Now, here's where it gets interesting. Normally what OCDF does on the tour is visit a school, but since it was Saturday today (remember we're 12 hours ahead) - no school was open. So, instead, we went to get ... foot massages. Apparently this is a big thing here - and not like in the 'massage parlor' sort of way. The chinese philosophy of reflexology believes that every organ has a corresponding node on the bottom of the foot - and through pressure on the foot one can cure or at least alleviate any issues you may be having. So, we went to a 'health & wellness' center to get our feet all pushed around.
Now, I have nasty feet. Raise your hand if you've ever seen me in shorts. Really, think hard. Now keep your hand up if you've ever seen me barefoot. Yeah, that's what I thought. I'm pretty much horrific from the knees down. So I was a little bit ... trepidatious, worried about offending an entire country by taking off my socks.
Long story short, 'cause I'm getting tired: The woman took one look at my feet and called for the pedicurist. This dude shows up with a hammer and chisel to whack at my toenails. Here I am, strange country, strange room, barefoot, and a 20-something chinese man with a sharp metal stick is about to go to town on my unabashedly awful feet. He goes to work like a man possessed. It was awe-inspiring. Never with a frown, he spent probably a good 35-40 minutes just cleaning me up. I've never had a pedicure before, since my feet were such crap, I felt too bad to put anyone through it. Now I'm a changed man. My feet feel awesome, and I'm ready for the Great Wall tomorrow.
The best part: cost for the pedicure? 48 RMB, or about $7. And I got a massage afters.
5 comments:
WOW! The whole foot care service industry feels very Christ-like (that whole foot washing ritual) to me...and from the sounds of it, the folks who cared for you perhaps were more self-sacrificial and Christ-like than the average bear, eh?
Glad you enjoyed it...put those pretty feet up before the Great Wall experience!
Loev you guys!
Scott, I have a habit of watching The Today show when I have families traveling and I believe Lester Holt mentioned something about your feet this morning. Please no more international events!
Glad your having a great time. Enjoy the Wall and try to take in as many sites as you can.
Three more days to Van. I am holding my breath.
Hi guys, just checking in. I'm glad you are getting into the culture. Take as much as you can stand, because you will look back and realize how briefly you were there. - News from home - Betsy and Caroline will have a joint birthday pool party today at the JCC - they'll be 3 and 7 respectively. "Hey everybody, Uncle Chuck is coming down the slide -RRRUUUNNN!" New gear started going in Friday, Aaron had some time. All here are fine, wishing you well. Remember, close your mouth in the shower
I think most men react the exact same way - my feet are gross, pedicures are for girls - and then you realize how awesome it is. At least you never again have to face the man who was first to touch your feet. You've got a couple continents between you now.
Glad the touring is fun; I can't wait to see pics from The Wall. And of course Van!
They call it a Lazy Susan in China, too?
:)
So glad things are going well!!!
Van!
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