Luisa Yu … The Black Sheep

Luisa Yu has traveled to every country in the world. Luisa Yu Counting Countries

Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. I am excited to have Luisa Yu on the podcast. She is well known and beloved member to many in the community. For those not in the know, Luisa just visited her last country this year. She accomplished this goal as a 79-year-old. When many in her age group have retired to more placid and serene pastures, Luisa has demonstrated grit and determination. And Luisa has not slowed down .. trips since she has completed the quest include Mogadishu, the north Caucasus, and the Kalash Festival in Pakistan. Truly, she is an inspiration. A quick show out to Phillipe for assisting in scheduling my conversation with Luisa.

A public service reminder, the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be held on November 15, 2024 in Bangkok. Discount code BANGKOK for $100, so please purchase your ticket today to lock in your savings at the Extraordinary Travel Fest. This $100 discount will be reduced starting September 1.

What I did not mention is at ETF we will be hosting a moderated conversation with Luisa and her multi-decade journey to every country in the world. Luisa has a unique voice which is different than the traditional stereotype of a traveler in the extreme travel community.

Don’t get #FOMO over 170 people are committed! Including of course, Luisa.

I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons: Adam “one away” Hickman, Barry Hoffner, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Steph Rowe, Gin, Philippe ‘JL’ Izedian, Sunir Joshi, Jorge Serpa, Justine OTB Kirby, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sonia Zimmermann, Katelyn Jarvis, Carole Southam, Per Flisberg, and Sam Williams for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear extra content with Luisa that you will not hear.

For those who listen a lot, I am a big fan of small world stories … and this is relevant when I introduce a new patron Ani Chaturvedi, who I randomly met while getting a Covid test in Armenia the other year. Ani is originally from Mumbai but now is in San Francisco. Regarding travel, Ani was inspired by his mom who made frequent trips to Mauritius and Singapore. He is now Chasing 193 and nearing 70 countries. Welcome aboard!

Besides hosting a podcast, I listen to a ton of podcast, including community favorites Palle Bo’s Radio Vagabond, and Francis Tapon, WanderLearn. In fact, you can check me out on WanderLearn with Francis speaking about the ETF.

But, I am late to the dance with the Maverick Show podcast, hosted by Matt Bowles. Maverick Show has nearly 300 episodes and is ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts. I recently found out about this travel podcast and I have started binging episodes. Matt is a great host who guides the conversation while naturally sharing his travel experiences adding to the conversation. I have heard great conversations with people like Eriva Vivro, who has lived an incredible travel life, living in multiple countries like Qatar, Thailand, Zambia, and now has been wintering in Ghana with her family. Very, very cool. Of course, Counting Countries is all about Chasing 193. Matt is more focussed on digital life and travel, but there are many interesting lessons and parallels within our community. Listen to The Maverick Show on your Favorite Platform Here

I was in Boston for this recording while Luisa was in Miami. Please listen in and enjoy.

Thank you to my Patrons – you rock!! …. Adam Hickman, Barry Hoffner, Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Steph Rowe, Gintaute Liutkeviciute, Philippe Izedian, Sunir Joshi, Jorge Serpa, Justine Kirby, Phil “Marmaduke” Marcus, Sonia Zimmermann, Katelyn Jarvis, Carole Southam, Per Flisberg, Sam Williams, and Aniruddh Chaturvedi.

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And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! Luisa Yu Counting Countries

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 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands.
The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions.
The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 unique parts of the world.
SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world.
And the video that explains it all!
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.