Thor Here For New Year’s Fiji-Style
ADane, who is three countries short of making world history, by being the world’s first traveller to get to travel the globe without air travel, is eager to his first experience in celebrating New Year’s Day Fiji-style.
Torbjorn Pedersen, or Thor, as he prefers, is no newcomer to Fiji; this is his third visit, and the second for him to spend his birthday here.
“I hear they use water to celebrate New Year’s day,” he said.
Mr Pedersen gets to his various destinations on container vessels, hospital ships, and buses when it concerns continental travels.
He has travelled to 200 countries in an unbroken journey - all without flying.
“The fact that no one had done it, inspired me,” he said.
“It is not dangerous in the way people think it is.”
A Red Cross travel and goodwill ambassador, the three remaining countries that complete his adventures, are Tuvalu, Sri Lanka and The Maldives.
He looks forward to finally returning home – to where it all began – nine years after he commenced his expedition.
“I have not been home for the past nine years,” he said.
From time to time, his wife joins him for a visit.
His 74-year old parents, his mother a Finnic native, await his return to their Scandanavian.
He had to shelve plans to spend Christmas in Tuvalu, after the Manufolau – a Tuvalu Government-owned ferry - rescheduled its departure itinerary for post New Year.
Where in Fiji would you take friends to?
Levuka.
As the old capital, it’s historical for what it represents in the colonial times.
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
Kanu, Suva.
The rustic décor, good food and great service did it for me.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
I haven’t had time for much exploration. When I get the rare opportunity – like an extension on my stay – I explore parts of the countries I visit. One such place was Tomanivi, where I drank kava.