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.

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)