Ric Gazarian is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents and 181 countries on his quest to visit every country in the world. He is also the host of the popular long-format podcast Counting Countries and the founder of the Extraordinary Travel Festival.

Travel with us to some of the world’s lesser-known places like Abkhazia and Mauritania and hear what Ric learned about humanity by visiting 181 countries. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Chasing 193: the quest to visit every country in the world
• Exploring Abkhazia, a de-facto nation between Georgia and Russia
• The hospitality of the Caucasus region
• Desert life in Mauritania and riding the Iron Ore train
• The Amazigh culture, identity, and quest for self-determination (why you shouldn’t call them Berbers)
• The nature of borders and national identity
• How we should think about visiting countries with inhumane record
• Why Ric founded the Extraordinary Travel Festival
• What Ric learned about humanity from visiting 181 countries

Featured on the show:

• Check out Ric's podcast, Counting Countries
• Check out Ric's blog, Global Gaz
• Learn more about the Extraordinary Travel Fest
• Follow Ric on Instagram

Get more information at: Going Places website

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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more. 

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.