Danay has traveled to 105 countries
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.
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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.
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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 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 AirlinesFavorite Hotel: I mostly stay with friends or locals
- Website: www.itravelanddance.com
- Instagram: www.instagram/itravelanddance
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/itravelanddance
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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 states that there are 1281 unique places in the world.
- 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 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.
Photos From Chernobyl
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Danay you’re an Inspiration to me, I travel the word but I rarely see outside the hotel. Your ability to show the world through dance and different cultures is amazing…. Keep smiling
She is pretty amazing!