"Cambodia,
Part Two"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 06.27.08 7:56 AM

Continuing our travels in Cambodia, we paid a heart-breaking visit to an enormous garbage landfill where indigent families seek shelter and scavenge for food. It was very disturbing to see the living conditions these impoverished families endure, and was an indelible reminder of the importance of the work of global charities like the Cambodian Children's Fund and Pour un Sourire d'Enfant ("For a Smile of a Child").  This wonderful organization provides nutrition and housing, medical treatment, and educational opportunities to these children and families in critical need. The photo speak for themselves, so we've omitted any captions this time.

Song of the Day: "Don't Panic" by Coldplay

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"Cambodia"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 06.25.08 2:56 PM

I have been profoundly affected by our experiences over the last few days and can't help but feel that this has changed the way in which I view the world.  We visited an inspiring Cambodian school that offers vocational training in cosmetology and other hospitality services for young adults who live in desolate conditions next to a landfill.  The training not only provides the students with the education they need to help improve their dire living conditions, it gives them hope and confidence to pursue their dreams. To ensure that each student experiences success after completion of the program, the teachers follow-up with each student.  As a result, 100 percent of the school's graduates are employed!  It was very humbling to meet so many people who are making a difference in such a challenging part of the world.

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.

Local mode of transportation.

Heather snapping away.

Learning how the World Food Programme provides aid.

Students at PSE washing their hands before breakfast.

Scooping out a helping of rice for the kids.

Frank is always happy.

Eating the breakfast of champions.

Taking in all the kids at breakfast.

Mom sitting down to talk with some of them.

These girls were best friends.

Getting ready for their morning exercise.

They were exercising to a techno version of Axle-F!!

Flip-flops have universal appeal.

Lunch lady.

Mom always seems to find a baby to cuddle.

She loves playing with the little ones.

Blue for boys, pink for girls.

Mom can't get enough!

The school’s nursery.

There is always work to be done.

This girl was not camera shy.

Learning cosmetology tips... even in Cambodia!

There were no beauty school drop-outs here.

They were selling beautiful handmade necklaces.

Mom pays for her wares.

Thanking everyone at the morning assembly.

These kids loved the camera.

Bikes are the best way to get around rural Cambodia.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

"Bangkok"
POSTED BY MEGHAN
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT HEATHER BRAND
ON 06.22.08 10:22 AM

Between our visits with various charities with Mom, we had some free time and went on a boat tour of Bangkok. It was absolutely breathtaking and spectacular. We were able to really experience the heart of the culture and people, feed the largest catfish I have ever seen and visit some Buddhist temples and speak with some of the monks. Tomorrow, we pick back up with touring more humanitarian aid organizations.

Song of the Day: "Let Go" by Frou Frou

Click on any photo to zoom and see the full photograph.

Mom and I beginning our day for the boat tour.

Shannon finding the perfect place for filming.

Mom took some photos as well!

The journey begins.

Some truly amazing sights.

Taking in the local sights and culture.

The boat police.

Some of the structures where people live and work.

It's amazing to consider how some of them are still standing after all these years.

There's a fish feeding area.

Our friends in another boat tossing us food for the fish.

They were just an arm's length away!

Mom and I feeding the fish.

Some of these catfish were enormous.

Having some fun.

It was a memorable experience for us all.

There are areas serviced by boat markets where people cruise on boats to sell refreshments and other items.

This lady was so happy to see us.

Mom was pretty amazed at the extraordinary method of moving around.

People were friendly everywhere we went.

Approaching one of the temples.

Boat parking lot.

This cart vendor was taking a nap on the job.

One of the monks we met.

Removing our shoes out of respect before entering.

A look inside the temple.

Another smiling monk.

Some truly beautiful architecture.

Inside one of the shrines.

Speaking with one of the monks.

Roosters and planks.

Robes drying on the clothesline.

We were humbled by everyone's hospitality.

Back to the boats.

It was a very uplifting day!

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