Ok, let me start by explaining that the term "massagey" is not meant to be derogatory. Its a trend here that I'm noticing that native Koreans do typically add an e/ey sound to the ends of English words when they speak - so words such as "like" turn out "likey". Its one of those strange (strangey?) stereotypes that ring true.
Now, on to the adventure - its been a whirlwind of settling in, adjusting to a new time zone, a new job, let alone trying to make new friends. So this weekend was a good opportunity to practice some good self-care:) My hair color adventure turned out well (pics to come, I promise, but I'm not good at self-portraits!), so Chell and I decided to head to Salon World for an evening massage.
One of the awesome things about Korea is that you CAN get a massage at 8p - and have it be an actual, real, reputable massage! But the experience is different, of course! Chell and I walk in and are handed locker keys and a choice of matching neon shorts/tshirts to walk around the spa. We declined those, unfortunately, as you'll see later. We proceed to the locker room, which even at this hour has a smattering of very naked and very casually walking about Korean women of all shapes and sizes. We try to ignore them. We are led into a room and given random men's basketball shorts and (eventually!!) robes, and served tea in heart-shaped cups. This is our first indication that we will be having a couple's massage(y)! And indeed, post-tea, we are led to side-by-side massage tables. We look at each other, shrug our shoulders and hope for the best.
Now, I have had a number of massages in my day, and I have to admit that this was one of the best for working out knots! That does not mean it was the most relaxing of massages ever, however. The good thing is that I was able to block out Chell and her therapist...the bad part was I found the ability to do that by focusing on breathing through the pain of my massage experience. That woman moved my arms and legs at angles I did not think possible - limbs and digits were pulled, ligaments and muscles were stretched, there was jerking and beating and flailing. I almost had to call it when my woman straddled me and I realized those were her KNEES rapidly pounding my back. But, I breathed through it all. There were definitely moments when I thought "Oh God, I know this is ancient technique but I hope it's safe!"
Afterwards, I felt like jelly, and that was good. Next time, however, I am heading home to go to bed afterwards, and not out for duck-in-leaf and drinks at Starducks (I kid you not), then a giant cupcake...that was not a good way to celebrate the detoxification process inherent in a massage. But it WAS fun!
And all that being said, I will definitely go back, especially during marathon training!! I'm actually thinking of making it a regular bi-weekly occurrence, as I really do feel better in terms of movement. So when you come visit, put aside about $55 for an hour-long massagey, because I will be more than happy to take you!
Now, on to the adventure - its been a whirlwind of settling in, adjusting to a new time zone, a new job, let alone trying to make new friends. So this weekend was a good opportunity to practice some good self-care:) My hair color adventure turned out well (pics to come, I promise, but I'm not good at self-portraits!), so Chell and I decided to head to Salon World for an evening massage.
One of the awesome things about Korea is that you CAN get a massage at 8p - and have it be an actual, real, reputable massage! But the experience is different, of course! Chell and I walk in and are handed locker keys and a choice of matching neon shorts/tshirts to walk around the spa. We declined those, unfortunately, as you'll see later. We proceed to the locker room, which even at this hour has a smattering of very naked and very casually walking about Korean women of all shapes and sizes. We try to ignore them. We are led into a room and given random men's basketball shorts and (eventually!!) robes, and served tea in heart-shaped cups. This is our first indication that we will be having a couple's massage(y)! And indeed, post-tea, we are led to side-by-side massage tables. We look at each other, shrug our shoulders and hope for the best.
Now, I have had a number of massages in my day, and I have to admit that this was one of the best for working out knots! That does not mean it was the most relaxing of massages ever, however. The good thing is that I was able to block out Chell and her therapist...the bad part was I found the ability to do that by focusing on breathing through the pain of my massage experience. That woman moved my arms and legs at angles I did not think possible - limbs and digits were pulled, ligaments and muscles were stretched, there was jerking and beating and flailing. I almost had to call it when my woman straddled me and I realized those were her KNEES rapidly pounding my back. But, I breathed through it all. There were definitely moments when I thought "Oh God, I know this is ancient technique but I hope it's safe!"
Afterwards, I felt like jelly, and that was good. Next time, however, I am heading home to go to bed afterwards, and not out for duck-in-leaf and drinks at Starducks (I kid you not), then a giant cupcake...that was not a good way to celebrate the detoxification process inherent in a massage. But it WAS fun!
And all that being said, I will definitely go back, especially during marathon training!! I'm actually thinking of making it a regular bi-weekly occurrence, as I really do feel better in terms of movement. So when you come visit, put aside about $55 for an hour-long massagey, because I will be more than happy to take you!
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