Yap – Remote Pacific Paradise
Yap - Remote Pacific Paradise. Yap is remote, real remote. Only three flights a week connect to this miniscule Pacific Island. Yap is one of the least visited countries in the world, click here to see the other least visited places. Yap is one of the four islands that makes up the Federated States of Micronesia. But Yap (FSM) is one of 193 sovereign countries that the UN recognizes. For interesting cocktail chatter, the other three islands are Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. A total of 607 islands make up FSM as they are spread over a longitudinal distance of 1,678 miles just north of the equator. FSM was discovered by the Portuguese, colonized by the Spaniards, and sold to the Germans in 1899. During WWI it was captured by the Japanese. Following WWII, the US administered the islands until FSM declared independence in 1986. Today, FSM maintains a close relationship with FSM under a Compact of Free Association. This means FSM citizens can serve in the US military and do not require a visa to visit the [...]
Special Report – Turmoil In The Travel Community – The William Baekeland Controversy
[Download .mp3] Special Report - Turmoil In The Travel Community - The William Baekeland Controversy William Baekeland, a former guest, on Counting Countries is allegedly Jesse Simon Gordon. The travel community is alleging malfeasance on William’s part. William has been accused of being a con man who has been preying on members of the travel community. Purporting to be a young British aristocrat who is a heir to a plastics fortune; he ingratiated himself over several years within the travel community. William presented himself as an elite and accomplished traveler, who then began to organize exotic and unique expeditions with fellow travelers. On this episode, I spoke with four travelers who have all interacted with William over the past several years. The four guests are Harry Mitsidis, Mike Kendall, David Langan, and Dominique Laurent. Each shared unique stories with different perspectives. Harry and Mike joined from the UK. David called in from Ireland and Dominique from France. I was recording in both Boston and Las Vegas. A number of allegations have been made against William Baekeland by [...]
Tiger’s Nest Must-See
Tiger's Nest Must-See. I have traveled to Bhutan three times, approximately spending a month in the country. I have also worked with a local travel operator as a consultant for three years. If you need advice or help, planning a trip to Bhutan, please email me at Ric @ GlobalGaz.com. Paris has the Eifel Tower and NYC has the Statue of Liberty. Well, Bhutan has Paro Taktsang better known as Tiger’s Nest. Bhutan’s best known landmark is a Buddhist monastery carved onto the side of a mountain. This 17th century temple is located where a monk, Guru Rinpoche, mediated in the 8th century. Legend has it Guru Rinpoche arrived at this spot by flying on the back of a tigress, hence the name. Tiger’s Nest is definitively a must-see global landmark. It is an awe-inspiring sight. And it is a bit of a hike to get there as well. Tiger’s Nest is perched at a height of 3,120 meters (10,240 feet). And your hike begins at approximately 2,200 meters (7,217 feet). In other words, a vertical [...]
Magic Of Travel
The magic of travel. The simple joy of travel. I was riding my rental bike, sweating profusely, as I pushed the bike around the Burmese town of Mrauk U. For three hundred years plus Mrauk U served as the capital of Mrauk U Kingdom ending in the 18th century. Mrauk U is the lesser known brother to Bagan. Like Bagan, Mrauk U is populated with ancient and magnificent temples interspersed between rolling hills. I pushed the bike down a side road, perched uncomfortably on the older bike. I leaned the bike against a tree, wiped the sweat from my face and headed toward a long stair case that ended at the top of a hill. A monastery stood at the top of the hill, my destination. Three men sat next to the staircase, on a short wall. The first man was wearing traditional longyi, a pants-like wrap, and a white t-shirt. He clutched his phone, apparently texting away, his legs folded up and also propped up on the wall. Opposite this man, was an older teenage monk [...]
Ultimate Guide Bhutan
Ultimate Guide Bhutan. I have traveled to Bhutan three times, approximately spending a month in the country. I have also worked with a local travel operator as a consultant for three years. If you need advice or help, planning a trip to Bhutan, please email me at Ric @ GlobalGaz.com. “Koo zoo zong po la,” I stuttered and muttered a word from my Dzongkha vocabulary. In fact, saying hello represented 25% of my lexicon. The Bhutanese immigration official shared a slight smile and welcomed me to her country. She flicked through my thick passport with its two additional packets. “You like to travel,” she smiled again. “Do you mind if I stamp your passport in this corner?’ I smiled and nodded yes; surprised at the warm courtesy. The stereotype of a grump immigration official is often justly deserved and this woman was a pleasant outlier. She added the stamp to my passport and welcomed me to her country with a final smile. I had officially entered the Kingdom of Bhutan. History Bhutan is scrunched between China and [...]
James Asquith – 193 countries … and Guinness World Record Holder
[Download .mp3] James is the current world record holder as the youngest person to travel to every country in the world according to the Guinness World Records James has travel DNA. His grandfather regaled him with tales of spending time in Yemen. His mother lived in Hong Kong. His father was an airline captain who flew to international locales like Senegal and Ethiopia, James sometimes accompanying. James shares with us why people make such a big difference when visiting every country in the world. And he tells us what country has the friendliest people. James tells us where the most magical sunrise is in the world. James recounts visiting Ivory Coast during a civil war and traveling to Libya after the killing of Gaddafi. And what counts as visiting a country? James and I discuss the “broken finger rule”. James also has a lot of current travel initiatives currently. He recently published a book called Breaking Borders. He is also rolling out a new travel app named Holiday Swap that helps people travel the [...]
