Comments on: City of Contradictions

By: Afterward | The Wide Wide World

Afterward | The Wide Wide World — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:04:49 +0000

[...] days, when life feels hard or overwhelming, I think back on a conversation I had with Phannak, owner of the Fancy Guest House in Phnom Penh, [...]

By: Bibiana Bailey

Bibiana Bailey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:20:12 +0000

Thank you for your wonderful stories. It’s amazing how people in different countries with different problems and languages are different yet the same on some deeper levels. You are very fortunate to show your children the world most of us will never experience.That is the best education they will ever get.

By: ScubaKay

ScubaKay — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:19:30 +0000

What a heart-and-eye opening experience! Cambodia and it’s wonderful and incredibly strong people really show what the human spirit is capable of. Cambodia helped put things into perspective for me, especially coming from the US. Here we are complaining about the economy and needing bailout packages left and right…. whereas Cambodians like those you met helped themselves out of devastation – with their heads held high and warm hearts open.

If you get the chance – try to visit Laos! The people are just fantastic – so warm and friendly also.

By: Mike Pugh

Mike Pugh — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:06:15 +0000

Wonderful story. The kindness and hospitality of strangers – especially, it seems, from those who have so little – is humbling and heart warming.

By: Mauri

Mauri — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:30:05 +0000

I stumbled on your blog through google reader and your recent post was familiar. I often explore travel logs on the net. This is the second time I have read about Cambodian Hospitality.

Here is the original post that sparked my memory

http://www.gobackpacking.com/Blog/2008/09/22/cambodian-hospitality/

Perhaps the two of you should exchange notes.

By: Doug Spiro

Doug Spiro — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:04:38 +0000

Craig,

I think it is fantastic that you and your family are truly seeing the world and the amazing people in it. So many people take these trips and never venture to far from what the guides want you to see.

Thanks for introducing us to Lau and Phannak!

By: The Hutchison's

The Hutchison's — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:46:51 +0000

Hi James Family! What a wonderful experience for all of you. What a touching story…thank you so much for sharing!

By: trababe23

trababe23 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:54:34 +0000

Wow! This is the best education a kid can get, your kids will have learned so much about life and reality in this trip, then in all the years of formal education. I applaud your deciosion and life attitude.

By: megan

megan — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:46:09 +0000

These are both such beautiful and poignant stories that put a huge lump in my throat. They both exemplify the kindness and the resilience of the Cambodian people. Phnom Penh is one of my favourite cities, and you’re so blessed you got to experience it with people like Lau and Phannak.