Which Juan

We set up a personal tour guide and itinerary for the full two days we were in Cambodia. Our guide, Juan, was a very knowledgable and proud local of Cambodia and Seim Reap.  He taught and told us many many interesting things about the history, culture, politics, and current events of the country. One of the things he taught us that we found fun and interesting was the bowing etiquette. I remember reading a review on our hotel in which the reviewer complained that "all of the staff were always bowing to you when they helped you or welcomed you or said hello."  The reviewer found it annoying; we did not. We found it fun but a little confusing, until Juan elaborated on the practice. There are seven different bows in the bowing etiquette for different people, depending on where they lie on the bowing hierarchy. The difference is all in the hands.  To show the most respect for someone old and wise--a  parent, for example--one would bow with her hands together and fingertips to her forehead. However, if you were bowing to your close buddy who just gave you a wedgie, you would keep your hands lower with your fingertips at chest height. There are in betweens and, of course, one for Buddha, with your thumbs to your forehead and fingers to the sky.  Juan taught us the seven bows and also told us that they are generally a gesture reserved for greetings. However, I found it contagious and next thing you know, it felt like we were having bowing competitions with the hotel staff and every merchant in the city, as we bowed to say hello, good bye, thank you, you're welcome, and where's the toilet?