Torbjørn Pedersen, a man with a lifelong dream of being a renowned adventurer, has always believed he was destined for greatness. From building dens in the woods as a child while pretending to be Indiana Jones, to feeling a sense of longing for the adventures of the past even as an adult, Pedersen couldn’t shake his desire for something extraordinary.
However, there was a problem. Pedersen felt that he was born in the wrong era. He believed that all the great adventures had already taken place, leaving him with no chance to make his mark. But in 2013, everything changed.
At 34 years old, Pedersen had a successful career in shipping and logistics, a new home, and a serious relationship. It seemed like it was time to let go of his childhood aspirations. That was until his father sent him an article about people who had traveled to every country in the world. To Pedersen’s surprise, he discovered that ordinary people were embarking on these global journeys with limited budgets and unconventional means of transportation.
In that moment, Pedersen had a realization. No one had ever achieved the feat of visiting every country in the world without flying in one unbroken trip. And just like that, he saw an opportunity to set a world record and create a legacy of his own. His excitement grew, and he couldn’t help but see himself as the next great adventurer, alongside historical figures like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. Torbjørn Pedersen, or “Thor” Pedersen, as he came to call himself, could do something significant, worth remembering, and embark on a remarkable adventure.
For the next 10 months, Pedersen meticulously planned his journey. He carefully considered the route, budget, and what to pack, all without consciously making the decision to go. It wasn’t until he turned down an opportunity to work in South America that he realized he was fully committed to his project. He set three rules for himself: spend at least 24 hours in each country, avoid returning home, and absolutely no flying. His list included the 195 states recognized by the UN, as well as other regions like Kosovo and Taiwan, totaling 203 countries. He estimated that the journey would take about four years and set a budget of $20 a day, relying on savings, supporter donations, and sponsorships. Additionally, as a goodwill ambassador for the Danish Red Cross, Pedersen aimed to raise awareness for the organization’s work in 199 countries and promote blood donation. He also wanted to share positive stories about each country, even those typically associated with negative perceptions, on social media.
Why did Pedersen believe he could accomplish such an extraordinary task? It was simply a feeling that he was born to do it. Growing up in various countries, experiencing military service and humanitarian work, as well as his job in logistics, had shaped him into a versatile and adaptable individual. These experiences gave him the confidence to take on this audacious endeavor.
Of course, not everyone understood Pedersen’s vision. His father believed he was throwing away a successful career, but Pedersen assured him that this was not merely an extended gap year. His mother, who also loved to travel, accepted the idea without hesitation.
However, breaking the news to his girlfriend, Le, was challenging. They had only been together for less than a year, and now Pedersen was about to embark on a journey of self-imposed exile. He tried to warn her about the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship while also wanting her to stay. Ultimately, they decided to give it a try.
On October 10, 2013, Pedersen left Denmark, starting his journey through Europe and North America. While these continents posed relatively fewer logistical challenges, sticking to a tight budget proved difficult in Europe. He lost significant weight in the first month, skipping meals and enduring sleep deprivation. He soon realized that rushing through countries wasn’t sustainable and decided to spend a minimum of three days in each one.
As Pedersen continued through Central and South America and the Caribbean, his rule of not flying home became more emotionally taxing. He missed his grandmother’s funeral and mourned the loss of a close family friend. Seeing his friends struggle with depression from a distance made him question whether he was providing enough support. But despite the challenges, his relationship with Le improved over time. She visited him more frequently, and on her 10th visit, Pedersen proposed on top of Mount Kenya during a snowstorm. It was a moment of immense happiness amidst the journey.
While Pedersen experienced exhilarating highs, such as crossing borders and entering new countries, he also faced devastating lows. Dealing with countless difficult checkpoints, recovering from cerebral malaria, and encountering multiple dangerous situations, including being held at gunpoint, pushed him to his limits. At times, he felt like he was living a nightmare and contemplated quitting.
Yet, despite the hardships, he persisted. Pedersen reached the final two countries, but oddly enough, he felt nothing. It was a culmination of a remarkable journey, filled with countless challenges and incredible moments. But now, the adventure had come to an end, leaving Pedersen to reflect on the entire experience and the lessons he had learned.
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