David Clark, Professor and Indigenous rights, Australia

Meet David. A professor of Psychology and advocate for aboriginal rights here in Australia. Having taken a early retirement to focus on his own passions David is someone we can learn from. Following what you believe in and stand for is something that jumps to my mind when I think about David. It is so important to follow your passions and dreams as you would never be able to compete with someone who loves what they do if you just do it without passion. If you love what you do, you are better than any academic or person who doesn't perform using their heart in the profession. I mean really how do you compete with someone who loves to read about financial trends in his free time when you actually hate being in the finance sector? Its logic. 

Ken Graydon, healing practitioner, Australia

Meet Ken. Having helped hundreds of people through his healing practices Ken is someone you can truly learn from. He has also published a book and does healing classes and sessions, with patients ranging from all kinds of issues including inoperable brain-tumor or disabilities, anxieties, self-healing and more. Having lived longer that most of my readers Ken is filled with life experiences and wisdom. I always respect someone who is older than me as I find we can learn from everybody, especially our elders. The knowledge that is being accumulated over the years should always be passed down and not gone to waste with nowadays our elderly being alone in aged care facilities and their knowledge dwindling away. Like Ken says, never make the same mistake twice. This is a wisdom I live by and we all should. It is normal to make mistakes, we all do. But we should learn from them and improve ourselves. You are not a fool to make mistakes, you are a fool if you don't learn from them and keep on repeating them.

Sachiv Dudhia, Rapper, father and Bricklayer, Australia,

Meet Sachiv. Making most of situations and keeping a positive outlook on life Sachiv was always a person everybody loved to be around. Becoming a father and deciding to be a good one and stand behind it he had grown up to be even more mature and respectable. His passion since childhood was to be active in the music and artistic industry, this he is fulfilling by being active in the local rap and hip hop scene. Performing live in popular spots in Perth he is a rising star. Never loosing focus and keeping his eyes on his goal Sachiv is a guy to look out for. A person with a shining personality and humble mind, a skilled rapper and a quick learner (how to change diapers and other things that come with a child) he is defiantly on the right tracks. As we all know hard work pays off, don't give up. Knowing Sachiv he wont give up. Therefore one day the struggle will pay off. If you have a passion or a dream never give up to attain it. If you fall down then get up and try again. One day you will succeed. We had learned how to talk, walk, ride bicycles and all other major activities in life through failing and getting up again, its no different with other goals. So if you truly want something, then go for it!

Tori Vince, Single mother, Australia

Meet Tori. When I was still in high school I befriended myself with Tori. We studied together in the same high school. She became pregnant and decided at that time with her then boyfriend to keep her beautiful son. Sadly 6 month ago her partner and the father of her son had decided to take a step back from an active parenting role and left. Tori having had already a tough past has now to juggle between different struggles, but thanks to her son she is able to do so. A mothers love for her child is the strongest bond there is. I believe that you will never be loved as much as a mother loves you (given that she is not a psychopathic mother who abuses you...). I find it really strong and full of courage that Tori speaks up and shares the story of her current and past life. I am sure there are others out there who went through the same struggles as single parent. There is so much a mother would do for her child even if it means depleting her own resources.

Andre Maure, Teacher, Indonesia

I had come to meet Andre at a wedding couple of years ago and we are friends since. He teaches English as well as Indonesian. His passion is to teach and he does a great job at doing so which had taken him to Australia and around Indonesia with hopefully more destinations in the pipeline. I think in all the years that I know Andre he had never shown any negativity. He is always happy and positively minded, which is kind of contagious and therefore it is always great to be around him. As I am myself planning to go to Bali to study Indonesian and start an online business as luck might find it I might even get taught by my friend.

Mark de Souza, Manager in the luxury watch industry, Australia

Meet Mark. I have met Mark the first time when I was interviewed to work at Watches of Switzerland in Perth. Over an approximate 1 year time period I had worked together with Mark as my manager. The nice thing was that I felt more like a friend to Mark than just a staff and soon we would be out grabbing drinks together and experiencing some nice adventures together. I had come to respect Mark as a manager, mens style advocate and a good friend who you can have a serious conversation with yet still is always up for some fun. Having been myself in the position of not being satisfied with what I had studied (marketing and management) I often spoke to Mark about himself and how he managed after he realised that what he had studied is not right for him. Now succeeding and moving up the ladders Mark has found what fulfils him and therefore enjoys his work life. Finding what you love, is the key to success, as you are never as good as someone who loves what he/she is doing.

Kelvin Wong, Fashionista and Sales assistant, Australia.

• I had come to meet Kelvin a few years ago when by chance I met his brother who introduced me to Kelvin after a night out and a sleepover. Kelvin is always cheered up and a good person to keep around as he will bring a smile to your face, usually. Overcoming judgement and bullying due to his homosexuality he is now a strong character who has overcome the judgements and is now on the way to proof to the world his capabilities.

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

Richard Giannini, Entrepreneur, Australia

As many of you know I am an aspiring entrepreneur. I linked up on Facebook with an entrepreneurial website called "Entrepreneurs With Vision" where Richard is the founder. Our mutual interest for watches got us talking and when I launched this blog I was certain that an experienced entrepreneur like Richard could really benefit the readers of this blog. Sharing his wisdom and experience is a great way for us to learn something whilst also getting to know another face on this globe. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur then I really recommend you to link up with the Facebook group Entrepreneurs With Vision" and don't be shy to ask questions to anybody as everyone at one stage was a newby, and if you are an experienced Entrepreneur then I recommend you to give back and help giving new entrepreneurs vision. In the end it is all about give and take in this world. Thank you for giving back to us Richard.

Eko G., Freelance Photographer, Indonesia

On one of the many days I have spent at my favourite café Anomali in Ubud I saw this really cute little girl being massaged and put to sleep by her lovely father. The next few days I kept seeing them and last night we finally stroke a conversation. Eko is from Sulawesi and is married to a Swiss lady who is from my city of Basel and together they have one little girl who is absolutely adorable and funny. It was great to speak with Eko as already before I met him I could sense that there was something about him that is very interesting and fascinating, maybe its the way he looks or the way he was so kind to his child. I think it was the positive aura he has, a centred and happy man that can give you an answer to any question, no matter how brain draining it is to get asked certain questions on the spot. Thank you Eko. 

Alex, Student, Australia

Alex is my good friend in Perth, Australia. I met Alex when I attended an english school for immigrants and refugees. We were in the same class at that time and our friendship dates back to 2009, the year I started being at the Intensive English Centre (IEC). Alex had always came across as a wise person. When there was a problem he always had some sort of advise. If you know Alex then you know that on the outside he is hard like a rock but on the inside he has a warm heart and is very kind. A man who had experienced a lot and endured much. Turning his life around coming to Australia from a war torn country, experiencing hardship and suffering and now he is  holding Australian citizenship, is happily married and studies at university. I truly respect this man! 

Adinda, Singer and Escort, Indonesia

First of all I would like to express my respect and gratitude to Adinda for giving me the opportunity to write about her story. It must be difficult to talk to a complete stranger about such personal things. I contacted Adinda and asked her if she would be willing to give an interview with me. To my great surprise when I saw late at night whilst lying in bed that she said yes I was super excited. I always found it interesting to speak with people you wouldn't be able to normally strike a conversation with. NO negative comments will be accepted on this post! Adinda never promised me to give me the answers to my questions and images, she said promises always get broken. She told me "I don't promise I prove you that I do it when I do it". I guess she had proven me that she keeps her word. Now I prove her that I keep my word and publish her story. Thank you Adinda.

( I purposely chose a provocative photo, no offence meant)

Mary Grace Ibuna, Entrepreneur and Politics, Philippines

On my travels around the Philippines  I came to meet Mary Grace Ibuna whom I am now able to call a close friend whom I greatly admire. We were both on the same tour and by coincidence met again the next day on another tour! After getting to know each other and speaking about loads of random things we came realised how much we shared in common. Me an aspiring entrepreneur and her an extremely experienced entrepreneur. We also share the same mindset on most topics be it nature or political related. She has a lot of wisdom and experience in the entrepreneurial and political field. A woman you can truly learn from. I asked her to share her life and wisdom on this blog, which she has warm heartedly accepted even when she has a very busy life. This goes to show that you dont need to be in the same room to communicate, technology helps us with people from all walks of life, anywhere on this planet.

Healer Tjokorda Gde Rai, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Today on my way from Seminyak to Ubud I stopped for a healing session with the respected and well known healer Tjokorda Gde Rai, who is 88 years old and still practises with the gift God gave him. It was an absolute pleasure getting to met him and receving a healing session, however according to him I am absolutely healthy and just need to follow my path God created. I do hope you enjoy the interview. 

Police officer, Bangkok, Thailand

During my trip to Thailand this year I spent halloween in Bangkok. After seeing some extremely creative and interesting costumes and make ups I also spotted the police officers who kept the peace. Thailand whilst being under the military rule after the political tensions has now given more power to the police. It is interesting to see how well this transition had taken place. Alcohol wasn't allowed to be sold on the pop up bars on the streets after 12pm anymore and neither were clubs and bars allowed to be open (unless they had a special arrangement with the local police :D) Nonetheless I felt much respect for the local police force and felt that they acted out of best interest for the locals and tourists enjoying themselves in Thailand. For anyone who has not been there GO! A country as rich in culture, great food and amazing people is hard to find. There is so much to see and experience. I have not once felt unsafe in Thailand and I have been to rougher areas. Bangkok itself being the capital yet still rich in culture and traditions, hard to find  another major city that still has so much variety being offered. Anyhow due to assuming wish to be anonymous the two police officers I have spoken to I will not name. Got to love the Ronald McDonald statue in the background.

Hayma, Red Karen, Thailand

On my trip to the north of Thailand I came across a village of the native Kayan tribe (a subgroup of the Red Karen from Burma). One of the Kayan tribes traditionally at a young age start to use bronze rings to weigh their shoulders down in order for the perception of a long neck/throat. It was very interesting to see their lifestyle and hear some of the stories. There are a lot of subgroups in the Kaya with different backgrounds and clothing, not all have the long necks, but certainly those ladies stand out the most and are therefore most known. Given that this village was given as a refuge place to the Kayan tribes people I have to admit that it had a touristy feeling to it. The economy of the locals was based upon tourists purchasing products and coming through. However where else would you get in contact with some of these very interesting people? I know that these photos I will look upon and remember the Kayan tribe.

Puii, buddhist monk, Thailand

Whilst traveling around Thailand and being fascinated by the deep religious roots their culture holds I went to a lot of local temples. Trust me, there are A LOT! Each one has its own sacredness and beauty. Whilst on my travels I felt a deeper spiritual connection then at other times and so enjoyed the sacred temples a lot. On one of the occasions I befriended myself with a local Buddhist monk. We got talking because he saw that I already had a lot of temple bracelets and asked where I was headed in my travels and as a coincidence as it might should have been my next stop was his home town up north in Chiang Mai. I met him in the south of Thailand, near Phuket.

Wirat, Bangkok, Thailand

The next interesting personality I have met is Wirat. I met him watching his snake handling show in the Bangkok snake farm run by the thai red cross. He seems to have no fear of snakes and casually handles some of the worlds most venomous snakes including the king cobra. After the show I got the chance to talk to him...

Wayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

This is Wayan. I met him when exploring the dirt roads that lead into nowhere in Ubud, Bali. Whilst driving on the smallest possible way between rice terrace and a unforeseeable drop into the nothing I reached a dead end. I was super thirsty when I spotted or should I saw when I was spotted by Wayan. He kindly introduced himself and offered me a coconut. Which to my surprise he climbed up the tree  and shared with me. See the photos below.

Cam, Sapa, Vietnam

This woman I met whilst traveling in Vietnam. I was trekking in Sapa which is in the north of Vietnam near the Chinese boarder. This mountain region is absolutely picture book worthy. You have rice terraces everywhere and in spring the flowers come out and give you a picture book scenery. The air is fresh and the streets are quiet. A pleasant change from busy Ho Chi Min (Saigon) and Hanoi. The traditional people in Sapa are called black hmong. They are famous for creating dresses out of hemp and dying it indigo blue hence their hands area always coloured. This particular lady offered to walk with me and protect me from the rain whilst trying to sell me one of her hand made purses. She walked alongside me with her baby on her back. After a while we crossed through her village which was down the mountain slope. That means she walks up every morning on the look out for some tourists. Tough lady. It was a absolute pleasure meeting her. A truly kind hearted and strong woman. 

Introducing myself

Since this blog is about the faces of this globe I will start with my own face. My name is Timothy Bürki. I moved to Australia end of 2008 from Switzerland. I started university here studying a bachelor of commerce majoring in marketing and management. Sooner rather than later I realised that I got bored of it and don't actually want to be stuck in an office all day doing work for someone else and fulfilling their dream wasting my time. Time is the most rare gift we have. Therefore I decided to take a gap year, do some modelling, work for some big fashion boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Bally and others. But the best decision I ever took was to go traveling. Meeting people from all walks of life and each having their own bit of wisdom to give me. I was on the quest to happiness and finding my passion, finding what I truly wanted to do with my life and what I am meant to do with my limited time I have. Meeting people rich and influential as well as poor and lost, all have given me an insight  All images are raw and not edited or taken professionally, I am just a guy with a simple camera. Thanks for stopping by.