Mania states that there are 1281 unique 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. Check out our partner and sponsor: Chasing 193, Volume II: The Quest To Visit Every Country In The World. Explore the unique stories from 20 more world-class travelers from various backgrounds and nations and from all walks of life who have tirelessly pursued visiting every country in the world and have filled their lives with a virtually endless amount of adventure. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.