I know how many countries I’ve been to. Every now and then I recount to make sure my number is up to date. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.
But I also gotta admit that obsessing over one’s country count is a bit of a vanity statistic and it misses a lot.
The number of countries you’ve been to doesn’t say anything about the depth of connection you had when you were there. It’s possible to take a train through different capitals just for the numbers, but someone who spends time in just one of those countries and goes deeper probably has the richer experience.
Also, some countries are simply way more internally diverse and complex than others. Going from one region of India to another can reintroduce more sudden changes in language, faith, cuisine, and economic status than border hopping several countries in Western Europe.
So, don’t put too much into the number.
But if anyone asks, I’m sitting at 56.