Little Treasures

The children are true little treasures of Cambodia.

Captured the delightful laughs of this boy playing marbles
as I was strolling through the Kampong Chhnang markets.

Beaming smiles, continued waves and endless "hellos" 

is the typical response from the village children.

The little ones especially will run up to you, bestowing their

biggest grins to simply have their photo taken.  

Unspoiled by the modern world,

their happy, smiling faces are infectious.

They love to learn, place all their attention into their

schooling and foresee a bright, happy future ahead.

One 14 year old girl said she wanted to become a

doctor... I have no doubt she will.

The Homestay in Sambo Prei kuk was an unforgettable

and warming affair with typical Cambodian life.

Our host family entertained and provided us with clean,

comfortable accommodation and served the

most scrumptious dinner and hearty breakfast.

High School students in Sambor Prei Kuk

Interacting with the children in Sambo Prei Kuk village

school, undoubtedly is one of the most rewarding

experiences in my life. 

Kids playing at a village school in Sambor Prei Kuk

The Vietnamese refugee children who live on boats on
Tonle Sap in Cambodia, row to their floating school daily.
However, they must learn to swim before they can enrol.

Another young girl who loves to draw.

Her friends also expressed her talent for drawing

and I was given this cut out picture that she drew.

Ask any child in Cambodia what their favourite sport is

and without a second's hesitation and widest smile,

they respond with excitement "football"

To watch them play is most entertaining,

for their skills are outstanding.

I tried to join in, but after 10 minutes, I was absolutely

exhausted and not to mention dripping in sweat.

My dear travel companions Terry, Jason and Amanda

certainly had a lot more stamina and co-ordination.

"Children deserve the freedom to play...
Play is not a luxury, it is a necessity"

The younger ones loved to create sculptures in the soil.
They used a crushed aluminium can to scrape the wet dirt.

"Children are the most important assets to our world.
For them, to become that asset, they must receive
love, education and respect.
They are the future of the world."
Julie Annette

Happy children in the village of Kampong Chhnang.

Think before visiting an orphanage - Children are not Tourist Attractions

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/why-were-rethinking-orphanage-tourism/