MISCHA Men

We've had lots of interviews about the women who inspire us. Now it's time we introduce our MISCHA Men, who are stylish, dynamic characters living their passion.

TIM WONG - Travel photographer
Follow him @timm_wong

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires you.

I used to work in finance and have always had a strong interest in travel and photography. Some 18 months ago I was crazy enough to have quit my corporate job to further pursue my passion to travel the world and become a photographer (portraits, travel, documentary, lifestyle).

Seeing new places and new faces is very stimulating and I am always inspired by experiencing my next encounter and capturing my next best image.

Name three destinations on your travel bucket list. 

Spain, Israel / Jordan, Cuba.  Fiji, Kenya, Iceland too and the list goes on and on...

What is your most memorable travel experience?

Life is made up of many different experiences and all of them are equally memorable. I am currently in Berlin en-routing to Frankfurt, and I just participated in an ice lake driving program in North Sweden which was unbelievably amazing! Yet I can't say my trip to Bolivia was better than India as they too were just as memorable.  If I really had to pick one, I'd say a one-month-trip around the world in 2013 was most special because I not only landed my feet in South America for the first time, I also experienced spring, summer autumn and winter in 30 days.  It was a hell of a trip!

What are your inflight essentials? 

Cap - to allow myself to enjoy movies and to sleep better without distraction of ambient light
Scarf - to keep my neck warm, in flight temperature is not predicable
Moisturizer - it's ridiculously dry in the aircraft
Headphones 

And of course everything has to fit nicely into the best carry on!

If you could go on a trip with any person dead or alive who would it be and why?

The legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt, who is still living at the age of 86.

He is my all time favourite - his works are humorous, lively, and creative. He has good knowledge on various parts of the world as he has worked at many locations for his photography assignments. He has a very unique view to the world as reflected in his iconic photographs. I would love to go on a trip with him chatting about photography and learning his ways to see things differently through the lens.

JEREMY MONNET - Finance Consultant & Blogger
Follow him @mrandmrsmonnet

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires you.

I'm 31 and originally from France. After graduating in Corporate Finance, I worked in Paris and then in Luanda, the capital of Angola for the Minister of Finance. Since October 2014, my home is Hong Kong where I combine my job in Finance Consulting with Mr & Mrs Monnet, a blogging platform about my wife, Bea and I on our travels around the world working with local designers.

People inspire me. The ones I am surrounded by every day and the new ones I meet through my work, personal life and my travels. Hong Kong inspires me more than anything else, its people and its culture, the energy of this city catches me and it's the main reason we decided to move here. Travelling is the best way to learn not only about other nationalities and traditions, but also about yourself and makes you aware of where you come from, learning from new cultures, new people and new languages is definitely my main inspiration.

My family defines me, and brought me to where I stand now. I’ve learnt how important it is to fight for the ones you love, to never give up and to keep your feet on the ground regardless of your success or failure.

My wife is truly an inspiration to me, always lifting me up. She comes from an entrepreneurship family and teaches me how to always look further and to fight for our own goals. She is my other half and part of all my projects and decisions. Her opinion is priceless to me and is a real pillar for my well being.

Name 3 destinations on your travel bucket list. 

1. Tibet to me is a uniquely spiritual and mysterious place. Moreover than to discover their ancient culture, one of my dreams is to marry my wife on a rooftop for the 4th time after India, Morocco, and Paris. I think Tibet is without a doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in the world. Their fabulous monasteries, breathtaking high-altitude treks, amazing ancient cultural and religious experiences as well as authentic Tibetan food. As a big fan of architecture, it impacts me the mix of Chinese and Indian styles expressing a deep Buddhist approach.

2. Japan - This country attracts me as a whole. Coming from the French Alps, I used to ski since I was 5 and I’m dreaming about the famous Japanese powder. I am fascinated by their developed fashion and high-tech but also I’m crazy about their food, that I consider in the top 3 worldwide with the French and Italian gastronomy. On the other hand, the coexisting of cutting edge technology and rich tradition surprises me, known as one of the most developed countries in the world is at the same time, a treasury of traditional cultures, architecture and performing arts.

3. New Zealand - For the incredibly diverse and unspoilt scenery. This country has an amazing range of breathtaking scenery, from the offshore islands to their glaciers. I am fascinated by their eclectic vibe that gives this country a great personality and their local culture, I really want to discover the Maori people that is an important part of their life and history. I’m also a big fan of rugby and golf, New Zealand seems to be the paradise to practice and enjoy these two sports.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

It was a day coming back from Angola, after 3 weeks stuck on the ground between private bodyguards and local militaries, I felt free. Another phase of my life closed and a long summer ahead. I caught the first flight to Paris in pursuit of opening a new chapter: Spain, India, Sri Lanka and Dubai, before going back to work in Angola, that was my August 2013.

In Valencia, she waited for me at the arrival gate, I came from Angola to Spain just to pick her up, and to introduce myself to her family. I was there for the last flight together to Delhi. I had waited for her since that grey night we met in Paris; we found each other in a crowded club, past the beaming lights, as perfect strangers who shared an innate love, like two sojourners, we wandered into one another’s arms. In that moment we felt very close but distance threatened to defeat us. I was living in Luanda and she was in Beijing.

I have crossed 20 countries the past year, but I was about to fulfil my dream and see the Taj Mahal. When we arrived, clear skies were darkened by weeping clouds, the rain began to rapidly kiss our skin and crowds of visitors reigning from all over the world took shelter under vast doorways. My heart sunk for a moment, we were so close, yet so far. I looked at the horizon desperately searching for the majestic silhouette of the ancient mausoleum but it was impossible to distinguish it because of the heavy fog. Our guide insisted to go back to the hotel. I took one look at Bea, and without warning she ran, and ran, and ran. Confused, I chased her, it was now or never, the seven wonders of the world under our feet; just for the two of us to see.

We were soaked but we had defeated distance, we were closer than ever. There were only a few more steps to reach the entrance of the palace. Immediately, I stopped her and penetrated in her gaze, I pulled out a ring which I bought a few days earlier in Jaipur, Rajasthan and announced, “I’ve been waiting for you all my life, I love you.” Here we were, just her and I, two perfect strangers, the rain and the Taj Mahal. She said, “Yes, I will marry you.”

What are your inflight essentials? 

1. My Voyager Duffel – It's definitely the perfect bag to carry my essentials. It's super light with a spacious interior, definitely a MUST wherever I go.
2. Bose QuietComfort 15 acoustic noise cancelling headphones
3. Any book of Charles Bukowski, my favorite writer.
4. My iPad so I can continue to work on my projects.

If you could go on a trip with any person dead or alive who would it be and why?

Definitely my wife, I can't travel without her. She is my partner and my best friend. If I spend 2 days without her, I’m lost. We share everything in life, from personal to professional decisions. 

JJ ACUNA - Architect & Lifestyle Blogger
Follow him @thewanderlister

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires you.

I am a designer working on architectural and interior projects in China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. On the side I manage and run a Hong Kong based lifestyle and style blog called Wanderlister.com. I’m inspired by architecture I see around me, urban life and colours found when I go on my travels. I take photographs of everything that I save for later.

Name 3 destinations on your travel bucket list. 

Marrakesh, Melbourne, and the Maldives are on my bucket list.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

I would have to say having my first breakfast at the Taj Mahal Palace Sea Lounge and seeing the Gateway outside the window in Mumbai was definitely one of my Top 5 most memorable travel experiences.

What are your inflight essentials? 

For inflight, I need my iPad loaded with books, magazines and comic books, a good sketchbook and my Kawecosport Pen, a USB cable and multi-charger plug, and a comfortable sweater.

If you could go on a trip with any person dead or alive who would it be and why?

I would love to go on any trip with a best friend. With a friend, there’s more food to eat and laughs to share all around.

NIGEL LEW - Fashion photographer, model & blogger
Follow him @nigellew

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspires you.

I am 22 years old, a fashion photographer, and a part time blogger and model. I am most inspired by people who are genuine—who have their own style and stick to their opinion or taste no matter what. I am also really interested in contemporary Japanese street style, cult horror films, and underexposed photographs. 

Name three destinations on your travel bucket list. 

Paris, New York, Tokyo.

What is your most memorable travel experience?

What are your inflight essentials? 

1. Water
2. A gentle toner and a good moisturizer
3. Vaseline aloe lip salve
4. My iPod

If you could go on a trip with any person dead or alive who would it be and why?