From Angels to Apsaras

Apsara Dance, Bayon Temple

The jump from angels to apsaras is not such a big one: both angels and apsaras are graceful and inhabit a clestial realm in the Hindu/Buddhist pantheon of deities. We found some lovely angels on our visit to Chiang Mai recently and this past weekend, on your first visit to Cambodia, at the temples of Angkor, you encountered the apsaras whose main function is to dance and to entertain the Gods. The apsaras are carved in dancing postures on the pillars and lintels of almost every temple, performing an eternal dance for all those who visit. Sometimes their postures are gentle and their smiles enigmatic. Other times they stretch their limbs in the most fantastic ways, curving their arms and pulling their knees up close to their chests while grinning broadly. Yet despite these contortions, they remain controlled and elegant in their movements.

I have always liked apsaras and one morning while visiting the lesser known temple of Banteay Kdei with you, I decided to do something silly and try to imitate their dance after seeing them carved on the posts around us where we were standing. We were alone so I pulled my leg up and stretched out my arms and smiled widely with a really silly expression on my face. I wanted to make you laugh and asked you to take photos of me. Shaking your head in disbelief and asking if I was not "shy" to do "such things" you went along with me and I know you secretly enjoyed it. I told you how I think it is good to be silly sometimes and to have a good laugh at oneself. You told me in turn that in Latin America, people are afraid of looking ridiculous and of course we know well that you are a really "shy" guy. So I appreciated it all the more then when you agreed reluctantly (after a fair bit of coaxing) to perform your own version of the apsara dance for me. I laughed so hard I could barely keep from crying. That I think was the highlight of my morning! And for those who would never believe you could be convinced to do such a thing, we have the photos to prove it. Love you.