British adventurer Karl Bushby has returned home after spending 28 years walking across four continents and 30 countries, covering nearly 57,936 kilometres without using planes, trains or cars. He received an emotional welcome from his mother after completing the extraordinary journey.
Bushby, a former British paratrooper, began his expedition in November 1998 from the southern tip of Chile. His original plan was to walk through 29 countries across four continents, including the Americas, Russia and Europe, and complete the journey within 12 years.
However, a series of challenges extended the expedition to 28 years.
During the journey, Bushby faced arrest in Russia on suspicion of espionage and was threatened with deportation. He also encountered a polar bear and was stopped at gunpoint by armed men. At another stage, he had to replace the trolley he used to carry his belongings after it broke down.
According to the BBC, Bushby walked the final few kilometres on Monday, travelling from Hull City Hall to his mother’s home, where they reunited after nearly three decades.
What began as a 12-year expedition ultimately became a 28-year journey across the world, ending with an emotional return home.