Counting Countries

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today's episode, I welcome back Thor Pedersen to Counting Countries. Thor is on a mission to see every country in the world with several caveats; no airplane flights, at least 24 hours in every country, and will not return home until the mission is finished. Before I introduce Thor, I am reminding you 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 additional 20 minute interview with last month's guest, Petro. Or a five minute update from Fabio Cao, from former guest, who has finished every country in the world. 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. Thor appeared on Counting Countries when he was in country 115 in the Seychelles in the summer of 2016. His visit to Thailand, country 173, coincided with me being in Bangkok, and I took the opportunity to sit down with him to get updated on his saga. During this conversation, Thor shares the trials and tribulations of being on the road for nearly six years. He shares the challenges of attaining visas on the road, the generosity of strangers, and why he sometimes appears in photos without his bushy beard. 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 Thor, as we sat together in the Counting Countries studio in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Bisa Myles and 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 Thor Pedersen: Born in: The Kingdom of Denmark, in the high north of Europe Passports from: Denmark Favorite travel book: GRUK - about travel, by Piet Hein Favorite travel film: Into The Wild Favorite travel site: Google Maps Must carry: Pen, scarf, passport, smartphone, credit card Favorite food: A good pasta dish or: fresh fish and manioc near the sea in Central Africa (eaten with my hands and not with cutlery) Favorite drink: Milk (from Denmark) Favorite Airline: Haven't flown for years. Figure they are all the same more or less? Favorite Hotel: I've been thinking hard. I'm not sure I have one? But Best Western Plus: Lusaka Grand Hotel in Zambia if you push me. I had free accommodation and the staff was great! :) I like a few lodges and hostels...hotels haven't been a big part of this journey. Website: www.onceuponasaga.dk/ Facebook: Once-Upon-a-Saga-320287321444752/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/ 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 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.

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel Group Trip To Bhutan In November -----On today's episode, I welcome Sascha Grabow to Counting Countries. I noted Sascha's name on the top of the Nomad Mania's best traveled for quite some time. We spent numerous months scheduling this conversation taking into account our travels as well as some time that Sascha spent in prison in the Solomon Islands. Before I introduce Sascha, I am reminding you 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 additional 20 minute interview with last month's guest, Petro. Or a five minute update from Lexie Alford who has traveled to 185 countries. She is just 20 years old. And in other big news, 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 once again. Besides seeing amazing things like Tiger's Nest and the Punakha Dzong, I have scheduled this trip to coincide with two festivals that are taking place. 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. After Sascha's interview, I have a brief conversation with Deepak the founder of Raven Tours and Treks, who is rated #1 on TripAdvisor. Sascha has packed in an incredible amount of travel over his life, currently ranked number three on Nomad Mania. Sascha goes beyond traditional travel into the exploration category with feats like traversing the Darien Gap, between Panama and Columbia. Sascha shares with us how he overstayed his Angola transit visa by over 50 days but was saved by a well-connected aunt. He also tells us about being imprisoned on a remote island in the Solomons for over sixty days. That does not sounds like a pleasant travel experience to me. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. Adam Hickman, who himself is a prolific traveler with over 125 countries under his belt wrote: "A must listen for every country counter globally. Ric is doing a top job with every episode having a great structure, which offers easy listening. I'm well travelled, but the show is still very inspirational!" But for now, here's my conversation with Sascha, who was in Germany for the Christmas holidays while I was in Boston, home of the New England Patriots. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons …. Bisa Myles. 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! 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 Sascha Grabow: Born in: Germany Passport from: Favorite travel book: In 80 Days, Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Karl May Favorite travel film: Into The Wild Favorite app: Skyscanner Must carry: At least one book Instagram: Sascha Grabow Map: NomadMania Youtube: Sascha Grabow Flickr: Sascha Grabow Facebook: Sascha Grabow Website: Sascha Grabow 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 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.

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel -----I am announcing 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. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries. I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return. I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries. To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries. On another note, due to time constraints, Counting Countries will be publishing one episode a month starting in 2019. More about Petro Marais: Born in: Pretoria, South Africa Passport from: Australia Favorite travel book: Vagabonding Favorite travel film: Wild Favorite app: booking.com and Momondo Must carry: Phone and wallet Favorite food: Mexican Favorite drink: Late Machiotto Favorite Airline: Etihad Favorite Hotel: Ngoma Safari Lodge Instagram: Miss Petro Marais Blog: World Mission 196 On today's episode, I welcome Petro Marais to Counting Countries. Petro and I have been internet friends for over a year, as we are both fellow moderators in the Facebook group of Every Passport Stamp. We communicate on a frequent basis, but this was the first opportunity I had to really learn more about her life. Petro is a child of both South Africa and Australia where she spent her formative years, partaking in road trips in both countries with her family. After high school she entered the Australian Navy, spending eight years in the service. After leaving the Navy, her life of travel began in earnest. Petro shares with us her adventures in Somalia and Afghanistan, and the risks she took. She tells us why she loves Bhutan and considers it a special place. Petro talks about her frustration with Djibouti. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. Travel Buff wrote "Really love the concept of this podcast. Interesting to hear the stories of people who've explored so much and hear their thoughts on places I've never even heard of before. Do have to admit it gets a little "one note" after a while with people saying the same things to the same questions all the time. Would be good to see some of the show feature more people with unique angles like Danay Bustamante's dancing goal. LGBT travelers? Someone from a country with a weak passport? So many stories and angels to hear. Or even better to hear interviews of travelers that are chasing the goal of every country but have 50-100 visits and have them interviews from the middle of the struggle. Would be great to hear from people striving for it in addition to those that have done it or are pretty much done. Still, great podcast." See, I don't only read perfect reviews. Travel Buff, thanks for the feedback. To point out, I have interviewed many people in the 50-100 countries category, when you have a chance check out, George Kashouh, Randy Williams, Rick Shaver, and Mario Hardy and Petro today. In terms of unique goals or unique challenges, check out David Langan, who is mailing a postcard from every country, Thor, who is traveling to every country without flying, or Anthony William, who is traveling to them all in a wheelchair. I have also interviewed a couple of people from the LGBT community, but their sexual orientation was not a major part of their travel. And of course I added in a couple of travelers with weaker passports like Pong from Thailand, Anna and Artemy from Russia, and Danay began with a Cuban passport. There are 69 podcasts, so a lot of amazing travelers to check in with. I will see if I can mix up the questions a bit more to get some more variety. Remember to start of your New Year with an official Counting Countries t-shirt...head to Amazon to pick one up. And, as I mentioned before in the previous podcast, Counting Countries is part of Patreon.com. Patreon is a platform that allows patrons, that's you, to support creators, and that is me. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries. I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return. I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries. To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries. And a shoutout to Bisa Myles, Counting Country's first patron. You can check out Bisa on her blog, Myles To Travel. You can read about her goal of visiting 50 countries and experiences in five years. I wouldn't be surprised if that 50 grows to 100 and then some. But for now, here's my conversation with Petro, who was in Frankfurt while I was in Chicago. Please listen in and enjoy.

Key Links https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries Counting Countries Apparel -----I am announcing 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. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries. I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return. I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries. To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries. On another note, due to time constraints, Counting Countries will be publishing one episode a month starting in 2019. More about Debjeet Sen: Born in: Austin, Minnesota Passport from: USA Favorite travel book: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage Favorite travel film: The opening scene of Up. While not a travel film per se, the introduction of the film beautifully summarize the wonder of travel and discovery that is inherent in all children and how said wonder transfers to adults and remains a constant fixture in their lives even when "reality" gets in the way. "Adventure is out there." Truer words have never been said! Favorite app: One of my biggest travel-related fears is getting lost or not knowing how to find my way in a new country or city. I religiously use Google Maps on my phone, but also make sure to download the relevant maps on maps.me prior to arriving in a new country/city, so that I have some reference even if I am unable to purchase a local SIM card. I used to be a bit of an anti-tech sort of person back in the day (I am still a technology-phobe in many ways). Let's just say that I learned my lessons after relying on my father to navigate using a paper map, which led us up an unpaved mountain track in Turkey on a dark moonless night; or when I followed the flight paths of airliners to trace my way from Fontainebleau to Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport through morning rush-hour traffic. Must carry: Funnily enough, a wad of toilet tissue tucked into a side-pocket in my backpack and sanitizer. Without going into specifics, let's just say that I've needed these two essential items in places as varied as in the middle of the steppes of Kazakhstan, or in the middle of the vast desert of northern Kenya. Favorite food: Oh man, it's like asking me to choose a favorite child. I am a total foodie and will eat anything and everything. It's hard to select one specific food, but I'll list a few dishes that I love eating and cooking: deliriously spicy and flavorsome Thai drunken noodles, a simple bowl of rice with either Indian dal or chicken curry, fish wet fry with a side of local greens from western Kenya, meze from Lebanon, a steaming bowl of Japanese ramen… okay, I will stop here. Favorite drink: A glass of refreshing water straight from the tap. Nothing beats the thrill of opening a tap and pouring a glass of water that needs no further filtration or treatment. Favorite Airline: I am one of those weird travelers with little/no loyalty to any airline or alliance. I am mostly driven in my choice of airline based on my country/city of residence. I have been mostly living in Kenya and South Africa for the past 6.5 years, which implies a heavy reliance on Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. I also use Emirates quite often. However, I definitely have a soft spot for certain airlines that I have taken during the course of my travels. I love Emirates for their in-flight service and entertainment options; Swiss for their complimentary chocolates (I'm one of those gluttons that will pick up a fistful of said delicious treats J); Kulula for their irreverent humor; Cathay Pacific for their fabulous premium class that is great value for money; IndiGo for showing that low-cost does not necessarily mean terrible service and seats that don't recline—to name a few. I even grudgingly admit respect for Ethiopian. Flight schedules are perennially wacky, connection in Addis can be tight, crossing security in Addis tests the patience of the calmest of travelers, and luggage has a tendency of taking a route distinct from your own itinerary. Nevertheless, their Africa network (and increasingly connections to other continents) is unbeatable and they will get you from point A to point B, even if it means wheezing and puffing as you sprint between gates in Addis' rarified air to make your connection when your flight arrives late (the norm, rather than the exception). Favorite Hotel: I am a big fan of patronizing locally-owned hotels and guest houses. Most times, I will book a relatively cheap place through booking.com or AirBnB, as opposed to an international chain hotel. Don't get me wrong; there are times when I will happily fall into the embrace of a Sheraton or Hilton, knowing that I won't need to worry about the shower pressure or not having a kettle in the room. But to me, these international hotels are often sterile. I mean, you could be in Dushanbe or Nairobi or Milan and not really perceive a difference in the way such international chain hotels are designed and laid out. On the other hand, no two locally-owned places are the same and plus, the money you pay goes more directly to support the local economy. Be it the amazing bed and breakfast in northern Greece that took us on an impromptu stroll through their orchards at dawn to pick fruits for breakfast; the cute hotel in Swakopmund, Namibia that left a bottle of wine and a huge box of chocolates on my bed to "warm" me up when the hot water wasn't working; or the AirBnB in Nairobi that filled our fridge to the rafters with home-cooked food ("you kids will be out partying and there has to be healthy food in the fridge when you return")—nothing beats a locally-owned property. Instagram: Everyday_traveler Debjeet has traveled to 119 countries On today's episode I will be speaking with world traveler Debjeet Seb. Debjeet was brought to my attention by Ryan Gazder, a fellow moderator of Every Passport Stamp. Ryan spoke very highly about Debjeet and I believe you will be charmed with my conversation with Debjeet. Before I introduce Debjeet, I am announcing 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. I have been extremely fortunate to be be able to create this podcast and to meet so many interesting and compelling travelers, but I have also spent a tremendous amount of time and some money creating this podcast. This is an opportunity for you to support Counting Countries. I have created several tiers of support, each one offering something in return. I will highlight the Senior Executive Producer tier which will give you access to extended interviews with guests of Counting Countries. To check out how you can support Counting Countries, go to patreon.com or https://www.patreon.com/CountingCountries. On another note, dueto time constraints, Counting Countries will be publishing one episode a month starting in 2019. Debjeet had a unique upbringing splitting time between the US and India. And Debjeet's parents were a strong booster of family travel road trips, which planted a travel seed that stayed with him as he got older. In fact, even today, some of his favorite travel companions are his family. Sadly, Debjeet's father passed away unexpectedly, but Debjeet and his mother celebrated his memory with a meaningful trip on the Pamir Highway. Debjeet shares with us the humanity and fight for normalcy he experienced in Erbil. Debjeet tells us of the magic of Machu Picchu at first light and why he loves New Zealand. He scares us with a life threatening story in Maputo. And he shares with us what is is like working for a NGO in Africa and living and traveling in multiple places on the continent. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. Remember it is Christmas time...go to Amazon to pick up your Counting Countries T-shirt. But for now, here's my conversation with Debjeet, who was in the Johannesburg between trips while I was in Bangkok. Please listen in and enjoy.

Website: www.travel2unlimited.com Instagram: Travel 2 Unlimited On today's episode, I welcome Rus Margolin to Counting Countries. I learned about Rus and his prolific travel from seeing his photos on Facebook in Every Passport Stamp, and fellow EPS Moderator Petro suggested that I interview him for the podcast. Russ grew up in the Soviet Union in Minsk, Belarus. Rus's parents believed in travel and took him on frequent trips within the Soviet Union, including frequent trips to the Baltics. In fact, growing up Rus was the president of the Young Communist League. The Soviet Union collapsed in his youth, Rus won a country-wide English contect, and won a scholarship to Florida to attend university. After overcoming some culture shock, he excelled at school, and made his way to Wall Street. As a kid, Rus dreamed of exploring the world, cutting our pictures out from nature magazines, staring at photos of wildlife and nature. After his arrival to the US, he was able to pursue his dreams of exploration, and make his dreams a reality. He quit his job in 2013 so he could focus more on travel. Rus shares with us amazing experiences of the crab migration on Christmas Island, witnessing a billion butterflies in Mexico, and viewing the penguins in Antarctica. Russ also overeviews his recent trip to Syria, commenting on the normalcy of his visit while debating the sane-ness of his visit, while he rates the pistachio ice cream in the Damascus Souk. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. Remember go to Amazon to pick up your Counting Countries T-shirt. But for now, here's my conversation with Rus, who was in the Big Apple between trips while I was in the Windy City Counting Countries Studio. Please listen in and enjoy. More about Rus Margolin: Born in: Minsk Favorite travel book: Lonely Planet: Year of Watching Wildlife Favorite travel film: National Geographic Migrations Must carry: Camera Favorite food: Anything authentic and local Favorite drink: Anything authentic and local Favorite Airline: The cheapest

On today's episode, I welcome Danay Bustamante to Counting Countries. I learned about Jenna from previous guest, Henrik Jeppesen, who introduced us via email. It took Danay and I several months to connect due to conflicting schedules. Danay was born in Cuba, was separated for years from her father who moved to Mexico, and she eventually reunited with her father via a trip to the UK. Growing up she developed her twin passions of travel and dance. Her love of salsa has opened many doors around the world, creating new friendships and providing new travel opportunities. She has danced in some of the unlikeliest countries. Danay talks about how she was propelled into the world of counting countries during a visit to Africa for an extended time. She talks about challenging experiences in Haiti, why Botswana is not on the top of her list, and why she loves El Salvador. And Danay shares with us a story about Burkina Faso and the magic of travel. And during this episode, we speak about former guest Tony Giles, and we are reminded that we live in a very small world. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, or Spotify. And what's this? A new review from REBethesda from USA. "Ric is great storyteller whose humor and warmth shines through. He masterfully interviews his fellow adventurers and draws out great insights and yarns from those who are resolved to touch down in every country on the planet. Funny, thrilling and inspiring." Thanks REBethesda. Leave a review, well at least a good one, and you might be mentioned. Remember go to Amazon to pick up your Counting Countries T-shirt. But for now, here's my conversation with Danay, who was in California while I was in the Chicago Counting Countries Studio. Please listen in and enjoy. More about Danay Bustamante: Born in: Guantanamo, Cuba Passports from: 1 Cuban passport and 2 valid German passports Favorite travel book: Lonely Planet Favorite travel film: 7 Years in Tibet Favorite travel app: Instagram Must carry: My salsa dance shoes and the favorite scarf from my best friend Favorite food: Caribbean food like rice and beans with fried plantains (I'm Cuban, lol) Favorite drink: Fresh fruit juices like mango (Indian and African mangos are the best) and mamey milkshake (this fruit is difficult to find) Favorite Airline: Emirates Airlines Favorite Hotel: I mostly stay with friends or locals

Key Links Counting Countries Apparel --------------------------------------- On today's episode, I welcome jenna klotz to Counting Countries. I learned about Jenna from two previous guests; Randy williams traveled with her in Armenia and Artsakh, and Lexie Alford randomly met her in the Pacific. Jenna is also living in Chicago and our interview coincided with my summer visit to my home in Chicago. So taking advantage, Jenna and I set up a time to meet. Instead of playing with dolls as a kid in Michigan, Jenna pretended to be a travel agent, planning trips for her family. At college, she didn't do one semester abroad, she did three semesters abroad! Travel was in her blood. After college, she ended up teaching in a small town in Hungary. This stay in Hungary in conjunction with European discount airlines, propelled her into the world of counting countries. During our conversation, jenna, talks about a 55 foot rogue wave that disabled the ship she was on, money mishaps in Mauritania, the beauty of the Bolivian salt flats, and being detained by the police in Mali. Jenna shares with us a touching moment of meeting a woman in Mogadishu, who saw the ocean for the first time. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and of course if you like the program, feel free write a review. Remember go to Amazon to pick up your Counting Countries T-shirt, just like Linda Smith Tabb recently did. But for now, here's my conversation with Jenna in the Chicago Counting Countries Studio. Please listen in and enjoy. More about Jenna Klotz: Born in: Grand Rapids, MI Passports from: 2 US Passports Favorite travel book: Chasing 193 Favorite travel film: Lost in Translation Favorite travel app: maps.me Must carry: hand sanitizer and tissues Favorite food: It's not necessarily my favorite back home, but without fail, when I travel I miss tacos Favorite drink: Coke Zero Favorite Airline: Whichever has the most miles at the time (usually United) Favorite Hotel: Whichever has the best deal

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We're on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today's episode, I spoke with Bob Bonifas. I have seen Bob's name on the top of the Most Traveled People's list. MTP divides the world into 874 places and Bob is currently ranked #2 on the list. I had the opportunity to visit Bob in his office in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago. His spacious office was filled with a ton of travel mementos. Bob did not take his first flight until the age of 30, but since then he has racked up several million plus miles and then some. Bob founded Alarm Detection Systems and became involved with the industry associations. With his involvement in the association he began to travel more and more, expanding his horizons. Bob learned about Travelers' Century Club and MTP and being a Type A personality he quickly became hooked on travel. He rapidly picked up new countries and territories, moving up on the list. He is now in a friendly competition with his IL neighbor, Don Parrish, who is ranked #1. Bob touches on the great difficulty of finishing of the MTP list as you near the end. Many of his final territories are remote or require permission to visit. These trips tend to be expensive. And very frustratingly, the visit is not guaranteed. Many of these territory visits are accomplished by ship, and sometimes the oceans are so rough, it is not possible to land. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and of course if you like the program, feel free write a review like Swissdogg from the US did. "As an avid traveler myself...Rick and his guests are an inspiration. So far I have been to 63 countries...looks like I have some work ahead of me!" Swissdogg good luck on your next 63 countries and thanks for the compliments, I can feel my head getting bigger. I also want to say a quick hello to our fans around the world … from Paraguay to Afghanistan, from Angola to Haiti and over 100 different countries. But for now, here's my conversation with Bob. We are both in the Aurora, IL known as the Land of Lincoln. Please listen in and enjoy. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! You can purchase today on Amazon. More about Robert A. (Bob) Bonifas: Born in: Aurora, IL Passports from: US Must carry: Satellite phone and a Garmin InReach Favorite drink: Diet Cherry Coke Favorite Airline: UAL

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We're on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today's episode, I welcome Mar Pages to Counting Countries. I first learned about Mar when researching a trip to Djibouti several years ago and came across her blog. I emailed her a question or two and she responded back with some advice. Two years later, I shared dinner with her when a group of mutual friends met up in Bangkok at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Charlie Browns. We are regional neighbors as she lives in Singapore and I am in Bangkok. Since university Mar has led a truly global life, living in multiple countries and traveling extensively for work throughout the world. This is quite a big change copated to her fist travel forays which were limited to road trips to nearby Andora to stock up on Nutella with her family. Mar has lived in London, Dubai, and Singapore. She has also practically lived in multiple other cities on long consulting gigs like Nairobi and Manila. This year, Mar made a major change in her life as she officially left corporate life so she can focus exclusively on her online businesses and her travel. Mar touches on the magic of Bhutan and her frustrations with Nigeria, a place she has traveled to often for work. She shares with us how she felt unsafe in Somaliland and her interactions with the locals. She speaks about the isolation she felt in Sudan and the pyramids of Meroe. And talks about a solo, multi-week to the Pacific which made her reevaluate her travel goals. Mar speaks about her travel inspiration Anthony Bourdain and one of her favorite travel blogs, Roads & Kingdoms. Mar is the Chapter Leader of Travel Massive in Singapore. Travel Massive is the largest travel network in the world with over 40,000 people. It is sort of like LinkedIn for people who work in the travel industry, with both online and real world networking. Check it out if you have a travel job. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and of course if you like the program, feel free write a review like Steve_M_300 from USA did. Ric is an excellent interviewer. He is able to keep things on track and will be sure to follow up where needed to bring to life some very unique travel stories. This podcast will give you wanderlust. This show has introduced me to many things the best of which was nomad mania. I was very surprised to see how my ranking ended up being on that site. Thank you Ric for putting this podcast together. Currently at 82 countries and hoping one day to be well traveled and interesting enough to appear on the program. I love to listen to your show while I am traveling as I find it motivates me to keep exploring. Thanks for everything you do. Please keep up the great work." Thanks for sharing these kind words and I hope you hit the century mark soon. I also want to say a quick hello to our fans around the world … from Paraguay to Afghanistan, from Angola to Haiti and over 100 different countries. But for now, here's my conversation with Mar who was in Singapore, the Garden City, while I was in Boston known to some as Beantown. Please listen in and enjoy.

Key Links Get your official Counting Countries apparel Listen with Spotify We're on Amazon Alexa --------------------------------------- On today's episode, I welcome Stephen Hughes to Counting Countries. Steve and I met on the road during a visit to Iran, where we are both not allowed independent travel. I enjoyed our time together since Steve is not shy about sharing his opinions, and I knew he would be a good fit for the podcast. And this episode was a long time in the coming. We met in 2016 and recorded an episode in 2017. Unfortunately, the file was corrupted and never published. It took many months to reschedule and was finally recorded for a second time in the summer of 2018. This recording was of really, really poor quality. I was going to have to schedule a third interview. But Counting Countries is not a one-man operation. My producer/editor is Evo Terra, the author of Podcasting for Dummies, was called in for emergency help. While this podcast is not the best in audio quality, Evo was able to resurrect this interview from the grave and make it listenable. For those who have any questions on podcasting, feel free to reach out to Evo and his company Simpler Media on Facebook or the web. Back to Steve, who became interested in travel with his interest in maps, flags, and the game of Risk as a kid. He lived an unconventional life, quitting school at 16 and working at a bank. He hit the road with a friend for three years in a camper called the HammerMobile as they toured Europe at just 18. Steve shares with us falling off a three story building in Mexico, being bit by a scorpion, and almost being lost at sea. And he tells us why he was refused entry at the Canada/US border. He is considered a threat to national security. I encourage you to subscribe wherever you listen, Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and of course if you like the program, feel free write a review like hoosiergrad02 did. "One of the best travel podcasts out there. Motivates me to travel more and to places I would have never discovered before". Thanks Hoosier grad! Thanks for sharing this great feedback. Remember go to Amazon to pick up your Counting Countries T-shirt, just like Guiness World Record holder, Maurizio Giuliano recently did. Besides hosting this podcast, I also wear a couple of other hats in the world of travel. I have produced and been featured in two full-length, adventure travel films; Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. In both films, I am piloting a rickshaw for days on end in both India and Cambodia. It is amazing and authentic way to see the country and meet a lot of people. So, I made films documenting the adventure which are available on iTunes and Amazon or simply go to www.hittheroadmovie.com. And before our conversation with Steve, I will be speaking with Julian Carnal the founder of Large Minority who organizes the rally in Cambodia. For this episode, you might want to have the kids in another room due to some salty language. But for now, here's my conversation with Stephen who was in the UK while I was in Boston, home of the New England Patriots. Please listen in and enjoy. More about Stephen Hughes: Born in: Chatham UK Passports from: 2 British passports for convenience Favorite travel book: Flashman paper series; an historical travel about and lothario and a cad!! Favorite travel film: Favourite travel film; Road trips across USA stand out. Duel - Steven Spielberg's first film I think and also My Little Sunshine as they travel to the beauty pageant! Favorite travel app: Don't really use apps or travel websites but it's now our Facebook page and before it was Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Must carry: 5 books as I read voraciously when traveling Favorite food: I normally search out the spicy food but also the local traditional food wherever I am Favorite drink: Water of course but only until 4pm when it turns to booze of any type. Favorite Airline: I always use the local airlines of flying internally and don't really have a favourite long haul but if had to choose one; would probably be one of the Arab ones!