Odyssey & Muse

Hannah Nicol is an academic advisor in international student affairs, teaches ESL classes at a university level, and spends all of her spare time traveling and dancing. “I can do anything for a year.” In this conversation we go into her early life growing up in Nigeria, the last 4 years she’s spent living in China and traveling Southeast Asia, how her liberal arts degree challenged her old worldview, her love of salsa dancing as a way to connect with others around the globe, and her desire to continue traveling the world and eating new and amazing foods. “If you’re 20 and healthy, travel the world.” If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know. - - - - - 5 Key Takeaways 1. Salsa dancing is a great way to connect with others while traveling alone. There are festivals located all around the world. 2. Keep some kind of record of your experiences. Carry a small journal with you when you travel. Later in life you will be able to look back at all that you have done. 3. Going to college can open up the world to you and allow you to think freely. Especially if you grew up in a closed family or culture. 4. The world is not as mean as we think it is. People are generally kind and willing to help you. 5. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Pay attention to frequent flyer programs, and avoid the touristy areas. - - - - - Show Notes Intro / Trip to Cambodia [00:31] Cambodia Tuk-tuk Angkor Wat What took Hannah to Southeast Asia – Fulbright and beyond [02:59] Taiwan Fulbright Fellowship Macau Hong Kong How Hannah became interested in education and growing up in Africa [10:24] Philosophy Department of Philosophy – Bowling Green State University Nigeria Cultural norms and global awareness [21:47] Umbrella Revolution Travels through Southeast Asia [26:02] Frequent-Flyer Program Bali Myanmar Favorite experiences from traveling in Southeast Asia [33:44] Sri Lanka Nepal Connecting with others through [37:56] Salsa Dancing Work life as university teacher in Hong Kong [42:42] Benefits of health happiness and travel first [46:03] Journaling to capture memories and create positive focus [52:35] Obstacles and fears in a life of travel [58:54] One month yoga training in India [01:03:58] Association for Yoga and Meditation – India John’s 2014 PCH Bicycle Tour Habits and rituals / exercise for happiness [01:09:02] Major life influences [01:12:22] NACADA – National Academic Advising Association Favorite books [01:20:38] The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia – Elizabeth Gilbert Arthur Schopenhauer Friedrich Nietzsche Simone de Beauvoir Daniel C. Dennett Brave New World – Aldous Huxley 1984 – George Orwell Final advice [01:25:52] Peace Corps Article by Hannah in the eight Vector publication - - - - - Related Episodes Ep 6: Mislav Marohnić – Vagabond Programmer Ep 4: Liam Garrison – Adventure Junkie