Here at last.....Wakatobi National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Officially day ONE in Wakatobi, my own way. Sunday is my favorite day because I love planning. Planners, highlighters, post it notes, washi tape, and stickers galore, ya know, everything that helps me pretend as if I have my life together. 

Time to start interviews and put all those skills I learned from my master's degree into use. For those who don't know, I recently graduate with my master's degree in Political Science with a concentration in Environment and Natural Resources. I enjoy being a social scientist and talking to people about their perception of their environment. (rather than just interviewing people for database/google-able information) I've always been interested in why people think a certain way, why they do what they do, and the logic behind their actions.

Traveling is like research. I love talking to locals and seeing how they interact with their environment. It gives a much deep understanding of the culture, experiences, and history of the place.

THIS. IS. WHY. I .TRAVEL. THIS IS WHY I LOVE RESEARCH. 

Traveling with a tourist is one of the worst for me. My first week in Wakatobi was teeth grindingly painful. For Asians, we have to respect our elders and put up with what they say even though they're wrong. The most annoying thing for me is to ask me a question then literally not listen to my answer....then proceed to stop and ask someone else for directions that I just gave you. (what the actual f) RANT OVER. 

Scuba diving in Tomia Island - Wakatobi National Park, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Thao Nguyen

Thao Nguyen is a travel writer and field-based storyteller exploring the intersections of conservation, politics of travel, and location freedom with her new RV.

Holding a Masterโ€™s degree in (1)Political Science and (2)Environment and Natural Resources, she examines how environmental policy and public lands shape not only landscapes, but also the communities connected to them.

Her work moves across Americaโ€™s national parks, Southeast Asiaโ€™s coastal communities, and tropical underwater ecosystems, with a focus on sustainability, cultural connection, and the serendipitous encounters that define meaningful travel.

Fulbright Researcher - Indonesia 2018
Scuba Schools International (SSI) Certified Dive Master & Dive Guide

http://thaotalks.com
Previous
Previous

A dream come true... Wakatobi National Park

Next
Next

Spending time and money on what you love is not a loss: Raja Ampat, Indonesia