Women Who Wander: Interview #6—H Ng

Dancing around the globe

🌸H and I worked together at an English language school in Bali back in 2018. What seems like just yesterday is inching ever closer to a decade, and while she is now back in New Zealand and I am in Japan, I am glad we have still kept in touch across time and distance. I loved H’s spunk and energy and her passion for extolling the benefits of brushing and flossing. She introduced me to different worlds when we lived in Bali, namely breakdancing and spray painting. H comes from a tightknit family, so it’s no surprise what a great mom she has become. I am in constant awe of her strength and resilience. I hope you enjoy this interview and getting to know this incredible woman.🌸

Bio

H, born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, had been travelling prior to studying a Bachelor of Oral Health completed in 2013, and then travelled abroad again after working in the dental industry for a few years. She’s now back in Wellington enjoying her three little kids and working part time as an Oral Health Therapist.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

I’m from New Zealand and I’m fourth generation Chinese. My great grandparents migrated to Aoteroa in the gold mining years. I was born in Wellington and I’m currently residing there. My ancestors are from Guangzhou, China. I have visited their village twice, first time in 1998 and the second time in 2004.

How would you describe your travel style/international experience?

I would describe my style as casual, go with the flow. The local experience is usually what I’m after. Dance is the reason for most my travel. Knowing local dancers is where I’ve had more local travel experience rather than touristy. I’ve traveled in the following ways: I’ve been a camp counselor in Connecticut, USA staying in a cabin over the summer with 14 happy campers, in the same year through the winter season traveled on an outreach tour with a group of talented dancers and skaters staying in host houses in Kansas, Wisconsin and Ohio, backpacked with a friend through Rome, Italy and Germany. I also lived as an expat in Jakarta in an apartment that the school I taught English at put me up in, and 9 years later lived in Bali, Indonesia also teaching English living in a Kos Kosan (studio apartment).

What are you passionate about outside of travel?

Hip Hop – I’m a b-girl (breakdancer). I’m also passionate about my career—dentistry is what I love.

What else would you like people to know about you?

Family and faith. I gave my life to Jesus when I was invited on a Christian dance tour in the states (GX International) We performed outreaches throughout Wisconsin, Ohio and Kansas, USA. Since then, my journey of faith has only gotten stronger. I believe Jesus is the reason my life has been great. I am number three out of four siblings. I have an older brother, older sister and younger brother. We grew up with lots of cousins on both my mum and dad’s sides. My parents have brought us up with strong Christian morals and values. We were taught to respect others always especially our elders and to live life with integrity and dignity.

When did the travel bug first bite?

After going on the dance tour to the USA in 2006, I came home and wanted to move to the States. I ended up moving to Sydney and residing there from 2007-2009. I realized I was still close enough to home to visit my family whenever.

What inspired you to start travelling solo (or live abroad)

Attending dance events and competitions, people I had met on my earlier travels, the curiosity to see what other cultures are like, things to see and do, the food, explore the unknown, meet new people, challenge myself, and put myself in an unfamiliar environment.

Battle of the B-girls

Was there a moment or event that pushed you to take your first trip alone?

I was living in Sydney in 2009. One day I woke up and an idea just popped up out of the blue. I wanted to move to a foreign country in Asia and teach English. I wanted to go where I didn’t know the language and didn’t know anyone. I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone. So, first things first, I attended a 6-month night course completing my CELTA and TESOL certificate and started applying for jobs in Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. Next minute, I was on a plane to Jakarta, teaching English in a small international private school. It was an early childhood school, and I was the lead teacher of 14 two and three-year-old children.

What did your friends/family think of your choice to travel solo/move abroad?

Some of my aunts and uncles didn’t agree with my decision to move abroad because there was a big suicide bombing that took place in Jakarta right before I was scheduled to leave. After a good chat with my mum and many prayers, it was her support at the end of the day that helped me make my decision to go. She said, “The choice is yours. You could be anywhere in the world, London for example and be attacked down an alleyway. You’re very streetwise, H, and I know you won’t do anything stupid. Just be careful.” So, I ended up going. It turned out the bombing that occurred was on the main road where all the embassies are, and I lived on the same street in an apartment complex where lots of locals live.

What countries have you lived in/travelled to?

I lived in the USA for 8 months, Sydney 2 years, Jakarta 1 year, and Bali 2 years. I’ve holidayed in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Fiji, Samoa, Italy, Germany, France, Malaysia, and Brunei.

I haven’t known anyone who has traveled to Samoa. Can you tell me more about your experience there?

My sister, and two cousins same age as us went on a girls’ trip to Samoa for a week. We went not long after the big tsunami hit Lalomanu Island. We wanted to experience all types of accommodation—we stayed in a motel, a resort, and a fale—a traditional Samoan house. Samoa is beautiful, picturesque, just like what you see on the post cards—hot, quiet, sunny, coconuts trees line the coastal beaches, crystal clear waters, and very friendly people. I remember we went to see the tsunami memorial, which was up a mountain about a 30-minute walk, a Samoan local said. Two and a half hours later we were still walking. On our way back, it was getting dark, and a couple of friendly locals offered us a ride back to our resort. We were so hot and exhausted by then, we jumped in the open back of their ute (pick-up truck) and were thankful for the ride.

How do you choose your destinations?

Usually, it’s for a dance event or I have friends that live in those places I visit.

Exploring the city of lights and love

What is one thing you never travel without?

My electric toothbrush and dental floss

Haha I love this answer. So you!

What’s been your most challenging experience abroad?

2019 working as the supervisor/lead performer of Trans Studio Bali theme park. Firstly, the theme park wasn’t opened yet, so lots of rehearsals and biding time until the theme park officially opened. I was in charge of 150 performers and learned the challenging part was the different work ethics compared to in New Zealand.

Oh yes, I remember well how frustrating that was for you.

How have you dealt with language barriers?

Finding a local friend who’s fluent in Bahasa Indonesian and English and getting them to translate. Trying my best to listen to conversations around, to try and pick up the language and learn the vocabulary.

What cultural differences have been the hardest to adapt to?

Many! Be culturally sensitive.

Have you ever participated in a local tradition or ritual that deeply moved you?

Yes, when working at Trans Studio Bali. I got the opportunity to go with one of my work colleagues, a local Balinese resident, and do the morning offerings. He dressed in traditional Balinese attire: shirt, sarong and udeng (head scarf). I followed him to all the altars of our workplace, placing the Canang Sani (woven basket filled with palm leaves, colorful flowers, pandan leaves and a piece of fruit). Risky, my friend’s name, lit incense allowing the smoke to carry prayers to the Gods. This experience was very meaningful to me as it opened my eyes more to the Balinese culture. I felt comfortable in front of the alter, closed my eyes and took a minute to meditate and be thankful for the Gods and maintaining life’s balance.

What’s the most bizarre or unexpected skill you’ve picked up from living abroad?

There are two things. The first would be fire dancing. Again, where I worked at Trans Studio Bali, I got a taster in learning the fire poi dance. I mastered the basic circular motion, one in each hand, until one of the local experienced performers lit the pois at one of the practices. It was scary but I persevered in swinging the string, hoping the two pois wouldn’t hit each other or fling out of my hands. This lasted about 10 seconds. The second skill was learning the vocals to the traditional Balinese Kecak dance. We split the group of 70 into three smaller groups and together practiced the interesting sounds of the monkey chant (Ramayana) along with hand actions.

That’s so cool you got to learn that! I’ll never forget watching Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. It was mesmerizing.

How has your intuition evolved through solo travel?

I have become more observant by people watching. Travelling solo, there’s lots of time to think, sit back, take in the knowledge and experience from everything you do. I believe travelling solo pushes your confidence to make more decisions on your own.

Do you feel like the same person who left home?

Yes and no. I feel like I’m the same person…just grown up! More mature and well-travelled. I am open to keep learning, and to travel more and see more of the world out there.

Is there a version of you that exists only in a certain city or country? What brings her out?

Yes. I guess when I’m in Indonesia, I adapt automatically to the Indonesian culture, the language, the customs, the rules, the mindset in a way. And that’s simply to fit in with their way of life.

Have you found meaningful relationships while abroad romantic or platonic?

I found formed many platonic relationships while abroad. I still keep in contact with these friends.

What languages do you speak?

English. I can understand a little bit of Bahasa Indonesian, but I wouldn’t say I’m fluent.

What does home mean to you?

Home is where my family is. Home is where I was born, raised and grew up. Home is Wellington, Aotearoa

What reverse culture shock have you experienced returning to your home country?

Rules.

Haha! Tell me more about this. What specific rules were hard to readjust to?

I suppose here in New Zealand, there are rules and regulations that we’re accustomed to. For example, we have a road code, and there’s a procedure to pass when sitting your driver’s license. In Indonesia, anyone can drive, there are no speed limits and you don’t have to wear a safety belt in your car.

What’s one piece of advice for women taking their first solo trip?

Don’t plan an itinerary. Freestyle. Don’t rush your trips, take your time. Enjoy, take it all in. Experience the local lifestyle to get the real local experience wherever you are.

I second all of that!

H and I with some of her friends in Kuala Lumpur