Now I believe she can fly

A cabaret venue full of people witnessed something on Monday night that I wouldn’t have believed was going to be possible a couple of days earlier. We had the concert and among about 20 singers, there were a few of us taking our first small steps in serious public performance. Among the aspiring and professional … Continue reading Now I believe she can fly

Singing in the face of fear

One of the great sources of happiness and comfort in my life also gives me one of my biggest fears. Singing. Or singing in public to be more precise. I can trace it all the way back to when I was about six or seven years old and I stood up at the school concert … Continue reading Singing in the face of fear

Chance encounters, lasting impacts

People love to remember where they were when big events in history took place. Depending on your age, you might have a well-worn story about what you were doing when you heard about the death of JFK or Princess Diana, about the September 11 terrorist attacks or the Boxing Day tsunami? It connects our lives … Continue reading Chance encounters, lasting impacts

Looking for adventure, head out on the highway

There’s only one rule of driving on the roads in Cambodia and that’s that there are no rules. At least that’s what one of my Phnom Penh-based friends told me while we were out driving the other day, but then he corrected himself. “Actually, there is one rule, the biggest one wins,” he said. We … Continue reading Looking for adventure, head out on the highway

Finding strength in adversity

After four previous visits to Cambodia over the past five years, I often get asked what it is that keeps drawing me back. When people ask me, I do talk about the ancient history, the natural beauty, the lovely people. These things are also true of many other countries, including neighbouring Vietnam, yet I haven't … Continue reading Finding strength in adversity