Before the reception, we visited Oliver at his home. The 32-year-old Oliver loves to walk; he told us that he had longed for an adventure, and after working for ten years he gave his notice.

"I expected to have a good time, to see a lot of beautiful nature, and meet some people, but it was just the opposite! I met so many people – and the Americans are really amazing; their kindness came to me as a surprise. Practically every day they offered me food, water, sometimes even money."

He walked approximately 40 kilometres per day. He made a new friend during his travel, Richard from the Netherlands, who came back to America in order to spend the last days before the end of Oli’s journey with him. Friends from his native Konjice have been impatiently expecting Oli.

The mayor of Slovenske Konjice Miran Gorinšek said: "Oli personifies the spirit of our people – their perseverance and diligence, which can lead to great achievements."

"I keep living my dream, although I am back at home – it’s insane! Thank you all for coming," Oliver thanked everybody at the reception, and in the end announced a new feat. The next destination remains a secret, but first he must find a new job.

Franja Pižmoht, TV Slovenija; translated by G. K.