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A glimpse of life and people in Cambodia.
Southeast Asia is known for having warm and friendly people, but we find that Cambodians are especially lovely. I am constantly humbled by the generosity of strangers and the willingness of people to show kindness immediately, something that as westerners we aren’t often used to. (Stranger danger!) From tuk tuk drivers to street side vendors, construction workers to business people, if you make the effort to smile at someone you are just about guaranteed a smile in return. As you walk down the road, grins and shouts of “Hello!” from little kids light your path. And whether they are curious or just friendly, those smiles often make my day.
Despite such a recent traumatic history of genocide from 1975-1979 that deeply affects the country today, people in Cambodia are happy. Life happens out on the street, and people are socializing everywhere. I can’t count how many times we’ve been offered to join in a meal or have a beer with relative strangers.
We’ve found that it’s possible to forge friendships easily with Cambodians as many young people speak English well. A lot of people are eager to talk with you, and willing to offer help or advice should you need it. We have managed to make wonderful Cambodian friends here, and were even bridesmaid and groomsman at a Cambodian friend’s wedding!
The people we’ve met and friends we have made in Cambodia are what keeps us coming back to this amazing country, and why we eventually chose to move to Phnom Penh.
Here is a glimpse of some of the wonderful people in Cambodia:
Nikita says
Such beautiful, warm smiles! I often find tht he people really make a place, and I’m glad to see you had so many lovely ones lighting up your time in Cambodia. 🙂
Jennifer Joslin says
Agreed, people are often the best part about a place, and people in Cambodia are a huge reason why we love living here!
Gemma says
We only planned to stay in Cambodia for three nights (whirlwind SE Asia trip back in 2013) but stayed for five and that was partly down to the warmth of the people! You are a very talented photographer. I’m a teacher too! My students love to hear about our charity visit in Phnom Penh.
Jennifer Joslin says
Cambodia has that affect! The people here are so lovely. Thanks for the compliment 🙂 It helps that Cambodians are so friendly and willing to have their photo taken. Cheers for the comment!
Silvia says
These photos capture Cambodia so beautifully!
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you Silvia! So glad you think so! 🙂
antonette - we12travel says
Great pictures, reminds of all the smiling people we met. Somehow I never really fell for Cambodia and my memories of it are mostly negative. However since so many travellers are raving about it nowadays, maybe I should give it a second try. A friend of ours recently moved there so that would be an excellent change for a second visit 🙂
Jennifer Joslin says
Oh I hope you come back for a second shot! After traveling and volunteering in Cambodia for months long stretches several times we finally moved to Phnom Penh in May 2015. We absolutely love it!
Jen says
Your portraits made me feel like I was right there, and very welcome to be. Great post.
Jennifer Joslin says
What a lovely compliment, thank you Jen!
Jackie | The Globetrotting Teacher says
What fantastic photos! I have been to Cambodia and I also found the people to be friendly and warm. I loved my time there and hope to return some day. You have done an amazing job showing the Cambodian people and their daily life.
Jennifer Joslin says
Thank you so much, Jackie! The people here are extremely friendly, and photogenic 🙂
mar says
Great shots of regular life. People will be people everywhere and daily scenes of life remind us that we have much in common. Brings back memories of my various trips there. Thanks for sharing
Jennifer Joslin says
Thanks, Mar! So true, and beautifully said. Glad these shots could bring back memories of your trips. Cheers!
Carolann - One Modern Couple says
I have not been to Cambodia yet but Macrae has and he always says that they are some of the nicest people in the world. I would love to go and experience the culture and people but until then appreciate these amazing photos and a glimpse into the life of Cambodian people. You’ve captured so much in these photos!
Toccara says
Thanks for sharing. We’re actually hoping to get to Cambodia in a few months. With lovely people and lots to see and do, we’re looking forward to our visit! And how neat that you were able to participate in a traditional wedding!
anna says
I really love your portrait shots of the people. Each photo has a story. We find walking around markets in Asia super interesting as well as there’s always so much variety and life!
karla says
Thank you for sharing this. People usually post about places to see and tips but thank you for introducing us to the people who are there. You captured it well