Traveling is not just about the destination but also (or maybe even more) about the people you travel with or meet along the road. During my various adventures abroad, I met many interesting, inspiring and kind people. Below I like to share some people I captured on photo that I encountered
Seeds of Hope Children’s Home, Dalung, Indonesia
Me and my friend Remco were lucky enough to spent six months in Dalung, Bali to set up an educational project at the Seeds of Hope Children’s Home. The time I spent there getting to know the kids like my own family was something I will never forget and is something I will always want to come back to.
This is Debora whom was one of the youngest living at the orphanage when I first got there. With 60 big brothers and sisters it was inevitable that she is a little bit cheeky but man she was smart! At the age of 2 she was already one of the brightest and most curious kids I have ever met. When I met her again last summer I was even more impressed about the progress she has made in those three years. Debora, thank you for teaching me many valuable life lessons and Sampai Jumpa!
This is Komang Junior who also lives at the Seeds of Hope Children’s Home. When I visited the children’s Home last summer to come back to my big Indonesia family at the orphanage I was delighted to see how much the kids developed themselves in those 3 years since I first got there!
Imizamu Yethu, Houtbay, South Africa
This photo was taken while walking around the Imizamo Yethu Township in Hout Bay. I felt immediately at home because of the warm welcoming feeling that the local community gave me. These boys were eager to show me around and talk with me about their future plans and ambitions. Although the townships are a tough place to grow up in, the positive attitude they had was of great inspiration and lesson to me!
I also met this little fellow in Imizamo Yethu. Some would consider this a dangerous area to go on a stroll but accompanied by some locals that showed me around, I felt nothing but warmth and friendliness. Even though people are living in small self made shacks that lack basic provisions they are very positive-minded and trying to make the best out of the situation. This guy was the prime example. With some self made toys he and his buddies were playing and smiling and having the time of their lives. Thanks buddy for setting the right example and making such a great impression on me!
Pong Sena orphanage, Siem Reap, Cambodia
My friend Remco and I were traveling through Southeast Asia to see the beautiful Angkor Wat temple complex. Although very impressive, the thing I will remember most is our visit to the Pong Sena orphanage and meeting all the children and playing sports & games with them!
Tegalalang
This shot was taken at the beautiful rice paddies of Tegalalang in Bali. I was pretty happy that I managed to capture this shot with this local guy for an authentic look. However after spotting the same guy on different photos taken at the same place I’m starting to wonder whether he is just a professional photo model..
The boys of Khayelitsha
While studying in Cape Town, I was teaching and mentoring eight 4th grade boys from the Khayelitsha Township. On the photo is my buddy Aviwe, one of the brightest and most eager-to-learn kids I have ever crossed paths with. I am 100% sure that with his positive attitude he will be successful in life despite the disadvantaged position that he was born in. I guess he proves that ‘it doesn’t matter where you come from, all that matters is where you’re going’!
These boys taught me a lot of valuable life lessons like how to make most of everything and how to appreciate the little things in life. Just playing a game of soccer with their friends (and with me) would make their day. Or the orange and the cookie they would receive after the class because it was often the only proper food they would eat all day..
Romantic getaway on the Amalfi Coast
Of course my better half should be in this list with whom I was lucky enough to discover many different continents and cultures. I think there is no better way to explore the Amalfi Coast than on a Vespa. Especially when you have the best co-driver in the world (also self-proclaimed) that points out the most beautiful places along the way. And that likes driving a motorbike as much as I do!
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Hello. And Bye.