Tales from Asia

Arrived in Cambodia yesterday and spent a sunny, hot and humid day walking and travelling in tuk tuks around Phnom Penh. I was struck again by the uplifting psychological, emotional and even physical power of a simple smile. Even strangers in the street make eye contact and smile here, just as I found previously in Thailand. Yes, some people are hoping to engage in business transactions by foreigners' attention whereas others seem happy simply to show friendliness and kindness. I find this cultural phenomenon very attractive and compelling and wonder what underlying cultural worldview and values this represents that I and we could learn from.