Counting Countries

Key Links -----On today’s episode, I welcome Felix Mechnig-Giordano to Counting Countries.   Before I introduce Felix, 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 exclusive additional interviews from former guest like Fabio Cao. And a shoutout to Ted Nims, my newest patron, and a fellow Chicagoan.  Welcome and thank you for your support. 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.   Felix as an audacious explorer, who recently shared his story of being detained by the Syrian police for several days.  We take a deeper dive into his chilling detention and what transpired. Spoiler alert, he was eventually released. Felix talks about the perfect beach in Kiribati and why he finds Niger fascinating.      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 Felix, who was in Australia while I was in Bangkok. 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 Felix Mechnig-Giordano:   Born in: Duesseldorf, Germany   Passports from: Germany and the United States Favorite travel book: Der Weltensammler by Ilja Trojanow Favorite travel site: Maps.me is probably the only app I use for practical travel purposes, but I also love using Instagram to connect with travellers and use the been app to keep track of my travel map Must carry: Camera and flashlight Favorite food: Fruit. Although I love all fruit the one that stands out most is Grenadilla, not just for the flavour but for all the unexpected places you can find it. Favorite drink: Nothing too exciting, beyond juice I really enjoy Coke, but my favourite alcoholic drink is a simple gin and tonic.   Favorite Airline: Turkish airlines, for consistency of service on short flights and for a route selection I love. Also the Turkish lounge in Istanbul  is always a highlight Favorite Hotel: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Rwanda   Map: 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.