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Published: December 6th 2005
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I had planned to go to bed after last nights entry but was excited about being here and decided to head back out for a Traditional Thai massage and work some of these kinks out. I took a tut tut (which is this 3 wheeled open aired taxi that runs on...rice seed oil or something......it sounds like this....tut tut tut tut tut tut tut) to a Thai massage house about 10 minutes away. The fair was about a buck. The building was tucked away amongst other shops and restaurants. It was a nice place with lot's of wood and glass and marble. There were several woman standing at the check-in desk and all looking at me like, "damn he's big...please don't give me him". I paid for a one hour massage which ran the equivalent of $5.00. I couldn't believe it. It included the use of a private shower and herbal tea afterward. I was escorted to a room to change into this loosely fit light pants and sandles then into the massage room which was pretty cool....it was elevated from the floor about 4 feet high, all teak wood floor and walls with drapery's hanging in the front. Instead of a table I was asked to lay on a comfortable padded mat on the floor. The massage was really great but very different. She used her feet alot and no muscle squeezing, but instead lot's of pressing, stretching and hitting. I was completely relaxed until about the last technique which ended bad. I was to sit indian style with both hands clasped behind my head. From behind, she got me into a Full Nelson, then climbed from behind onto my thighs (she only weighed about 45 pounds so that wasn't bad), then she cranked down, pulled up and threw my back out. DAMN I thought, after a long flight, I'm exhausted, sore, and tired....the massage was going great then WAM....my back is gone....(one of those that will be bad for about a day or two but no longer so not too bad). Anyway, it was still awesome and I had my tea while this other woman gave me a pedicure (yeah, I got a pedicure....so what.....it was only $2.50) I tipped the massage woman another $5.00 and she was very grateful.
Then I took a walk with my broke back and passed one of about 100 street food vendors. You have to get this image....a bunch of run down dark buildings, poluted air, but food cooking outside everywhere. A couple of stray dogs wondering about and people (tours and natives alike) strolling, eating, shopping, and going about their business. Tut tut's, mopeds and tiny cars everywhere. It's lightly raining which makes the stench rise from the street just a little stonger. I stopped for a bite to eat and sat at a table and waited. This woman comes to take my order and places a roll of toliet paper down for napkins. The cook is at the curb on this fire bowl wok looking thing and cooking with garlic which smells awesome. I ordered some chicken (guy) with basil and rice.....along with a bottle of coke. Next to me is the dish washing area which is basically a bunch of extra large tupperware containers full of dirty soapy water full of dirty dishes ....in the rain....no one washing. I'm under and overhang and all is dry. The food comes and the portion is very small but very tasty. It's a good portion so you can try different things in one sitting. I gobbled it down as I'm actually really getting tired now. I pay what I think is the tab and begin walking....about $1.50. Just then this very old boss lady, no taller than 3 and a half feet tall, with crooked legs and a hunchback begins chasing me down the steet. I stop thinking I've short changed her and feel bad that I've made this poor old woman run after me. She gets closer and gives me my change then smiles, puts her hands together in a prayer position under her chin, closes her eyes and bows. I did the same in return and calculate that my bill was around 90 cents (including tip). There are lot's of tourists here from all over the world, solo and otherwise. I'm sure to meet some people and go on some excursions with others. Though Bangkok is dirty (unlink the other area's I'll be visiting), the people are incredibly polite, respectful and proud. It was the Kings birthday yesterday and many were celebrating with fireworks. The Thai are a poor country but they are very proud of their Monarchy. One quick way to insult a Thai person is to talk bad of their Monarchy.
I caught another tut tut back to the hotel and after a long search to turn off the lights in the hotel room, I slept great....bad back and all.
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Kerry
non-member comment
Where is the Ambien?
Hey Bri- Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your entries....keep it up and have a great time. Gram will be making chocolate chip cookies soon..Don't worry I will make sure Tina gets them nice and warm!