After my marathon, I thought it would be a nice treat to get a
massage at the hotel spa. It was quite the experience, and so funny that I just
had to share.
My massage therapist came to
get me in the waiting room and introduced herself. I replied "Je suis désolé , je ne parle pas Fench" (I'm
sorry, I don't speak French). So she grabbed me by the arm, led me into a room,
said something very quickly in French and then left. The only word I understood
was "slipper."
I looked down and there was a pair of slippers. Usually, when I get a massage I chat with the massage therapist before (while still clothed). But if she just wanted me to take off my shoes and put on the slippers so we could talk, she wouldn't have left the room. And if she wanted me to get undressed and lie on the table, then why did I need slippers? I debated this for a few minutes, and then decided to just take off my clothes and get on the table. I did not wear the slippers.
As I got to the table, I found my next problem.
Usually the table is covered by a sheet and then there is a second sheet that
goes over you. Here however, there was just the table and a big towel. I
decided lying right on the leather table would not be comfortable, so I put
myself on top of the towel, with nothing covering me. I waited there, sincerely
hoping that she expected me to be lying on the table with nothing covering me
when she came back in.
Apparently I did the right thing, or she covered her shock well, because she came in and got right into the massage. The first half was pretty uneventful, although I did wish that I could communicate that I’d like a little more pressure and to have her focus on my IT bands and hamstrings. Then however, she had me flip over onto my back. This isn’t unusual, however it was unusual that she left me uncovered. I felt quite exposed.
Things got even stranger. After she massaged my
legs, she moved up to my abdomen. It’s an area I’ve never had massaged before,
and I see why. I didn’t feel that great. It also made my stomach start to
gurgle and make all kinds of strange noises. The noises made me laugh and made
it hard to stay relaxed. Then came the kicker- she massaged my chest. Yep,
every inch of it, boobs and all. I’m pretty sure my eyes flew open in shock.
Later that night I had to confess to my husband
that not only had I been fondled by a woman, but that I’d paid for it.
Just a warning to you if you ever plan to get a
massage in Morocco. They massage it all.
Woah! I can't say I'd hate it if I got a full body massage by a woman in Morocco! That might have to be my next vacation choice. Seriously though, it is pretty interesting to hear about how different cultures handle common place activities. People in America just seem way more private than other societies. That massage sounds absolutely divine!
ReplyDeleteBrooke Burgess @ East West College
I know that this came as a surprise to you, but it sounds like you handled it pretty well. Places all around the world have their own customs in how they give massages. I had a similar experience and I was so shocked it was hard to relax. Luckily they don't do that in the states and I fall asleep every time.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Connors @ The Healing Station
Have you ever been massaged at the hotel spa? Sure, it is one of the places where you will get the best experience and fun.
ReplyDeleteThere is always a pair of slippers in the massage room. There is also a table which is usually covered with a sheet and a second sheet that should go over you. At the hotel spa, every part of your body gets massaged. It was such a great experience.
Brittaney Luther @ Blades Massage Therapy