Phnom Penh, Cambodia is home.
We live in a mixed Kiwi-Khmer-Thai household.
The Kiwis are two New Zealand teachers.
The Khmer are a 15 year-old schoolgirl who lives with us because she has limited opportunities within her impoverished village. And a young woman, trying to make her way in a somtimes brutal Cambodia. We first met her 12 years ago in a rural orphanage.
The Thai is Vanna. T. Cat who we picked up off the street 7 years ago when he was just a kitten in the little town of Sam Phran.
For more on the cast of characters see:
https://cambodianbeginnings.wordpress.com/and-then-there-were-five/
cambodian beginnings 
I know so little about Cambodia, so steeped in ancient history, but so troubled by repressive regimes. I look forward to reading about your lives.
Awesome introduction. I hope to visit Cambodia soon 🙂
You have what sounds like a wonderful home and family.
Thank you for visiting my blog and decided to follow it. I’m going to enjoy reading your post and beautiful photos, too!
I love the interesting stories and the images, especially the street portraits, beautiful pictures. Now following and will return. Ian.
Thanks for liking my “weekly challenge” contribution, it gave me the opportunity of discovering your blog, I’ve been twice to Cambodia: the first time around 1999 (very few tourists at that time!), the second time last summer. The country has changes a lot, but Cambodian people kept their kindness. Hope to read more of your stories.
It certainly has changed! I remember going to Angkor in 2001. We sat on a corner of the Wat in peace as there was hardly anyone around. So different now!
Thanks for the comment…
I spent a several days in Siem Reap a few years ago. Cambodia is a fascinating country. The rural poverty was an eye opener for me. I will have to check back to see how your adventure continues. Marie
Thanks Marie. Yes, rural poverty is an eye-opener. Sometimes, living in Phnom Penh on an ex-pat salary, you forget how bad most of the rest of the country has it.
This is not for publication – I’d be grateful if you could contact me to discuss a project I’m engaged in, i.e., researching the role of the supernatural in Cambodian daily life. Means things like the meaning and nature of house shrines and personal protective spirits, the role of dead ancestor-spirits in wedding ceremonies, belief in ghosts/monsters and measures to counteract them, etc etc etc. If you’re interested, you can find me through philip_coggan AT yahoo.co.uk.
Philip, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award.
Hi Barbara, I’ve no idea what that is! 🙂
Neither did I, Philip, until I received a notification from a blogger that they nominated ME for the One Lovely Blog award. Basically bloggers nominate other bloggers they admire for certain awards. Read my latest post and you’ll understand. And certainly you can just accept my admiration and be an “Award-Free Blog” which some choose to do, I’ve discovered.
I love your human portraits. Each one – the seller, the painter, the kids – so real and soul touching.
Hey there Philip! I’m doing a project where I’m following ten exciting, fresh, and interesting bloggers each day for the month of March 2015, and you’re today’s #9! Feel free to come visit me when you can at http://www.thatssojacob.wordpress.com, and follow if you like what you read. Have a good one!
As the great-grandson of a man who served as a Canadian customs agent during the Klondike Gold Rush, I can report that his photographs from that time do not capture a single individual clothed like the couple on the cover of The Call of the Wild and the Human Drift. I can only assume that the image represents the latter of the two works.
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Hi Philip… I really like your asian theme in your blog and the way you have captured Asia. For this reason, I nominated you for the “Creative Blogger Award”.
Congratulations… And please do visit https://photoniompong.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/creative-blogger-award-with-5-random-facts-about-me/ for the details. Keep it up! Cheers!
That’s a smart answer to a diuficflt question.
Your blog is absolutely fantastic – it’s so nice to learn about a country so close to my own native country (Vietnam).. You’ve thoroughly inspired me to visit Cambodia one day. Thank you!
Thanks so much. It is very nice of you to say so.
When were you last in Vietnam? Which part of the country are you from?
I’m from the north – Halong Bay. The last time I visited was yonks ago in 2002 – I’m looking to go back again end of this year with my son to see my dad (his grandad) 🙂
First time your son meets his grand dad, I take it? That will be special. All the best for the trip.
No, he came to visit us when my son was just born but he’s not seen him since so it’ll be a good visit. Thank you for your kind wishes – have a great day! 🙂
So pleased to have found your blog after you liked my birds in motions post. I have never been to Cambodia but a couple of my daughters loved it when they did the post- school travels. Your household sounds interesting (understatement)
Beautiful fishing net shots- very iconic.
Anne
Hi, thanks for visiting “Thru the 50mm” I hope you will come back soon. I have enjoyed reading your blog and find it very interesting what you are doing. All the best.
Your site is stunning. Many agree. You have some wonderful bloggers as followers. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Best, Catherine
Good of you to say so. Thanks.
Cambodia is on our travel wish-list! It’s a fascinating country. 🙂 Your blog would prove to be a wonderful guide.
cheers
Cheryl
Thanks…
What a fantastic patchwork family 🙂 I think it’s great how you help the girl out. A big difference for one precious life…
I nominated you for the Infinity Dreams Award jackie http://lifeseasiamagazine.com/2016/01/19/infinity-dreams-award/
Wonderful family!
I’m loving your beautiful photos of Cambodia, I had a short trip there, but loved every minute, through your blog I can spend more time there, thank you for sharing…
Thanks Vicky. Get yourself back to Cambodia for a longer look 🙂
Lovely blog. I have never been to Cambodia, but really appreciate a real insight . Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate the comment. 🙂
We have only “visited” the Phnom Penh airport. Maybe we can visit the city someday.
Vanna is a lovely looking cat. I am intrigued to read more of your Cambodian lifestyle!