“One Hour” Massage

The massage business is a really tough business here on Phuket Island. In the area where we’re staying, Patong Beach, there is a massage place every six or seven stores; maybe even closer together. Regardless, they are everywhere. A “one-hour” foot massage is usually 300 Thai Baht (USD $9.58). So is a “one-hour” Head, Neck and Shoulder massage. I’ve seen Full-body Thai Massage listed for 500 Baht (USD $15.96).

I write “one-hour” in quotes because the duration is not listed on the charts they wave at potential customers walking by the store front. When asked, they’ll say the massage is one hour long, but many stop at around 50 minutes. If the therapist is skilled, it’s still a good deal for most tourists.

The first day Kenric’s sister arrived, we went to a place called Nice Massage. This was after being solicited by therapists outside many different places. This place looks more spacious, cleaner, and the therapists were dressed more professionally. We both had the Head, Neck and Shoulder massage. Kenric’s sister said she felt tenderized afterwards.

Mine hurt so badly and so good. A few times, I’ve had to tap out as if I am surrendering in a wrestling match and my therapist would joke that we’re in a Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match; and I would say, “You win.” She really focused on my forearms and hands as I requested. She was so good I asked for her name in case I have an opportunity to return. She showed me her name tag, “PARRY”. When I said, “kob khun kha” (thank you), Parry said, “See you tomorrow!”

Sneaking Out to See Parry

I’ve been wanting to go back to see her since I walked out of that place on Sunday. Today (Thursday), when we were all at the beach, I didn’t go into the water because I didn’t want to go for a massage after soaking in salty seawater. Yes, I had planned all along to ditch Kenric, his sister and his cousin so that I could go see Parry. I called to make sure she was working today.

When I arrived, Parry and her coworkers were sitting on the front steps of the store, some of them trying to get people to go in. It looks like she was expecting me. Later, she told me that her boss had told her someone had called to see if she was working today. When the therapist who worked on Kenric’s sister saw that I came alone, she asked, “Where your friend?” For simplicity, I said, “She beach.” That didn’t come out right! “She’s at the beach.”

I wasn’t drenched in seawater but I was drenched in sweat because it was a very hot day. Thank goodness the fans and air conditioner had some serious cooling power. Parry remembered to focus on my tingling forearms and hands. The other day, she asked why my hands hurt so much. I said, “Computer”. She asked, “Teacher?” I said, “Office.” Today, when she started working on my forearm, she took a jar of ointment from her purse and she said, “Madame, tomorrow you come, I give you one. Your boyfriend do for you.” Not wanting to take her stuff, I said, my boyfriend is not as strong as her and cannot do it. She asked if I have any children with my boyfriend. I said no. She said, “Change boyfriend!” We laughed. She has three children, 23, 18 and 9.

Special Ointment

I said I could just go get some Tiger Balm from the store because I really didn’t want to take her stuff, but she said this is a special one, much better than the one provided by her employer that she used on my back and shoulders, and used by her coworkers. Still trying to get out of taking her stuff, I said, “I leave tomorrow.” She looked a little disappointed, and I felt bad for being so rude, so I decided that I would return tomorrow to get the ointment from her. That stuff was heating up my forearm like hell. That’s the definition of a good pain reliever ointment. Think Salon Pas.