A Danish man who has visited almost every country in the world without flying has been stranded in Hong Kong for 4 months. He gave us a look inside a day in his life right now.

Melissa WileyJun 3, 2020, 21:45 IST

Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

"Modern Viking" Thor Pedersen is on a journey to become the first person to visit every country in the world without stepping foot on a plane.
He left his native Denmark in October 2013 and promised he wouldn't return home until he saw his project through. He's also limited himself to a budget of $20 per day.
In late January, Pedersen had just nine countries left to visit when the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to his plans.
Pedersen has been living with a host family in Sai Kung, about an hour and 15 minutes outside of downtown Hong Kong, for four months instead of the four days he had originally planned.
From hiking for 26 hours straight to exploring a downtown Hong Kong devoid of tourists, here's what a typical day in his life looks like during the pandemic.

Six-and-a-half years ago, Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen left his home in Denmark on a quest to become the first person to visit every country in the world continuously without flying.

In late January, he had just nine left to go — Palau, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives — and was scheduled to travel on container ship from Hong Kong to Palau when news of the coronavirus outbreak swept the region and travel came to a halt.

Now, instead of spending four days in Hong Kong as he had originally intended, Pedersen has been there for four months, the longest he's stayed in any place over the course of his around-the-world journey.

While Pedersen waits for another opportunity to travel to Palau, he's been adapting to his new life in Hong Kong and chronicling his experiences on his blog, "Once Upon a Saga."

A large part of Thor's travel philosophy is prioritizing local, everyday experiences over visiting tourist attractions. He also sticks to an average budget of $20 per day.

Pedersen has found that life hasn't changed drastically in Hong Kong during the coronavirus pandemic, due in part to cultural and institutional changes adopted in the wake of the 2003 SARS epidemic.

Business Insider caught up with Pedersen on May 20 to learn more how he's spending his time in Hong Kong and asked him to share images of his experiences over the past several weeks.

From hiking the 48-mile Wilson Trail for 26 hours straight to exploring a downtown Hong Kong devoid of tourists, here's what a typical day looks like for the world traveler Thor Pedersen in Hong Kong during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thor Pedersen, 41, had made it to 194 of 203 countries on his nonstop journey around the world when the coronavirus pandemic canceled his travel plans and left him stranded in Hong Kong.

Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Thor Pedersen, 41, had made it to 194 of 203 countries on his nonstop journey around the world when the coronavirus pandemic canceled his travel plans and left him stranded in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong declared a state of emergency on January 25 after the coronavirus outbreak spread to the region from Wuhan, China. Pedersen arrived by container ship on January 28.

Pedersen waits for a meeting with Hong Kong immigration. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Hong Kong declared a state of emergency on January 25 after the coronavirus outbreak spread to the region from Wuhan, China. Pedersen arrived by container ship on January 28.

Though Hong Kong imposed a handful of restrictions to contain the spread of the virus between January and early April, it was never on strict lockdown, and Pedersen told Business Insider that he hasn't observed a dramatic change in day-to-day life.

A street in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Though Hong Kong imposed a handful of restrictions to contain the spread of the virus between January and early April, it was never on strict lockdown, and Pedersen told Business Insider that he hasn't observed a dramatic change in day-to-day life.

Pedersen attributes this to the 2003 SARS outbreak. Hongkongers were quick to adopt face masks and self-isolate when the coronavirus hit because "they knew the routine," he said.

Plastic film coverings over elevator buttons, sanitized daily, are among the sanitation measures Hong Kong adopted in the years following SARS, Pedersen told Business Insider. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Pedersen attributes this to the 2003 SARS outbreak. Hongkongers were quick to adopt face masks and self-isolate when the coronavirus hit because "they knew the routine," he said.

Hong Kong is beginning to reopen: Bars, entertainment venues, and schools reopened last month, and employees are returning to work. However, a ban on gatherings of eight or more people in crowded places is in effect through June 8 and border restrictions remain in place.

A sign in Hong Kong Central reads "Together, we fight the virus! Please don't gather." Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Hong Kong is beginning to reopen: Bars, entertainment venues, and schools reopened last month, and employees are returning to work. However, a ban on gatherings of eight or more people in crowded places is in effect through June 8 and border restrictions remain in place.

While he waits for an opportunity to continue to journey, Pedersen has been staying with a couple and their two boys in Sai Kung, a residential area known for its scenic beaches and hiking trails about an hour and 15 minutes outside of Central, Hong Kong's downtown business district.

Google Maps

While he waits for an opportunity to continue to journey, Pedersen has been staying with a couple and their two boys in Sai Kung, a residential area known for its scenic beaches and hiking trails about an hour and 15 minutes outside of Central, Hong Kong's downtown business district.

On a typical day, Pedersen wakes up at 8:30 a.m., switches on his phone, and writes good morning to his fiancée back home in Denmark.

Pedersen checks his phone first thing in morning. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Next, he splashes water on his face, does a few push-ups, and heads downstairs to greet his host family and prepare a light breakfast.

Pedersen's breakfast usually consists of oatmeal with raisins and milk plus a cup of tea. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Around 9:15, a.m. he heads upstairs to brush his teeth and filter drinking water for the morning.

Pedersen brushes his teeth. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

"Generally people say you can drink the tap water in Hong Kong, but most people I know boil it. I use a filter," he said.

Pedersen filters water for drinking. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

By 9:30 a.m., Pedersen is at his laptop checking emails and doing interviews with local and international media.

Pedersen works at his laptop. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

An hour later, he changes into his running clothes, filters more water, and heads downstairs with shoes in hand. He tells his host family where he's headed, starts his watch, and sets out for a run.

Pedersen goes for a run outside. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

An hour later, he changes into his running clothes, filters more water, and heads downstairs with shoes in hand. He tells his host family where he's headed, starts his watch, and sets out for a run.

To complement his runs, Pedersen has been hiking the network of trails around Hong Kong on weekends.

Pedersen on the Hong Kong Trail, Hong Kong Island. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Once Pedersen returns home from exercising, he immediately starts rehydrating and stretching. He then takes a shower and prepares to leave the house.

Flatlay of Pedersen's travel uniform and accessories. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Pedersen first catches a bus to Sai Kung's town center where he has a light lunch. Restaurants have fewer customers than they did before the pandemic, but have remained open, he told Business Insider.

A typical lunch for Pedersen: soup with pork, thin noodles, and pepper. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Pedersen first catches a bus to Sai Kung's town center where he has a light lunch. Restaurants have fewer customers than they did before the pandemic, but have remained open, he told Business Insider.

From Sai Kung, he catches another bus to Hang Hau MTR metro station in order to head into Central. The commute takes him about an hour and 15 minutes total.

Pedersen travels on a minibus. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Pedersen has seen photos of metro cars around the world where commuters are spaced out and observing social distancing. "That's never been the case in Hong Kong," he told Business Insider.

Pedersen rides the Hong Kong's metro, known as the MTR. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Pedersen has seen photos of metro cars around the world where commuters are spaced out and observing social distancing. "That's never been the case in Hong Kong," he told Business Insider.

Commuters in Hong Kong continue to stand and sit next to each other. "It's like this Superman power — you put on the mask and you're fine and then you can almost do whatever you want," he said.

Pedersen rides the MTR. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Commuters in Hong Kong continue to stand and sit next to each other. "It's like this Superman power — you put on the mask and you're fine and then you can almost do whatever you want," he said.

After arriving in Central around 2 p.m., Pedersen walks ten minutes up to the Foreign Correspondents' Club either to sit and work or for an afternoon meeting.

Pedersen sits at the Foreign Correspondents' Club. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

When he doesn't have an afternoon engagement, he explores the city and takes photos for his blog and social media.

Pedersen gazes up at a skyscraper in Hong Kong Central. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Typically, Hong Kong is flooded with tourists in April and May, and locals head out of town to escape the city heat, Pedersen told Business Insider. However, because the borders are closed, there are practically no tourists, and locals have to stay put.

Pedersen visits Waterfall Bay on Hong Kong Island, home to thousands of "retired" deity statues. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Typically, Hong Kong is flooded with tourists in April and May, and locals head out of town to escape the city heat, Pedersen told Business Insider. However, because the borders are closed, there are practically no tourists, and locals have to stay put.

After an afternoon of exploring the city and engagements, Pedersen usually heads back to his host family in time for dinner, following the same route back.

Pedersen rides the MTR. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

In Sai Kung's town center, he quickly stops into a supermarket to pick up some groceries. His host family provides most meals, but he buys his own breakfast supplies.

Pedersen purchases groceries in Sai Kung. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Back home, he greets everyone and they about talk about their respective days. Dinner is usually served before 7 p.m. and "it is always good," Pedersen said.

Pedersen enjoys dinner with his host family. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Following dinner, the family might play a game like Monopoly, Uno, or Kahoot if the boys aren't watching YouTube or playing video games.

Pedersen and his host family play a card game. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Occasionally, they will go out for a short evening walk together.

Pedersen and his host family go on an evening walk. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

By 10 p.m. the family has retired for the day. Thor makes a cup of tea and heads upstairs to work for a few more hours.

Pedersen checks his phone before bed. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Thor is in conversation with container ship operators about traveling to his next destination, Palau, but is not sure when his journey will resume. For now, he is taking it one day at a time.

Pedersen visits Choi Hung Estate, a public housing estate popular with photographers. Courtesy Torbjørn (Thor) Pedersen

Thor is in conversation with container ship operators about traveling to his next destination, Palau, but is not sure when his journey will resume. For now, he is taking it one day at a time.

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A Danish man who has visited almost every country in the world without flying has been stranded in Hong Kong for 4 months. He gave us a look inside a day in his life right now.

Thor Pedersen, 41, had made it to 194 of 203 countries on his nonstop journey around the world when the coronavirus pandemic canceled his travel plans and left him stranded in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong declared a state of emergency on January 25 after the coronavirus outbreak spread to the region from Wuhan, China. Pedersen arrived by container ship on January 28.

Though Hong Kong imposed a handful of restrictions to contain the spread of the virus between January and early April, it was never on strict lockdown, and Pedersen told Business Insider that he hasn't observed a dramatic change in day-to-day life.

Pedersen attributes this to the 2003 SARS outbreak. Hongkongers were quick to adopt face masks and self-isolate when the coronavirus hit because "they knew the routine," he said.

Hong Kong is beginning to reopen: Bars, entertainment venues, and schools reopened last month, and employees are returning to work. However, a ban on gatherings of eight or more people in crowded places is in effect through June 8 and border restrictions remain in place.

While he waits for an opportunity to continue to journey, Pedersen has been staying with a couple and their two boys in Sai Kung, a residential area known for its scenic beaches and hiking trails about an hour and 15 minutes outside of Central, Hong Kong's downtown business district.

On a typical day, Pedersen wakes up at 8:30 a.m., switches on his phone, and writes good morning to his fiancée back home in Denmark.

Next, he splashes water on his face, does a few push-ups, and heads downstairs to greet his host family and prepare a light breakfast.

Around 9:15, a.m. he heads upstairs to brush his teeth and filter drinking water for the morning.

"Generally people say you can drink the tap water in Hong Kong, but most people I know boil it. I use a filter," he said.

By 9:30 a.m., Pedersen is at his laptop checking emails and doing interviews with local and international media.

An hour later, he changes into his running clothes, filters more water, and heads downstairs with shoes in hand. He tells his host family where he's headed, starts his watch, and sets out for a run.

To complement his runs, Pedersen has been hiking the network of trails around Hong Kong on weekends.

Once Pedersen returns home from exercising, he immediately starts rehydrating and stretching. He then takes a shower and prepares to leave the house.

Pedersen first catches a bus to Sai Kung's town center where he has a light lunch. Restaurants have fewer customers than they did before the pandemic, but have remained open, he told Business Insider.

From Sai Kung, he catches another bus to Hang Hau MTR metro station in order to head into Central. The commute takes him about an hour and 15 minutes total.

Pedersen has seen photos of metro cars around the world where commuters are spaced out and observing social distancing. "That's never been the case in Hong Kong," he told Business Insider.

Commuters in Hong Kong continue to stand and sit next to each other. "It's like this Superman power — you put on the mask and you're fine and then you can almost do whatever you want," he said.

After arriving in Central around 2 p.m., Pedersen walks ten minutes up to the Foreign Correspondents' Club either to sit and work or for an afternoon meeting.

When he doesn't have an afternoon engagement, he explores the city and takes photos for his blog and social media.

Typically, Hong Kong is flooded with tourists in April and May, and locals head out of town to escape the city heat, Pedersen told Business Insider. However, because the borders are closed, there are practically no tourists, and locals have to stay put.

After an afternoon of exploring the city and engagements, Pedersen usually heads back to his host family in time for dinner, following the same route back.

In Sai Kung's town center, he quickly stops into a supermarket to pick up some groceries. His host family provides most meals, but he buys his own breakfast supplies.

Back home, he greets everyone and they about talk about their respective days. Dinner is usually served before 7 p.m. and "it is always good," Pedersen said.

Following dinner, the family might play a game like Monopoly, Uno, or Kahoot if the boys aren't watching YouTube or playing video games.

Occasionally, they will go out for a short evening walk together.

By 10 p.m. the family has retired for the day. Thor makes a cup of tea and heads upstairs to work for a few more hours.

Thor is in conversation with container ship operators about traveling to his next destination, Palau, but is not sure when his journey will resume. For now, he is taking it one day at a time.