Solo Traveler, Ikenobo Enthusiast, Photographer, Government Worker, Ilulissat, Greenland

A group of Canadian explorers in Greenland. Taiwanese woman in their midst. Ms. Pinhsuan (Phoebe) Wu is a solo traveler, a photographer, and many many other things. How and why did a self-labelled "government worker” from Taipei decide to reach Ilulissat, Greenland, sacrificing precious vacation time toward a long journey? Clue: hiking between Greenlandic villages, camping under the stars and 3 AM wake up calls to shoot Aurora borealis are partly to blame. Of course the back story is so much more.

1. Name.

Pinhsuan Wu (Phoebe).

2. Where is your hometown?

Born and grew up in Taipei, Taiwan.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

Government worker by chance. Ikenobo learner by enthusiasm. Solo traveller by courage.

4. What did you study in school?

Major in Public finance and Accounting. A touch of learning in Polish, which was my most liked subject.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

Career-wise, after graduating from the university, I took the Civil service examination for a chance to get a job in the government. Life is interesting, you’re gifted when it is least expected. Though less effort devoted in preparing this big exam, surprisingly, I had the better luck than that of 93% of participants.

My work started in the tax department, while it turned more eye-opening only after I switched to the finance department. I’m happy with the current position which manages international affairs and enables me to connect the world.

2013 would represent the turning point year when I first stepped out of my comfort zone to travel solo. Coming from the background with traditional and cautious parents, I am hardly encouraged to travel abroad alone, even I’m already an adult. Back then, I was panicked over the claustrophobia of boredom in the office, which pushed me to make up my mind in planning a trip, and Melbourne was decided as the destination- for safety’s sake. Meanwhile, I kept my plan confidential until the right timing came when my parents were unlikely to disrupt it. The challenge of dealing with furious parents was exactly what I had expected. Dad even managed to cancel my non-refundable flight ticket. I would’ve been submissive to the fight for fear of confronting my parents, the last thing I shall do within my cultural upbringing. However, didn’t knew I was stubborn enough to persist and not let the conflict stymie my ambition to fly whatsoever.

The Melbourne trip went pretty well. I missed the carefree joy of grabbing cinnamon roll while wandering along Yarra River in the chilly breeze. This yearning has been put into the motivation of going further and farther; literally, remote places- given that I seem to have a taste for somewhere faraway and off the beaten, and the polar bears and Northern Lights have been tantalizing the adventurous side of me. Within the past six years, I’ve been jetting off alone to the Nordic and Arctic, including Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard and Lofoten Islands. One of the benefits is that I’ve overcome my technophobia and learned new skill of photography, where I’m clumsy, however comfortable in shooting around and chasing the Northern Lights with tour guides to scratch my photography itch.

Among the above places atop the world, Greenland is extremely unique and my favorite spot in terms of its remote wilderness, abundant nature, and the otherworldly iceberg landscape. I didn’t need any reason to tame my temptation not to return and explore more. Despite many great concerns and challenges wrapped up in my head overwhelming me occasionally, I took the plunge and participated in a photography workshop from Canada. Had I told myself it’s a completely different ball game and the toughest-ever travel- that an Asian city dweller would have done a ton of full-day hiking with carrying the heavy camera gear in the cold, and that a non-native-English-speaker Taiwanese would have put herself in a group full of Canadians for 9 days. Ultimately, I realize the end aim isn’t all about taking WOW photos as what I had looked for; rather, it’s about adjusting the mindset. Looking back at many moments when I had doubts in myself, gratefully I made it through with will and persistence.

Keep the faith and more faith comes!

One point worth noting is that as my travel experiences get enriched, thankfully my parents are less resistant now and have come to accept this “rebel” daughter’s doing. Having said that, I reckon they are still hoping that I don’t risk venturing out on my own, especially dad ascertains that it’s uncommonly dangerous to travel alone, “because you are a woman.” This reminds me of a bulky middle-aged man from China whom I met my first time in Greenland. Learning that I came all the way to the remote Arctic alone, as a girl, he commented that I was brave; he wouldn’t have done that by himself, however, as a man. I understand that biological differences exist between men and women, and women could be more vulnerable to risks from time to time in certain situations, whereas I’m not convinced that women shall NOT do just because of the gender, or be inhibited by the deep-rooted gender bias.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

In my 20’s, I’d take making money and get married with kids in my early 30’s for granted. I was imagining that my life would follow such path step by step as what my parents/the society/culture have expected me to do so. In a sense, solo adventures have turned my imagination at 20’s into another picture, where I’ve gained more confidence and self-respect that further help to manage my life well.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Have experienced quite a few emotional ups and downs when I lacked much confidence in myself as a student, or when my mind was packed with insecurity and anxiety about the future. The grief of loss and disconnections would also put me in despair and contemplating the meaning of my life. Time is the best cure. Experiences are the self-medication. Also, I turned to reading that guides me to hear my voice within rationally. I’m certain that people grow stronger amid the pain and I’m no exception.

8. Advice for other women?

Live to learn your imperfections, to acknowledge your shortcomings, to embrace your natural gifts, and to master your strengths. 

Wouldn’t call them advice, just the experience that has dawned on me and hopefully it would resonate with someone like-minded. 

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

We women surely can be “all that we can be.” Nevertheless, each woman is living on her own journey, and everyone’s life pattern is subject to various norms/cultures/principles/…etc. I feel the way forward is that women should love/respect ourselves and keep the dignity as feminist values. Prioritize self-love/self-respect so as to show love/respect to people and get loved/respected. Keep your dignity at its core to change the dynamic against microaggressions and gender inequity.

10. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Ikenobo (Japanese flower arrangement). In 2013, I discovered few Ikenobo material books of my mom. I was so fascinated by how Ikenobo conveys the tranquility and solitude in a sleek way with nature. Since then till now, Ikenobo has brought me to a world where I get to reconnect with myself. Creating Ikenobo arrangements purely makes me happy since there’s no reservation or fear of making mistakes; in turn it brings more joy when my teachers and people think I’m doing pretty good job in it and compliment on my creations. I believe it’s my gift to do Ikenobo, even my awful personality trait of carelessness makes my arrangements look good, in a nonchalant way. Plus, I’ve seen several personal changes along this journey. These are the points that I’m proud of myself.

11.  Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

When I hold my Ikenobo scissor in hand. This is the time when I get to relax and immersed myself in arranging plants. No moment like this to keep myself away from overthinking. Before I’m ready to cut the plant (select materials), I look at the whole body of flower/leave/branch, observe the plant posture and every bit of their facial expressions; sometimes I caress and sniff plants to enjoy their vivid life. I love these steps that leads me to understand and feel the inner beauty of plants and nature, feeling divine.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I’d say, exhibiting the Ikenobo arrangement(s) incorporated with my travel memory elements would be a nice challenge to go for. Making a living and/or new experiences in different countries as a part of my life is also what I’m hoping for.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

The fear of uncertainty in the future, the fear of public speaking, and the fear per se.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

Life is full of choices and possibilities. We’re making different kinds of decisions every minute, every hour, every day. Instead of being obsessed with the answer, racking my brain or revisiting my imperfect past, I find the gratitude in me about the right choices I’ve made to my current life.

15. What inspires you?

Nature. Fresh food. Flowers. Kind people.

16. What are you hopeful about?

There is always a reason for things happening to you. Every encounter, every road we’ve walked on, laughs and cries, happiness and hardships, have its meanings and the ensuing turning points.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why?

I am a pragmatic person, typically this enables me to perpetuate my effort in doing what is right. I adore my good artistic sense, a stimulus to my creativity to enrich my daily life in terms of dressing, photography and Ikenobo. Another favorite trait is that I am comfortable when I’m alone. I really enjoy quiet time and feel refreshed after being by myself, a good way to strengthen my resilience.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

“Be your true self. And as cliché as it sounds, believe in ‘just follow you heart’ because you don’t need any justification to do what you want to do.”

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?

1. How Emotions Are Made : The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett.

2. The Book of Human Emotions by Tiffany Watt Smith.

3. Biased: The New Science of Race and Inequality by Jennifer Eberhardt (currently reading)

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

The first two WOW Women on my list are Jade Hameister and Greta Thunberg, both have done impressive achievements when they’re teenagers (and still ongoing). For Jade Hameister, an 18-yeard-old student, Wikipedia says “an Australian woman who, at age 14, became the youngest person in history to pull off the 'polar hat-trick', skiing to the North Pole, the South Pole, and crossing the second largest polar ice cap on the planet – Greenland.” For Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist with Asperger´s, she has spread worldwide influence to call on global leaders to take actions against climate change, starting from the school strike “Fridays For Future”. I very much admire their bravery to be audacious to do/say what they aspire. They are not fearful of making mistakes but rather act courageously to face challenges head on. They are adventurous in exploring the inner possibilities to make contributions to the world.

The third WOW Woman is my Ikenobo teacher, Ms. Chang. She loves flowers from her heart and has devoted most of her life to learning and teaching Ikenobo. It sounds incredible just to put in a lifetime effort into committing to one thing you love. Also, she is absolutely a loving and patient lady giving off positive vibes from the inside out. It’s a blessing to have such a mentor in my life!

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

@fibi_ph to keep track of my imperfect Ikenobo learning journey.