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Man Visits Every Country on Earth

By Queuebot in Travel & Places, World Records on Nov 23, 2009 at 10:21 am

55-year-old Indian citizen Kashi Samaddar has completed an almost-seven year trip around the world. He has visited all 194 countries in the world, thereby setting a world record.

He spent £350,000 to visit every country on earth in the shortest time possible and thereby earnt himself a mention in the Guinness Book of Records – just don’t expect to be thrilled by his pictures.

Samaddar’s mission was inspired by trouble he had in South Africa in 2002 over his Indian passport. Samaddar then vowed to visit every country in the world to show it could be done.

The globe trotting adventurer was determined to complete the whole trip using his Indian passport – despite opportunities to adopt Australian and Canadian citizenship – as he wanted to prove an Indian could travel the world.

He also wanted to highlight the difficulties some nationalities encounter obtaining visas to enter countries – a problem he is very familiar with.

‘The most difficult visa to get was Moldova, which took me almost three years with many rejections,’ he said.

‘The problem isn’t with big countries like America, England or places in Europe, a lot of the time it’s smaller countries who don’t know what they should be doing.’

To abide by Guinness Book rules, he traveled using only public transportation. The rules state you only have to set foot in a country to count it, which may explain Samaddar less-than-impressive tourist photographs.

The photo above is of Kashi’s last place visited: ~~Serbia~~ Kosova on May 27 of 2008.

Links: Article at Daily Mail | More at World Records Academy.

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by digimouse.

Tags: country, Guinness Book of Records, Kashi Samaddar, Photos, travel

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COMMENT

Tim Giachetti
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
It wasn't "neat" when it had 5 down votes and it still isn't "neat" now on the main page.
This"submitters" decision crap is lame.

And while I'm at it, some admin needs to deal with artsyspots submission bot.
Gauldar
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
If an admin likes it, they push it through. Not all decisions have to be democratic, it's just a blog post. No harm, no foul.
MadMolecule
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Visiting every country on the planet isn't neat? I thought it was pretty cool.
Alex
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Aye, it's fascinating I think. Downvotes in the Queue is often due to the style rather than the substance of the post.
Babycakes
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I think it's neat. I mean, he gets to see every country! how many people can say they have gone around the world to see every country?? I'd be lucky to get to see another country. If I had the money, sure but I don't. So, someone else has... that's very cool of the guy.
Miss Cellania
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
The Daily Mail article, and the post in the queue focused on the bad pictures he took. His accomplishment and motivation were the real "neat" part.
tolstoe
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I think it's neat too, even the fact that he took those bad pictures is quite neat in its own way.
Alex
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Visa hassles is very real for travelers - heck, getting a US visa is quite difficult for many. And we wonder why tourism is down ...
demeter
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
To Tim-you're a moron and you're lame. People should be allowed to write that they think it is neat without some twat posting about how lame they are-You're so LAME!
Alexis M
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hmm aren't there 195 countries....
Dollswanson
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I'm wondering how he got into North Korea. And what about Burma and Somalia.

That guy has guts. There are a lot of really nasty countries.
farshad
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
hey dear,
i am persian....kashi did u enjoy PERSEPOLIS in persia?this place is very old with 2500 years of age...or did u visit CHUGHA ZANBIL? this place is 4000 years of age.

good luck
Hilary
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I think this is awesome! I am so jealous!
Patrick Ide
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Ummmm...can you say, too much money and too much time their hands?
Dan Victor
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Time is a hipocrat and a lonely man who doesn't appreciate anything other than a beer bong.
Bob Trent
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I think this has already been done, and then some. Look up the name of Parke G. Thompson (my late father's friend and attorney). He visited all 300+ countries and territories on earth; which he completed some time back in the 1980's. This guy's 194 countries doesn't even come close.
AN
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
umm... so how long did it take?
lizbz
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
What's the point of visiting each country if you don't bother to enjoy it? That was my goal when I was in junior high (before I realized how unrealistic it was!) but I would enjoy the best each country had to offer too.
Chip McGregor
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Right, and how did get to set foot in North Korea???
nikki
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Hmmm.... Get you're facts straight will you... You wrote: "The rules state you only have to set foot in a country to count it, which may explain Samaddar less-than-impressive tourist photographs. The photo above is of Kashi’s last country visited: Serbia on May 27 of 2008.".
You're wrong, he is in Kosova in that picture. And, he's standing in front of a hotel- in the center of the capital, Prishtina - which is a beautiful & modern city... I lived there. Cheers, Nikki
sabari
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Thats really cool, Even in this age many countries (I mean embassies) still treat Indian nationals bad. Most of them see you as a "prospective Illegal immigrant". Sad but true.
nikki
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Hmmm.... Get your facts straight will you... You wrote: "The rules state you only have to set foot in a country to count it, which may explain Samaddar less-than-impressive tourist photographs. The photo above is of Kashi’s last country visited: Serbia on May 27 of 2008.".
You're wrong, he is in Kosova in that picture. And, he's standing in front of a hotel- in the center of the capital, Prishtina - which is a beautiful & modern city... I lived there. Cheers, Nikki
Krisgt30
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
The photo actually is from Kosova (not Serbia). Their plates have the KS initials on it.
neel patel
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Wow !!!!!!!!!! the only word ...
I am Indian too .... This is realy a pleasure.
Nice
Come one INDIAN PEOPLE ...show the world we are not the just a small developing country
Pat
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I give him a lot of props, because this is something that I know I can't do.
SHAQ
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
change your pic Man
angela dura
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I would love to do that or at least visit the 50 state in USA
Gee
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I don't think the real main focus of the article was that he visited all the countries on our planet, nor that he's a holder of a world record, and more so that he did it because he's being discriminated against and was trying to prove his point.
Connie
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I think this is cool! How many people can say they have gone to every country in the world? Heck, I don't think I would even be able to get to all of the states in the US - and we can be in four states at one time!
kelly
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
i think it is very cool. i wish i can do that. but i do not have time now. i have to wait till 60 years old. so i can go.....
kelly
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
i think it is very cool. if i have time and money, i want to do that too. i have to wait till i am 60 years old so i have time to do that.....
kizmet
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
all i know is that he did not visit Nigeria!
Chrolsen
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
It's very neat when you consider that he had to visit "closed" and war-torn countries such as North Korea, Cote-d'Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.

Just getting into North Korea is an amazing accomplishment...
pwscott
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Hey I think this a great post. I'm surprised that anyone was taking on the challenge with the economy and political differences in the world. :l
Richard
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Wow! All I have to say is kudos to him. I wish I had that kind of money available to challenge his record, but I don't. The only critique I have is, if you're going to try this type of stunt... at least take some decent pictures. After 7 years and 194 countries, you post the pic of you in Kosovo in front of some shabby hotel? Go figure.
Goliath
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I think it's real neat because he's real objective was to highlight problems that some nationalities have obtaining visas to enter certain countries. Y'all don't get it. Some folks, like me, from places that are going through political turmoil,like Zimbabwe, get hassled trying to get visas and it sucks cuz I got the travelling bug and the ways and means but I can't enjoy God's green earth? wtf!
DDSins
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Tim, how many countries have you traveled to ? Don't hate the guy for having the time and money to spend exploring the world, if only for a moment. Sure Guinness has set simple standards to capture this record, but 194 countries visited during this unstable global economic crisis we are in.. impressive accomplishment!
suzie57
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I would LOVE to travel the world. Just the exposure to other people and their customs would be thrilling. I doubt I ever will get the opportunity, so I applaude your stamina to do this, now go back and enjoy some of the better places, take your time.
Moldovan
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Wow, I'm from moldova, and we ourselves have trouble getting visas to travel. I didn't know that it's so hard for an indian to get a visa to Moldova. I LOVE my country:)))
annonymoususer85
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
It's HIGHLY DOUBTFUL that he was able to visit North Korea.
Joey Di Paolo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
yeah its great if you happen to be rich. all my life i havent even been able to visit 1 other country on my own although i would love to. hell i have to use my brothers computer just to make this post. no one ever doubted tyou could vissit every country. the question is....why would oyu want to? its another pat on the back from one rich person to another meanwhile thye dotn do anything to help the problems that fae this world when in fact theya re the only ones with the resources to do something abou tthat. but they wont cuz then they lose power. spend your money doing something more useful. whoopidy doo you have no becaome a rich idiot rather than just rich.
Joey Di Paolo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
and p.s. thats visit another country OTHER than my own. my typo. sorry.
blank
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
klml;,mjhupiojl;mkjnbhgyuhiojkl;kmnbvguhjkmbhguijknbguklmgujklmnbghjkl nbguikghvyuioklmnbguiklhguiklnbyuiknbgjkmbgyuhjknbghjkmnhvghjk,ngkngkl mnyuilkmgikhgcftyguhijokiuytysuydiuidjcdbdijvknuu8scijknsuds9cdiojkned c9ijelknwdsuc9ferijedcu89erdjcu9diposjkfwerud9scdjwekrd9cfjk9cwjkrefd9 fwbeiudvhwbhucdshrudceiudcsicdsidfsuiewufbhuefuewvufdawuieuijc sudckdfsiudcjdiscjdsfdscdsdcxilidcjddicjdsidscxdjdcsu9dudfdufdjfudijfr udjfuuedfhuefudk8fdfjhrufjidfhdjfhdjhfjdkfjhdjksldiodjfbfdioscjdfiu
Swami Krsna
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Congratulations Mr. Kashi Samaddar. Now it's time for India. What Vasco De gama and Columbus could not do, Mr. Kashi Samaddar did it! Proudly Indian from India! Proud of you.
Babyjo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
" Tim Giachetti
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am

It wasn't "neat" when it had 5 down votes and it still isn't "neat" now on the main page. "

*You're* the nerd who's counting how many votes a random blog post is getting.
eneri
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Wow! that's very inspiring. I traveled outside the U.S. for the first time to Europe last March, alone, and visited 5 different countries. That was the best vacation and learning experience I ever had so far, the best thing I've done for myself. Would definitely love to do it again. Congratulations and best wishes to you, Mr. Kashi Samaddar. May blessings follow you wherever you go!
Prateek
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Its a wonderful record this man has created and i am not trying to steal his thunder but anyone who loves travelling can do this :
All he or she needs are two things: Money and Time
He had both. He has tons of money( i don't know from where) and he probably doesn't have a job coz if you had a job (especially in India) taking so many vacation days is kind-of hard.
I would have done it too. If i win a big lottery , the next thing i am going to do is quit my job and go globe-trotting.
CEARA
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY, PLEASE DON'T EVER LET US SEE YOU ON HERE, WE COULD CARE LESS WHAT YOU DO OR SAY. ONCE AN ASSHOLE ALWAYS AN ASSHOLE. THOSE THAT CAN, DO, THOSE THAT CAN'T, BELITTLE. HAT OFF TO YOU FOR YOUR TRAVELS. HOPE THAT YOU HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. WRITE A BLOG ON ALL OF THE COUNTRIES THAT YOU TRAVELED, OR A BOOK, ON WHAT THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF EACH ONE. AND WHAT THE PEOPLE ARE LIKE, AND SO FORTH, SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL LIFESTYLE TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS
Deborah
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Good for him - some people in Canada and US NEVER leave their own town let alone state/province or country. He should be proud.
Sean
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Wow, what an accomplishment. I have been to Europe and now starting to travel in Africa but every country in the world, wow. Good work Mr. Kashi Samaddar you are a real Globetrotter.
Daddy
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I happen to think it was very neat, but of course he would hhave a few broke haters that can't afford to travel so they don't think its NEAT!
Daddy
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I suggest we get a globe and count the countries because I'm pretty sure it's closer to 194 than 300 so I'm also pretty sure your father's friend was/is a FRAUD
Long
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 pm
yup. I wish I have 350K pounds to do the same or more. It's nice to be independently wealthy huh!
Dancngxstar09
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
THATS COOL!!!!!!!SERBIA LOOKS AWESOME!!!!!!!
Dancingxstar09
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I Am Dancingxstar Sorry.
Kelly
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
SWEET!!!
Hetty
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Very nice and very cool! Congratulations!
Seventysix Monte
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
While were acknowledging how "Neat" this is, we need to be wondering about is how Samaddar got through each countrys customs with JUST an Indian passport, what's really got my attn. is how did samaddar come across the funds for this 7 year trip??? Does He work like the rest of us??? Makes you wonder how do terrorists get around so easy. I wouldn't fall in love with the story so much.
Think About
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Tim Giachetti is nothing but a hater... Either that or he's just narrow minded!

Congrats to Kashi! A feat not many can claim to! If that ain't "Neat", it sure is COOL!
Tanni
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
The last time I checked, things have to be pretty "neat" to make it to Guinness Book of World Records. I think it's inspiring.
steve essex
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
well i guess thats all fine and dandy, doesnt like every modern president dang near do that per term? and he gets paid for it, this chap paid for it himself. why do it? whats the point, especially if your not going to have some fun, big deal so he had a layover in japan on his way to korea. wooopdie doooo!!!!
jorgek
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I think that was great, visit every single contry..yes...../ I wish i have the cash to do it too..
vince
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
i needed an american visa so i applied in india , i was turned down , so i went to singapore instead , again i applied , again i was turned down , so i went to hong kong , again i was turned down , i went to london , worked as a waiter in a posh hotel , i went to southampton , again i was turned down , so i went to france , again i was turned down , i went to germany again i was turned down , so i went to spain where i finally got a big break and iam proud to say i am a citizen , for the past 40 years , what can i say . i am one of the few who i guess never give up .
BulBul
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Some people are simply jellaous
ourislamic fanatic
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I think it's cool, I am so going to post it on http://www.ourislamic.com it's sick!
Tushar Jain
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Wow ! Thats awesome ! Congratulations !
Thanks for highlighting the Visa issues for fellow Indians and all nationals travelling multiple countries for business/tourism puposes.

194 countries, 7 years, Guiness Record ..priceless for everything else one needs Golbe trotter Master/Visa card
Elizabeth
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Heres an idea for all you unhappy people... get off the internet. if you dont like it, go away! or try being happy for someone. its very cool how he went around the whole world. good for him!
Edward El Monte
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
now which generous social welfare system will he choose to settle with because of the cost he spent to achieve this. I'm guessing Sweden will make him a citizen next year and he'll be able to retire at the expense of the working people in that country. Visa requirements a strict here in the USA for a reason----we want to be sure you will head back to your country and not remain with your extended family on the government's dime!
Brian T
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Hmm.. I wonder why there's always some sourpuss that has to comment.
lynn
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
What about Arthur Blessitt???
He walked the entire globe with a wooden cross on his back. Of course he doesn't get mentioned because he did it for Christ. Like it or not, he was the original.
lynn
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
check out his website...

http://www.blessitt.com
Tushar Jain
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Great Idea for Mr Kashi, CEARA, a Book or Blog of experiences on different culture, food, people and worldly experiences would be so NEAT to put on.
ken murray
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
i work internationaly and i have only been to 44 countries.....Awesome!!!!!!
Irina
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
He's the luckiest man alive! I wish I could do that! That's my biggest dream!!!
dave.s
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
hi, im dave
ive been to every state inda usa except alaska, been to canada, end to end and around mexico, no n so, im 55
my kid age 20 been to eng de ans france, now in aust and new ze, i say, power to em!
Nick
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Top ten
FabbyWasHere
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
that is amazing! i wanna visit some countries, but not all of them. i wanna visit a lot of places in europe and some places in the middle east, and asia. a couple in africa as well. he is so cool! keep rockin'!
Troll
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Cool story bro
Rayn Gray
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Interesting....
SP22403
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I think this is pretty cool. You need a lot of patience and it surely deserves a thumbs up.
Rick
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
if you have money, you can do anything. Notice how much he spent, which in us dollars would be = $581315.75

How many people can say they have that much money to spend in 7 years? The national median for somenoe in america is $44,389. Not counting living expenses and the fact that time would be taken up with actually working, to get to the amount that this guy spent would take just over 13 years.

And to get past some visa hassles, he could hire people to help or make money cross hands. So money helps.

Anyone who had that much money could do the same, so as nice as this accomplishment is, ya gotta admit others could do the same with the same money and time.
Kathy monitir
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
good for him but that is cheep my house was 500,000
Dennis
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
that's one hell of a guy! imagine that? every country...
now i'll start saving
Vivek
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
This is real nice. Who cares about his bad pictures. Imagine the experience he would have had. It was real moronic of the journo to make that comment.
William Jennings Bryan
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
How did he get into North Korea? And if he did manage to get into North Korea, how did he get out?
igoh
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Wow! quite impressive. I sure would do the same thing if id only be given the chance...and the resources of course! I think its neat! Yeah! and cool too.. its worth the record! : )
Preston R
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Did this World tour include North Korea and Pakastan???
Rolando Guerzo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
That's NEAT, hope he'll post all photos of each country visited!
Azael
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
How in the world was he able to get into North Korea without getting killed because North Korea never, ever grants visas?
zylle
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
oh so he visited darfur? yeah right.
Danny
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I agree this was "neat". It's not everyone who can claim to have been in every country (or even almost every country on Earth). If his claim is true though, he didn't really have time to see the sights and hear the sounds of most countries. Tim Giachetti seems to be a little jaded. this article was not lame. Have you been to 194 countries? Let us know please.
STEVE GINS.
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Yes, How many countries were not just in the airport? What did he learn from these countries. I have been in 100 countries and all 50 states. I go to see what is of interest than just say I went there.
STEVE G.
candy
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
thats pretty cool =) i wish i could do that.
Neel shah
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
How did he visit north Korea????
Me
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Visiting all 194 countries on an Indian passport is great reading and a great feat! If you have ever tried to get a visa, you would know they can be next to impossible to get sometimes. Try to visit Cuba from the US!
Tyson
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
It seems really dumb to me to rush through it and not enjoy each place. I would never just step my foot in one country and head for the next.
krusha
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 pm
cool
Khara
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
You are stupid, why are you spending your money on something so dumb, like this?
Douglas
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Well the fact of visiting every country is pretty neat but i would, personally, like to spend some time to observe and experiance the lay of the land.
duck
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
that pic is photo shopped easy to tell look at the outline around his arms really can see it on his right arm lol
Chris3519
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Who ever think this is lame they are just their stupided kicking in. I bet if one of you visited all the country's you wouldn't want people saying it's lame, so dont do it to this hero.
little walker
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
My mother told me i could do anything and go any where if i had the will. and she was right. it will be more comford if the money is with you.
Chris3519
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Who ever think this is lame they are just their stupided kicking in. I bet if one of you visited all the country's you wouldn't want people saying it's lame, so dont do it to this hero.He chose to do something with his life and some of yall nedd to do something with yours. It's not like he didnt have the money. Some people are just blessed like that.
ABC
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
This is awesome! If I had the chance and money to go around the world, I'd go for it! This is totally cool!
PS If you don't think this is very "neat" I think you're just jealous! Have you ever done that? Probably not!
Dan S
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
If his last country visited was in 2008 why is this news today?
Eduardo T
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
thats not neat

its incredible!
momo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
how'd he get into north korea? O.O
xeysz
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Is he just the fastest to do it or is he the first?
steven
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
i thought it was pretty interesting.. although i wonder how much money that is in american dollars
TheComments
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
The thought that he went all around the world is pretty neat! Not everyone has a chance to do that, you know. He was very fortunate to have such a exciting chance and adventure.
johnnyb44
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
wow, must have been a ride in a half.
Izzy Promen
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Just imagine how much of a hassle it will be when someone asks him what countries he has been to.
Christina
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Wait, so he even went to North Korea?
tiff
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I've always wanted to do this. It's interesting.
Tina
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
How'd he do N. Korea, I wonder?
Dr. Littletree
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Every Country?? Awsome!! I would love to do what he has accomplished. I would much rather spend some quality time in each country along the way but kudos to him for doing it his way and for his reasons. 100% NEAT !!!!
tafnut
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 pm
The 194 (or 192 per the UN) countries in the world is a great accomplishment, but seems to pale in comparison to those people who try to cover all states, territories, etc., which total 772 places in the world.

http://mosttraveledpeople.com/
Skyler
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
yeah, i bet he saw a whole lot of excitement in airports and bus stations. He really got the whole cultural experience of the whole thing.
Teodora
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Kosovo is Serbia!
Kosovo je Srbija!
Frank Pasallo
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
It great that he did something he was determined to accomplish. These are real people doing things that are noteworthy. Congratulations Mr. Samanddar. If you ever want to visit Tijuana Mexico my home is yours.
Leahpie
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
It is too neat..... I would love to do that.....HATERS
v
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 pm
seriously thats stupid. You can 'set' foot..which means stop at a bus stop and keep going...whats the point? I dont think that counts really...what kind of point was he trying to make again? ....seriously?!?
v
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
and I'm assuming antartica was covered in this??
oli
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
awww, he who thought this wasn't neat must be a real spoiled brat. To get a visa for every country is a feat in itself and his fortitude is impressive. Some countries have very stringent and bizarre requirements and/or restrictions: like not appearing like a "Hippie" in Singapore etc. You won't get in. So good for him. Of course it's neat! And sad to see how many rebuttles just one negative commet can cause.
Maddie
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I'm just wondering how he got into countries like North Korea.
music
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I, being one who loves to travel, thinks this is quite amazing. You'd think it'd be easy to visit all 194 countries, but it took this guy seven years. I envy him. He truly got to see the world.
zrine
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Haters are ignorant. One day crazy shit will happen in your life that just make your eyes open for real.
Nguyen
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
That's awsome. If only people can travel freely in this worl, there would be less wars and misunderstanding. The world economy would profit from tourisme and it would be less populated.
hola
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
kosovo is part of serbia... it was illegally stolen from us
MMM
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
nice, you know whats interesting, his last visit was the newest country of the world, kosova. Well Im glad you got to visit my hometown at last!
Sydney
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Wow I wish I could visit every country that would be a dream come true! But I would like to stay and visit longer than he did. Good for him I am happy for him that he could have that experience.
Laura V.
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I think it's super "neat", not sure what the issue is otherwise.
j
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Fantastic acheivement! I am all too familiar with such problems countries give to passport holders of non-western countries. It's ridiculous and unfair. I think this man's story should be told!
Andrea R
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
"The photo above is of Kashi’s last place visited: Serbia Kosova on May 27 of 2008."

Way to cross out Serbia. Kosovo is Serbia and will never be spelled "Kosova."
jackninny
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:21 pm
That would be a dream come true for me. Congrats to you.
juliansix
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:27 pm
how many times can you people say "neat"? good god, it's awesome he has traveled the globe to every nation. Even Presidents don't get that opportunity! Now that's just 'neat'
alvin
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
WOOOOWWWW!! I think what he did is a dream for me that will never come true. Not everybody in the world could or can do that. It would be very nice if you can see and appreciate the real beauty of our world.
haj
Nov 23rd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I thuoght it was KosovO? not KosovA?
doodododododo
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:02 am
What about North Korea?
Don Shagen
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I think it's neat!
Teej
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I think it's "neat" I wish to some day be able to do something like this. Just think having the determination to stick it out is amazing. Homw many of you have ever set a World Record?
Shannon
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Well... neat...yeah... if you just count standing in the airport in every country neat..... thats like me saying I've been to every state in the USA... yeah..driving thru them..LOL... Impressive?... naw
Jessie
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:35 am
I don't see the point of visiting so many countries by setting foot in a country. If he does it so fast, he doesn't really get to see the real thing.
Thomas
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:37 am
A great accomplishment to visit every country. But the real purpose of leisure travel is to experience other cultures and see other lands.
By merely stepping across a border negates the real enjoyment of travel. Unless it is for business reasons...which means ignore the previous comments.
Jenny
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I am a flight attendant and I can't imagine the amount of administration that went with this project.. Plus, "setting foot" in a country might be enough for The Guinness Book, but isn't enough for a personal appreciation of a place. Shame to spend so much money, and go through so much hassle and not get a full experience of the diferent places. I guess anyway the man fulfilled his purpose..
jay
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Well, it is pretty cool that he did this, but did or didn't he take time to actually " Visit " the countries or just get out the bus and step a foot somewhere,snap a pic then leave...because even though he was technically in the country doesn't really make it a visit. However, it does officially count for the record...just another example of how Indians (not native-American Indian) But Hindus rather are taking over the world, now this guy almost makes it literal!!! LOL....Don't believe me? Visit your nearest Dunkin'Donuts/7-11 or any other convenient store and tell me otherwise
Charita King
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:46 am
that's really cool!
Rom
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Very commendable. Though I was an MD with US Permanent Visa ( Green Card) and a valid visa for Greece, I was harassed for hours without being let in because I had an Indian Passport. The Greek Immigration agent had the audacity to ask me why I am coming to Greece. ( I felt like saying: " For sight seeing You moron , Don't yo get it" ).

Kudos to this gentleman, who challenged the system and succeeded despite a passport from a poor country. Many cannot comprehend the difficulties.
Adrock
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Wow, I'd love to know how he gained entry to North Korea without causing a stir.
jrmp
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Gee, I wonder what his carbon footprint looks like. Oh wait! He's Indian so it doesn't matter.
Shadowman621
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Okay, so exactly how did he get into North Korea?
Tony
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:55 am
I am not a Hindu . It is sad to see the comment of racists like Jay. Hindus are the easiest people to get along with. They respect their parents, elders, teachers. Can you name a Hindu hijacker, a terrorist, a mass murderer ? While people like Jay want a free meal and like to use drugs, these Hindus want to work hard and come up in life.

What a difference.
Jay
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:57 am
It's funny how a man that has traveled "the world" stil does not know that the USA is not called America , since America is a continent not a single country, I wonder if he assumed he has visited the entire continent by just getting to the USA.If so he has a long way to go yet....
Jenny
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:57 am
I am a flight attendant, and I can't imagine the amount of administration and paperwork that went with this project of traveling on your own everywhere. "Setting foot in a country" may be enough for The Guinness Book but it is certainly not enough to get a personal appreciation and general overview / understanding of a place / culture. Me thinks, shame to have spent so much money and have gone through so much hassle and not being able to get a personal feeling of all the different countries visited. I guess anyway the man fulfilled his purpose.. Plus he must be a Gold Member of almost every Frequent Flyer Programme by now! Time to go on vacation
Lovely Otter
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:57 am
I think his quest was a wonderful way to rebel creatively against red tape!

I wonder whjch countries he'd like to visit again?
Haji Dainjunwitadot
Nov 24th, 2009 at 12:59 am
What a dweeb. It just goes to show that Iranians and Indians are losers. They are both ruining California. I wish they would visit every county BUT the US.
Angieeee
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Hmph, all these people commenting that it isn't neat are just being ridiculous. I'd like to see you try and do it. Plus the amount of money he spent is unreal.
Tony
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Looks like there are many more Jays. Hello JRMP ! what a bigot you are. You will put up with Chinese who take away our jobs, Pakistanis who host Bin Laden, and others who hijack our planes, blow up our World Trade centers, people who cross our borders illegally, people who sell drugs, but worried about carbon foot print of this record setter.I think your carbon foot print ( you know where it is coming from ) is much larger.

Tony
Angieeee
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:02 am
"Parke G. Thompson of the United States is one of these people. He traveled to every country, possession, territory and island in the world, including both poles. He made 36 trips over 31 years to fulfill his goal. His reason for travelling is obvious—to set a world record. But there are some who travel for one reason or another and make the record book without trying, like Francis Asbury, a Methodist preacher who traveled 424,800 km around America on horseback to preach. He did it before there ever was a Guinness Book of World Records."
kanyata
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:04 am
congratulations mr kashi.really its an awesome achievement,the day i will have enough resourses i will surely travel to all countries that i will get visa to enter.the world is beautiful and life is short.
Indrajit Sundapeet
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I be so amazed by this incomprehensible accomplishment by my country man. His brilliant doing immensely establishes that Indians are supremely superior. Of course, despite his bastardly Iranian background.
jay
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:09 am
it wasn't racist... i have no problem with Hindus personally,but there is a difference between the truth and stereotypes. I live on the east coast and every dunkin' donuts or 7/11 you go into is all hindu and they don't bother to learn english and then stalk you around the store, because they do not trust anyone. Plus the overbearing scent of curry the pores from their pores is enough to make you vomit.....eat something else already.
Jay II
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:09 am
ok.....and this contributes to the world how???
Stinky Indian
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:13 am
I travel to India once. Well, it was 7-11. I smell all the bad smell of the whole world there. Can I get world record?
Stinky Indian
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:19 am
"Tony
November 24th, 2009 at 12:55 am

I am not a Hindu . It is sad to see the comment of racists like Jay. Hindus are the easiest people to get along with. They respect their parents, elders, teachers. Can you name a Hindu hijacker, a terrorist, a mass murderer ? While people like Jay want a free meal and like to use drugs, these Hindus want to work hard and come up in life. "

The Tamil Tigers come to mind. They have been bloodier and more murderous terrorists than any other far earlier. Perhaps they taught all terrorists. They are Hindus.
sodhi
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:19 am
congratulations realy a difficult task
ROBERT WHITTEMORE
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:26 am
I think it is really NEAT as well, did he have trouble entering Cuba
Brahmin
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Good for him. As long as he isn't of a lower caste trying to get into Pondicherry after the tsunami killed everyone he loves. A good hindu knows Brahmins will not accept anyone beneath us being around us. We will burn any untouchable who is in a Brahmin area. We hindus are peaceful.
Keep America Pure
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:37 am
How many of our secrets did this terrorist steal while here under a terrorist (H1) visa?
PelvisPresley
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:46 am
i've visited several cities in my state... that should be worth something
Gregory S. Craig
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Oh how I envy Mr. Samaddar!!! Just the thought of a lifetime desire and goal for me! I'm on #18 and feel very short on my travels being 61 and limited income. I would love to do more than just set foot in a country; I have to eat, sleep, see and do, meet people and go to church where permissible, get intimate with a woman without getting her pregnant and on and on and on, but he's done something in life I haven't!!! BRAVO Mr. Kashi Samaddar if you happen to read my comment!!!
Rob
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Its kind of funny but, we were in Belgium for for years and had to get our US passports replaced when our house burned down. When we went into the embassy in Brussels we encountered a line a mile long but were led to the front of the when people found out we were Americans. Some of the people I spoke to had been in line for hours and one lady said she had to come back daily for over three months to get a Visa to the US. So I can imagine how difficult that is for a brown person from South Asia, The Middle East or North Africa.
I think its a pretty cool story. Maybe some of you guys are just a bit to cynical or closed minded to really understand the gravity of this story. He wasn't just fighting the system to prove he could visit every country. He was showing the world the difference in effort that it takes someone of his race to accomplish such a feat. I guarantee a Caucasian like myself would have a much less difficult time.
Bravo Kashi, Bravo!
Marian
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:59 am
does this mean he visited north korea too?
Fackher
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Moldova cea mai tare in vagoane... nu primeste chiar toti vagabonziii indieni...)) Viva Moldova!
oli
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:03 am
North Korea?
nindza
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Kosova is not a country !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
indy
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:11 am
I wanted to do the same? I am glad somebody did it. It is not an easy job.
me
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:12 am
if you like that, check out this video (a little more entertaining)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4

(apologize if anyone is offended by the title)
nindza
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:13 am
It is not kosova, it is Kosovo i Metohija and that is south Serbia not a kosova contry!!!!!!
CAPPELLO YEANCAH
Nov 24th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Has be been 2 my Country Nigeria?????
concerned
Nov 24th, 2009 at 3:00 am
what about north korea? i thought no one was allowed there?
Diell
Nov 24th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Very nice idea to visit all these countries...
And very nice idea to make this photo in youngest country in the world, Kosovo...
cheers...
bobtheman
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
He must not have a family. If he does its selfish chasing this silly record while leaving them at home.
Mariar
Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Amazing, I have many friends who no longer visit the UK or USA because of the Visa problems. My uncle, a plastic surgeon, never got a Visa to a conference in the USA because they thought he might work illegally!!
gemm
Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:18 am
that's why tourism in my country is at zero level (I'm from Moldova).
Andrew Mazzotta
Nov 25th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Going to give this a shot!

1.3 years in and 1/4 "done". (I'm photoing and experiencing the countries instead of just stepping on country soil.)

http://www.andrewmazzotta.com

*No country counts unless 3 cultural things are seen on a minimum of 3 days. Also would love tips, advice, stories, and places to go in the hard to reach countries you have knowledge of.
Deepstereo
Nov 25th, 2009 at 5:49 am
errrr, those who have questions HOW he got to North Korea... Well... Only Americans are totally banned from North Korea, Others can buy a tour and they let you in through China, and they let you see what they say, and you always have a guide, and you can't meet any locals, only guides and personnel, you can't travel freely, also they store your laptop and mobile phone and video camera when you are there. Pretty boring I would say...
nelson
Dec 1st, 2009 at 10:27 am
merely setting foot in every country is not travel in the proper sense. his pictures show how meaningless his travels are, he goes to a place, takes some pics in hotel lobbies and bars, and claims he has visited that country! he is a country collector, not a traveller.
joe young
Dec 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I am trying to get to100 countries in my lifetime. Have visited 91 so far.
So quit harping on his pictures and recognize his great accomplishment.
Gaurabh Kumar
Dec 28th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Great job.He is a real life hero of the world.

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