This coming Wednesday, the MV Milan Maersk, a massive 214,000-tonne container ship, is scheduled to arrive in the port city of Aarhus, Denmark. Among the passengers alighting will be Torbjørn “Thor” Pedersen, who has achieved the extraordinary feat of traveling to every single one of the world’s 203 countries without boarding an airplane, a journey that began in October 2013.
This decade-long adventure, labeled “Once Upon A Saga” by Pedersen, was not without its trials. Visa issues in Africa, unintentional forays into dangerous areas in Panama City, and weathering violent sea storms were just a few of the hurdles faced. Nevertheless, the journey has enriched Pedersen’s understanding of the world and deepened his love for humanity.
“In the public eye, I have evolved into a man of accomplishment and interest,” Pedersen shares from aboard the Milan Maersk, which he embarked upon in Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia. “On a personal level, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, my abilities, and my limitations. I’ve developed my comprehension of culture, history, geography, geopolitics, and so much more. My global network has significantly expanded.”
Serving as a goodwill ambassador for the Danish Red Cross, Pedersen tackled his quest for a Guinness World Record the hard way. He journeyed on a modest daily budget of US$20, experienced local cuisine, and spent a minimum of 24 hours in each country. He cherished the kindness of strangers, relied on the generosity of shipping companies, and spread the philosophy of slow travel.
Pedersen’s journey, and the ensuing media attention, has taken him by surprise. “The interviews have varied from superficial clickbait Q&As to deeper, meaningful journalism that leaves the audience with value,” Pedersen explains. “It must be far worse for Hollywood actors on promotional tours.”
As he nears the end of his journey, Pedersen has had time for reflection. “The past decade has shaped me into who I am, and I would not want to be anyone else,” Pedersen states. As for future travel, Pedersen asserts that sustainable travel is possible and encourages exploration.
The final hours of Pedersen’s saga are filled with anticipation. A massive reception awaits him in Aarhus, with his wife, Le, whom he credits as his bedrock throughout this journey. “I’m looking forward to getting back to our apartment in Copenhagen and having some Danish rye bread with pork liver pâté,” he shares.
Although Pedersen’s journey is coming to a close, he doesn’t anticipate a leisurely rest. He’s working on a book about his experiences, wrapping up a documentary set for release next year, and preparing for several speaking engagements. “We also want to start a family,” Pedersen shares. A new journey awaits this intrepid traveler.
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