I started life with humble beginnings and was born in Cambodia during the most horrific period of the country’s history. Under the Khmer Rouge’s relentless pursuit for an agrarian society and brutality, an estimated 2 million people died between 1974 to 1979. As a result, we were forced to flee and escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand. After two years in the refugee camp, hope knocked on our door with a fresh start in America. The hardship we endured during the war, the refugee camp and the transition to a new culture and country would also become our greatest blessing. We were determined to not let the past shape our future. Through hard work and perseverance, I am now living a life of “richness”…Richness in health, richness in friendship and richness in being able to travel the world.
I currently live in Germany with my Dutch husband and daughter. If someone asks me “where are you from?”, I find myself not being able to give a direct answer. I never felt like I belonged in any one place or to any one culture. I feel more like a citizen of the world. Because I am not rooted in any singularity, I crave moments of human connection…of meeting people for the first time, of being able to share a meal together, of listening to people’s stories. One of my favorite quote is from Anthony Bourdain: “As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.”
Being able to share photos and experiences as part of the Local Guides program allows me to leave my marks, although small, on the world in return for the marks it has left on me. I find my passion for travel, cultures, photography and food merging on one seamless platform.
