Wayne. One of our originals

“I grew up in South Africa at a time when it was unusual to move abroad. And yet I knew from an early age that I wanted to see more of the world. It started when I was 11 and I heard a man in our church talking about his travels. He showed us photos of his time in Switzerland.: the mountains, the snow… I could almost hear the alpine horn. He talked about the culture, the people and how the trains ran on time – to the minute even! He showed us a photo of himself at a train station and that’s when I knew! I dreamt about it but it became more than dreams.

"First, I just dreamt about it, but then it became more than dreams."

I travelled the world and in 2004, I stood at exactly that same train station in Switzerland. By 2006, I had been to every continent except Antarctica. I like to get to know cities and the people that live there as if I’m a local. That’s partly because you can’t tell by my appearance where I come from. It’s a good feeling as it helps me get closer to others and makes conversation easier.

My many travels and encounters have made me who I am, from the way I talk to the way I approach others. I love making connections. One of the most amazing conversations I ever had was during a 48-hour train journey when I talked to a family seeking asylum. What the man then said has stayed with me: ‘I don’t even have 100 euro, but I am rich with 100 friends.’”

Wayne Johnson, director of International Affairs

Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz

NHL Stenden Hogeschool

Thorbecke Academy

NHL Stenden Hotel Management School

Wayne. One of our originals

"First, I just dreamt about it, but then it became more than dreams."

Bas Wortelboer

Zoë Mapley

Carmen Lisa Peper

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