THE TRAVELLING MAN

It has been over 2,400 days since Torbjørn C. ‘Thor’ Pedersen left his home in Denmark to travel the world—without boarding a single flight. He was just nine countries short of his goal and at the cusp of redefining conscious travel, when COVID-19 foiled his plans. Stranded in Hong Kong, Pedersen is now waiting for the world to open again.

How did you end up in Hong Kong during the travel bans?

I was down to the last nine countries—Palau, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. I was in Micronesia and looking forward to reach Palau. The plan was to take a ship to Hong Kong, and four days later, take a ship to Palau. However,

I arrived in Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year, and the ship was delayed for seven days. By that time, Palau closed its borders, and then other countries followed suit.

What were your first thoughts when the travel bans were announced?

I felt okay, surprisingly. I’m used to dealing with problems that are just mine and to which people do not usually relate. With the pandemic, we all had similar issues, and in a strange way, I felt like a part of the global community.

How’s the situation right now in Hong Kong?

I feel like Hong Kong has handled the outbreak better than any other country on earth. People are still wearing masks, but life is returning to normal. The government is allowing groups to assemble, and most places are reopening. There have been just four deaths in Hong Kong, and there was never any lockdown; only some restrictions and enhanced protocols.

How did you manage to visit 194 countries in over six years without taking a single flight?

With great difficulty! Around 80 per cent of it has been easy, though. Countries are connected, and wherever there are people, there is transportation. I have mainly travelled by buses, trains, taxis, and ferries. Most visas are also straightforward. It has been the remaining 20 per cent that has caused a headache. Unbelievable bureaucracy and logistics have often made my life miserable.

You haven’t been home ever since you began your journey. What’s the first thing you want to do once you get back?

I want to sleep for a month. When I wake up, I’ll shave, and then get married (laughs)! I also plan to write a book and embark on a career as a motivational speaker. And I look forward to building up daily routines in familiar surroundings.

Any tips for those who’d love to travel the world like you?

Come and join Once Upon A Saga (onceuponasaga.dk). There’s plenty of information on the website, the social media [handle] boasts stories and pictures from around the world, and the adventure is far from over.

Pedersen set off to see the world in October 2013.

Torbjørn C. “Thor” Pedersen is spending his self-isolation days in Hong Kong.