Men, Women, Demons, and Monkeys—Valentine’s Day Special Post (Somewhere on the Mekong River)

My husband fell asleep in the arms of another woman today. And it was Valentine’s Day! He said it had never happened before. I wonder what she has that I don’t offer? The subtle hands of a Cambodian dancer for one. 

I should start from the beginning. 

First of all the “Cambodian hands” thing is real. The women and men have the most beautiful hand gestures because they stretch their palms and fingers from an early age. The ones who have the most nimble fingers go on to perform at the Cambodian Royal Ballet. The “ballets” they perform use finger motions which denote men, women, demons and monkeys. 

Back to the story then. We started the day as usual, breakfast, then our daily cruise briefing. 

We then went to Silk Island. Our first stop was to the village school with the most precious children who are learning to speak English and practiced with us. 

We then walked through the village

Finally we ended at the place they make silk and loom scarves by hand. Masterful. 

It was back on board the ship at 4pm. I won’t soon forget the day nor the hour (3 days from our 30th anniversary!) 

Nor the place.

I asked him afterwards and he said, “Yes, her hands were so strong yet subtle”.  But…

Apparently it was the sea weed mask that caused him to fall asleep and start the snort and snore during our couple’s massage and facial. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.