Faces

Yesterday I had breakfast in the street of a hidden and very poor community in Phnom Penh. The night before I'd slept on the floor of my friend (Chami)'s house whilst rats ran across the roof and every now and then, crash-landed in the guttering.

Whilst we ate our morning rice and noodles and then walked around, kids rushed around shouting "Chami! Chami! Chami!" all wanting to know when the homework club she runs will be starting up again. And just wanting to hang out and grab her hand.

Two of them were carrying rubbish sacks, soon to go to work - picking up cans and plastic bottles in the streets nearby. They looked about 10 years old though were probably teenagers. And had probably stopped going to school a while ago to earn money for their families.

The photo for this post is not from that community but one nearer to me. I took it from my bike on the way from one Christmas doo to another last week. It's a familiar sight that's easy to miss or just take for granted, especially when you're rushing.

I managed to capture it though because the traffic had all bunched up and I had to stop. And just after taking it, the woman turned round and smiled. A full beaming smile, like the two kids with their rubbish bags in Chami's street.

And as I write this I realise I have nothing profound to say at this point. Just that it was a gift to see their faces. And still remember them clearly now.