About 2 years ago, I received a gift certificate for a local Spa (good at their hotel, restaurants, and spa). It was a large-ish certificate, good for 2 long treatments, or a combination of room and treatment, or whatever. I wanted to enjoy a couple treatments including something I'd usually never consider, but setting aside 4+ hours just never seemed to happen... until today.

I called reservations yesterday, and after a lengthy call on what to have, and in what order, this afternoon finally arrived. I stopped working at about noon, and started up the old Acura.

Departure was smooth, although reverse taxi was difficult due to a couple of construction trucks blocking the view. I then pulled forward, and then made a left. After about 1/2 mile, I made a "soft left" and then, shortly thereafter, made a right at the light. I followed that street quite a ways south, and then made a left. Continuing eastbound, and still running a bit early, I made a right, and put some fuel in the tank. I then continued toward my destination, all the way across town, and in fact, almost on the fringe of the border with the next city.

I checked in, and had a short soak and steam and shower, and then waited for the first treatment.

1) Chamomile body scrub. This was the "add on" suggested by the reservations clerk, and only put me over $30 (instead of a super long facial). I have never had a body scrub before. It was ok - no rush to have another, but it was perfectly fine. The lengths that prudish Americans have to go through to cover their hoo hoos and hee haws with a little shmata that gets all wet, is ridiculous. But that is the American way. The heavily accented woman said "put this on your butt" (twice, before she left the room). Well, I suppose my skin is all nice now, and I don't smell like an herbal infusion, so that is good.

2) 80 minute deep tissue massage. After barely a minute back in the waiting area, it was time to get a theraputic bruising. 80 minutes went by relatively quickly. This was the main reason for my visit, and it was the same therapist as I had 2 years ago.

3) 50 minute facial. After a 10 minute break, it was facial time. I've never had one. It was an odd experience, but fairly enjoyable. The chair was great. All these exfoliation and creams and sprays and potions and concoctions were strange, and she was mixing certain things up while my eyes were closed - I thought I was in the mad scientist's office. But now my face is all smooth, and it was a fairly pleasant experience.

After another soak and shower, I got ready to get back in the Acura, filled with gasoline, and hand my validated parking ticket to the boothman. I pulled down the hill, made a right, went a long way, made a left, etc etc etc and made it home.

My afternoon resort vacation is over. I still feel happily a bit dizzy and numb