Felix Mechnig-Giordano … flirting with disaster in Syria

Felix has traveled to 113 countries

On today’s episode, I welcome Felix Mechnig-Giordano to Counting Countries.

But 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 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.

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.

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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 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: NomadMania
Instagram: Hidden Frog

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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 Traveler’s Century Club states that there are 327 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands.
The Most Traveled Person states that there are 891 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.