Some normalcy, at last

After years of being a symbol of civil war, genocide, poverty and underdevelopment, Phnom Penh has gradually become a regular, cosmopolitan city again, with not much excitement other than intense nightlife, live concerts and visits of famous artists, Nobel Prize winners and world politicians. Recently revitalized, cleaned and paved riverside promenade is a spot which gives encouraging sight of normalcy and sound of people freely enjoying peaceful times.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images

Poland mourns air tragedy victims

Poland has launched a week of national mourning, following the devastating plane crash in Russia that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife as well as several other top-ranking officials. Ninety-six people were killed after the aircraft crashed near the airport in the Russian city of Smolensk. The Polish officials were there to mark the 70th anniversary of a massacre of Polish officers in Katyn.

© Mieszko Stanislawski / Babel Images

En-Shan-ted

The Shan State was opened to foreigners not so long time ago, but in many parts remains nearly untouched and raw. It is enough to go just a few miles into the hills to find villages frozen in the Middle Ages. The Shan people - engaged in decades long civil conflict with the Burmese government - are said to be the biggest minority group in the Union of Myanmar and are famous for their hospitality, broad smiles and excellent food. On this picture: Shan children in the mountain area near Hsipaw, Myanmar, January 2010.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images.

The Great Race

Boatsmen and spectators waiting for Sunday races during the annual Water Festival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Every year this three days long event - marking the reversal of flow of the Tonle Sap river - attracts around two million people from the countryside to come and watch competing teams from all across the country.

© Grzegorz Ostręga / Babel Images

Sleeping on the street

Homeless street child sleeping in early morning on a sidewalk of one of the most touristic streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia (31.07.2009).

It is hard to estimate the number of street children in Phnom Penh as they are very mobile and often move from place to place. Some sources say it is two thousand, other say it's much higher. Aged from four to seventeen they are hugely vulnerable to all kinds of exploitation, abuses, drugs use and gang activities. Money they collect from tourists goes mainly to other people, what leaves them in extreme poverty and "no way out" situation.

© Grzegorz Ostręga / Babel Images