A few years or more ago in a land unlike my own I was placed by a government entity. I was only there for a short time, a few months, but I wanted to lean into the culture and learn about how the social interactions were different. This is a common theme in my life, curiosity about how life can be different all over the globe. I asked a few more senior individuals what are some of the activities I must participate in. This story revolves around something super innocent, a full body massage.
I am the type of person who normally wouldn't sign up for a full body massage, on a normal basis, I don't get much satisfaction or relaxation out of the ceremony outside of my back. Aside from a nuru massage (that's a story for another time), the times someone has rubbed my shoulders, feet, legs, arms, using their hands it all felt no different than what I could accomplish myself.
Despite being 95% against a massage, I put my name down for an appointment. I showed up and was shuffled into a low lit room with Enya playing softly and was told my masseuse would be in shortly and I should remove all of my street clothes, and wrap myself with the robe. I took note of the set up around the room, massage table (obviously), chair and coat rack. A full display table full of many oils and lotions, and a humidifier that was pumping slight lavender scent into the air. I undressed as instructed and wrapped myself with the provided robe, to me this was feeling creepy doctor vibes.
A woman knocked and opened the door, still very much a doctor visit to me, as she walked through my thoughts changed a bit. Being an average American in an Asian country had its advantages, you were instantly taller and perceived to stronger and obviously raised with the American diet, high protein and focus on strength. So my perception of a tiny 4ft 8in probably 90lb woman was probably overrated, she was cute, easy on the eyes, I wasn't complaining to be having her as my masseuse.
She motioned to my robe belt and spread her arms apart in a gesture I should undo the belt and lay face down on the table. I turned away from her and followed instructions. Once I had my face into the hole of the massage table she tugged at my robe, releasing it from underneath me. Allowing my robe to flow free, she pulled it up and exposed my back while keeping my butt covered. I was sent into stress reducing breathing as she worked on my tense back. This lasted about ten minutes and I was in a state of enjoyment. She moved down further onto my lower back and started massaging my glutes.