Counting Countries

Michael Runkel has traveled the world as a professional photographer taking over one million photos, including over 600 UNESCO World Heritage sites!   Michael has traveled to 176 countries and on his journeys has collected some amazing travel experiences.  He stayed with a powerful sheik in his palace in Yemen as war was declared.  He survived a powerful earthquake in Bam, Iran that claimed the lives of thousands.  This experience changed his life as he dedicated his time to build a school and orphanage in the city.  Michael met his wife on a cruise to Antarctica and has travelled around the world with his infant daughter.  As a child, he was inspired by the travel author Karl May and his backpacking grandmother.  Please listen in on these incredible travel tales.    More about Michael Runkel: Born in: Bavaria, Germany Passports from: Germany Favorite travel book: Favorite travel site: and Must carry: My camera. Favorite food: German , A roulade is a dish of filled rolled meat or pastry. Favorite drink: Favorite Airline: Favorite Hotel: Banyan Tree Hotel, Tanna, Vanuatu Website: Facebook: Instagram: Travel Map: 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 Best Traveled states that 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. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.