On the morning of June 15, 2025, I started my day with something significant
—donating blood at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Cambodia. It was right after World Blood Donor Day, and I felt proud to join others in contributing to the simple yet powerful message: “Give Blood, Give Hope—Together We Are Saving Lives.”
My partner and I went together. The process was smooth and safe, and the atmosphere was calm but filled with quiet strength. Everyone there shared the same silent mission: to help someone they might never meet.
Later that day, we joined a community Local Guides meetup in Phnom Penh. Together with @JetlyChan and his daughter, we began our journey from the front of the Royal Palace, right across from the Tonle Chaktomuk River, where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers meet. This area, rich in history and culture, always feels alive, especially on weekends when the streets turn into a walk-only zone filled with families, music, and food.
We walked from the Royal Palace to the Phnom Penh Night Market, a 1- to 2-hour stroll through vibrant city life. Despite the light rain, the road was full of people. Along the way, we took photos, updated locations on Google Maps, and assisted in labeling places in Khmer for the local community. We noticed accessibility issues, missing areas, and new shops that hadn’t been added yet. It felt good to contribute accurate, helpful information that would support both locals and tourists.
Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the street food. We stopped by small vendors grilling skewers of squid over hot charcoal. One vendor carried everything she needed in two baskets—a mobile kitchen on her shoulders. We also passed by fresh herbs and edible flowers arranged beautifully for នំបញ្ចុក (Nom Banh Chok), a traditional Khmer rice noodle dish known for its rich flavors and fragrant herbs. The food was both delicious and a cultural expression of Cambodian identity.
We finished the walk with a warm meal at Srey Noch Master Chef, where we ordered Khmer-style steak served with salad and fries. The presentation was elegant, and the taste matched the look. Sitting there, enjoying dinner with my partner after a long and meaningful day, I felt thankful for the opportunity to combine so many passions: giving, walking, learning, and sharing.
Throughout the day, it became clear that being a Local Guide isn’t just about maps—it’s about people, moments, and small actions that add up to something bigger. From giving blood to mapping streets, from photos to food, every step was a way to contribute to my community and connect with others.
Yes, donating blood is something small we can do with a big impact. I’m sorry to hear you couldn’t donate this time — your intention already means a lot. I truly appreciate your support, and I’m glad you enjoyed the story I shared with you. We hope to continue inspiring each other through our actions and contributions! 
. Your support means a great deal. I always enjoy seeing your contributions too — let’s keep mapping and sharing great local stories! 
I truly appreciate your words. Let’s continue to inspire one another and make a positive impact through our contributions on Google Maps! 
Let’s continue to uplift each other and keep humanity at the heart of everything we do. 