One Year Away

Penny

How would you feel about having a foot
massage for a full 50 minutes?  It seems that it is now the rage (or
even the norm) in Hong Kong for the yuppie crowd to do!  So, based on
our friend Samuel’s very (very) strong recommendation, we agreed to
all go have our feet rubbed on Sunday night.

Not being a big fan of massages in
general, I was somewhat uncomfortable with the idea.  But, I say
“when in Rome, do as the Romans”…  Samuel made the appointment
for 9:15pm that night.  I was surprise to find out that many of these
legitimate massage places are opened until 1 or 2am.  The massage
parlor is like a high-end spa with plush leather chairs and flat
screen TVs to watch your favorite show as you get your treatment. 

Samuel had warned Joe and I that at
times the massage can be ‘a little’ uncomfortable.  The therapists
use foot reflexology techniques by putting pressure on different
parts of your feet and calves.

The session started off with us soaking
our feet in a medicated bath and then having our feet and calves
rubbed with essential oils by the male masseuse.  Then, about 2
minutes into the session, I realized that it was going to be a long
48 minutes… The pain was almost  unbearable.  As the masseuse
pressed against the soles of my feet or squeezed my calves, I held my
breath and clenched every muscle in my body!

When the session was finally finished,
I did feel relaxed but as I let our friend Samuel know the benefits
did not outweigh the pain. I think that that is the first and last
Chinese foot massage for me!

P.S. Joe’s experience was very
different.  He loved his massage and may now be hooked.  If you are
ever in China and want a foot massage, I urge you to avoid any
masseuse with funny growths on their hands and fingers as these are
sure signs of pain to come.  Joe’s masseuse had hands like a banker,
pretty and smooth!