Humans Of The Islands - Tugi Paula Ryan Togiaheulu
Tugi Paula Ryan Togiaheulu
30 years old
World traveller
What’s your Pacific heritage?
My father is Niuean and part Tongan from Tamakautoga, Tuapa, Fatai and Nukuknuku , Hihifo. My Mum is Niuean, Cook Island from Hakupu and Palmerston Island.
What are you currently doing and how did you get there?
I’m currently teaching in Valledupar on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, South America. Being Polynesian, it’s in our blood to voyage. I’ve always been curious about the world, different cultures, ancient knowledge, rituals, medicine, language, music, history, art, religion - it all fascinates me. Travelling was just a natural progression on my quest to learn and discover more about the world and myself.
What did you before then?
I studied Live Sound Audio Engineering at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand and then went on to complete a degree in Criminology and Social Sciences at A.U.T I’m about to start post graduate studies soon.
Where have you travelled so far?
I’ve lived in China, travelled all throughout New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Hong Kong, the United States , Mexico, Niue, Cook Islands, Samoa and now I’m living in Colombia. I have to say Colombia is my favorite place so far. This place just is just alive, the people are just so full of spice and passion.
What have been your favourite experiences so far?
A cool experience I’ve had so far was the bull fighting event I went to in Turbaco, Colombia. A whole lot of drunk dudes trying to make a bull angry and chase them was one of the craziest and rowdiest experiences I’ve had on my travels. They had dudes giving free tequila shots to the fighters in the arena to boost their courage and it was raw chaos. I’ve definitely had a lot of spiritually fulfilling experiences on the road too especially in China that place is full of ancient beauty, knowledge and wisdom.
A bizarre experience I’ve had was going to the butcher in China and seeing a refrigerated dog on the table waiting to be cut up. Chinese people eat everything. China is just a world of its own and that whole place is one bizarre experience.
Have you bumped into many other Pacific people during your journey?
The only place I’ve bumped into other Pacific people was in LA, there were a few there. I also taught alongside a Samoan brother in China at Zhejiang Normal University. Shout out to my uso Jesse Masina. I would be stoked to see some more Polynesians out there, especially in random destinations off the beaten track.
Overseas, do people know where you’re from?
A lot of people think I’m South American and I blend in with the locals here. I’ve never met anyone who knows where Niue is. A few people know Fiji, Samoa and Tonga but us savage islanders are a minority within a minority outside of the South Pacific.
What do you miss most about being away from home?
The biggest thing I miss is family - just having them there to lean on whenever you need them is definitely something I miss. But journeying alone has strengthened me and it makes you realize how valuable time with your family is…and not to take that time for granted. I’ve learnt so much on the road, especially travelling alone. Time without loved ones is just one of the sacrifices you have to be willing to make to walk this road, to voyage and discover like our ancestors did.