After my semi-traumatic experience with my semi-automatic bike the day before, I decided to celebrate being alive and treat myself. I was also now confident enough to show my post-pink-eye eyes. They were still quite red, but I missed being able to use them to properly express myself.
Massages were on offer at my accommodation – aptly named the Golden Bamboo Villa & Spa. How fancy-sounding is that?! I opted for a full neck, shoulder(s) and back massage. I can’t say that it was all that pleasant, especially being somewhat fresh out of Thailand and having those world-famous massages to compare to.
It started with a lovely foot-soak in warm water with lemongrass and lime wedges. I was then wearing these silky brown shorts and put my face in the ring pillow. This tiny woman must do weightlifting in her free time, because she was STRONG! I made some pained sounds to no effect, but told myself to just believe in the process.
The most unpleasant part was having my feet sharply poked with chopsticks or something. I then heard a kettle starting to boil… I was face-down so couldn’t see what was being prepared. After feeling like my arms were going to be ripped off, I got the hot rocks! I’ve never had a hot stone massage before, but I don’t think I would do that again. Then steaming-hot towels were covering my full posterior. Being boiled alive would NOT be the most fun way to die!
I was rather relieved when it was all over, but got handed a feedback form after being given some complimentary balm and an overly-sweet tea with all sorts of bits floating in it. I just ticked “it was amazeballs” for every checkbox.
The whole Bamboo staff had been really amazing, and I think they had grown quite fond of me. They even called me by name. The one asked, “You actor? From Hollywood? I see you!” This was due to me permanently wearing my sunglasses, even at the breakfast table. An exceptional breakfast was included every morning of my stay, including a traditional big-noodled porky dish called cao lầu.
It had been the hottest day in human history – the perfect time to get an unexpected hot stone massage! It also happened to be pay day. That night I celebrated how fortunate I am to be a digital nomad, by getting a bit pissed and dancing around naked in my room with headphones.
Happy times!
Next: Vietnam #14 – Marble & Stone (Fish)
Previously: Vietnam #12 – Pop Goes the Tyre, My Son!
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