March 11, 2014

Phuket, Thailand

“I've never seen a place so obsessed with massage. After I shook hands with the Immigration officer, he offered me a massage!” joked Gene Young, our Cruise Director. He was referring to Phuket, Thailand, which is the largest island in Thailand and is an international destination and is home to many beaches.

So today, instead of going on a tour,we decided to treat ourselves to a much needed massage. Never mind riding on elephants, petting the tigers and visiting James Bond's Phi-phi Island. Across the road from our tender port, were several massage parlors. They looked so inviting even if it was only 9:00 a.m.

“Sawadeekha!” greeted the lady owner. The gentle greeting from this short Thai lady convinced us to go for our much needed pampering. Our friend Sandy and myself requested a foot massage and a pedicure while Bert went for the Thai massage. I was enjoying the foot reflexology when suddenly we heard Bert moaning and groaning inside the small cubicle covered by a thick cotton curtain.

“What's going on?” I asked. “Are you alright?” There was no reply but instead, more groans and moans plus sounds of flesh being pounded .

“Pain, pain, don't worry,” the massager said with a thick heavy accent.

The time flew so fast and soon it was my time for the Thai body massage. I don't know why I got interested but I think it was more of a curiosity rather than the search for a happy ending. Just like Bert, I went into a small cubicle covered by thick cotton curtains. There was no formalities. I just took off my clothes and with my small form flattened on the mattress, my eyes were wide with mingled anticipation, fear and fascination. A silent groan escaped my lips as the masseur first laid her elbows upon my shoulders and her savage hands clutched my arms. Without any preliminaries, she started what I felt was a slow torture by continuous pounding on my back. She had but to raise her elbows so close to my body to dissipate the last remnant of apprehension so I gave up the futile effort to make any more noises. In seconds, I felt her knees on my butt and her strong lithesome form close pressed as she strode on my back. Like a tigress, she continued pouncing on my back and upper shoulders for what seemed like eternity.

Despite my protestations,the intensity in the pounding seemed harder and more forceful. “Pain, pain, don't worry. Just like Papa, more pain. Same, same,” she said with her Thai accent. Her hands moved steadily and as if by magic, I started to relax from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. Within minutes, I felt like a rag doll and I just surrendered to all her attacks. At times, I also moaned and groaned from the combination of pain and pleasure. As the muscles on my back and shoulders knotted beneath the tension of her efforts, I felt lifeless. And when her elbows hit a dozen times more, I thought I got run over by a combination of a Tuk-tuk and a Thai elephant!

For a moment I lay with half -closed eyes. Here was something I had never experienced before. When she asked me to turn around, I couldn't, because I felt so weak and relaxed which made my masseur laugh. The finale was when she cradled my head and my pillow in her lap and massaged my head and shoulders. I felt I was back in my mothers lap and gave me flashbacks of my Mom's healing touch. I never felt more relaxed than now as I lay in the lap of this strong Thai woman.

In comparison to my Mom's massage, the Thai body massage can be brutal and painful. It is definitely not for everyone but of course, the results can be so relaxing too. With the price of US$50.00 for two body massages, two foot massages, and a pedicure, it sure was a happy ending!

Back on the ship, Bert and I got our happy endings- a good night sleep!

Comments

Such a lovely place on earth you are right now. Do hope they didn't break any toes with the rough massages they give! Looks like you are on the downwind ride of your overwhelming trip. Keep. The posts coming.....love them. From PAtsy, on Mar 22, 2014 at 04:16 p.m

How were the spring rolls? They looked good. Foot massage is a must. I give it to myself daily. The body part that is not much cared for. Pictures are worth thousand words but we missed your writing though. Merci beaucoup! From Kim L., on Mar 22, 2014 at 07:03 p.m

Hi ! I'm glad you have a great trip. I hope you will come back to Japan. From Yayoi Nagano, on Mar 23, 2014 at 01:52 p.m

How did you feel the next day? I tried the Swedish massage on the HAL, it was OK. The only pain was the cost even though it was 1/2 off of the special price. Thanks for sharing. From Kim L., on Mar 23, 2014 at 02:53 p.m

We were both sore and felt bruised the next day ! From Charlotte & Bert, on Mar 23, 2014 at 10:23 p.m

Hi guys can I get one of those exotic massages. I would like to visit this mystical land in the future. I am sold on this journey, book me up on the following one... From Freedom, on Mar 24, 2014 at 01:47 a.m.

Thai Massage Anyone?

“Inspire & Inform”