New Zealand (Common Wealth) _ Have you ever thought of traveling all over the world without taking a flight? Traveling in other countries is really beneficial because it offers an opportunity to learn, interact with new cultures, learn new languages, improve communication skills, gain new insights and perspectives regarding life and the world, and meet new and interesting people.
Making these sentiments into reality, a Danish adventurer, Torbjrn Pedersen, has reached his 203rd and final country, the Maldives, after over ten years of travel, and all without ever flying.
Thor arrived in the Maldives by container ship after an unbelievable trip that saw him cross the world, battle coronavirus border restrictions, get stuck in Hong Kong for two years, and fall in love and marry.
His voyage was a continuous one, and he kept his friends and family updated on his website, Once Upon a Saga, along the way.
Pedersen told Stuff Travel from the Maldives’ capital of Malé that he can’t believe what he’s accomplished.
“It appears that the Saga was very important to many people because I’m now getting a lot of very emotional reactions and very moving messages.” “It may be a long time before I fully comprehend the gravity of it all,” Pedersen added.
“When I arrived in the Maldives, I had been doing this for 3512 days.” I’m not sure I’ve realized it’s finished yet, and I may need some time to process and reflect on things. Having said that, I am relieved that it is finished, that it ended successfully, and that I did not give up. It is It’s extremely overwhelming right now with all of the attention and wonderful words that I’m receiving from all over the world.”
Among the criteria he established for himself, he had to visit each country for at least 24 hours and spend no more than US$20 per day, which is slightly more than NZ$33, noting that “in some countries, I’m above while in other countries I’m below.” Crowdsourcing and a number of companies have provided funding, as well as free passage from various maritime firms. He had to self-finance at one point, which depleted his personal cash. He was obliged to sell some of his belongings and take out loans.
He’s been on 37 different container ships. But all of his plans nearly fell apart on the way to New Zealand being the number 197.
In May of last year, the ship that had promised to transport him over the Tasman from Australia said it would no longer transport him, and Immigration New Zealand declared he couldn’t enter the country because of Covid laws. Eventually, the ship was granted entry, and Pedersen was able to cross the last few Pacific islands before reaching Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Pedersen claims that time has helped him overcome his frustrations with his trip to New Zealand.
“I adore New Zealand and always think fondly of your country.” However, the pandemic was not ended, and New Zealand was opening up in phases, making it difficult to board a ship.
The journey isn’t finished yet, as he’s returning to Denmark without flying. I traveled TO and FROM Denmark without flying. Also, I’d like to keep loyal to the project’s nature and return home through water and land, so completing the circle.”
He plans to write a book about his adventures and undertake some speaking engagements after he returns home, having served as a goodwill ambassador for the Danish Red Cross. He also hopes to make a documentary.
When asked what he had learned about himself as a result of all of this, he replied simply, “I’ve learned that I have more inner strength than I ever imagined.”
