Kiwi duo: 110 countries in All Nations Quest

Kiwi duo tick off 110 countries in All Nations Quest _____________________________________________
Two New Zealanders trying to enter every country in the world in 160 days have visited 110 countries in just 92 days on their epic and at times perilous journey.

John Bougen and his cousin James Irving have completed 57 percent of the 193 countries they need to enter and soon slip out of Africa after an anguishing few weeks.

They are seeking to set a world record of entering all 193 recognised nations in 160 days and are expected back in New Zealand in February.

``Our future worries include the Mombassa bombing and missiles launched at an Israeli charter aircraft which is obviously of concern,’’ Bougen said

``The closure of the Australian and Canadian embassies in Manila does not auger well for safety in that region either.

``Iraq is anyone’s guess. We still no flight schedule for the Amman to Baghdad sector.’’

The pair have not been able to renew yet their expired visas for China and Afghanistan.

The intrepid travelers are three days ahead of schedule but four nationals behind schedule making next month tight.

Bougen said they are looking forward to getting out of Africa shortly because frustrations completing even the simplest of travel tasks had worn them down.

``We are really looking forward to meeting their wives in the Middle East early next month.

To date they have been on 131 flights and travelled almost 130,000 km. They have spent the equivalent of 14 days waiting in airports.

The intrepid duo are supporting Save the Children charity as they attempt to travel 200,000km, spend 400 hours in the air and move in and out of 200 different airports.

Their route is South America, through North America across Iceland to Europe and eventually through Africa and Asia.

They plan to arrive back in New Zealand on February

Mr Irving was born in Christchurch and his home is in Brisbane. Mr Bougen was born in Timaru but has spent most of his life in Auckland.

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