The Royal Treatment

Here is why I'm beginning to feel the appeal of living in a third world country where the dollar is king. 

A Tale Told in Two Acts.

Today, New Years Eve, we have not touched academics. It's been about relaxation. This morning the girls went down our street to the Plum Salon spa treatments. The guys went to a barber shop for head massages at a hole in the wall place. A few still smell like coconuts.

Attention Guys Reading this Post: You can stop now if you want. Even a summary may bore you.

Act I. Scene I

We walked into the salon. They had everything - haircuts, manicures, facials, the works. All the guys had matching suits of pink shirts and navy trousers. All the girls had navy suits, too. Fast paced hip hop music played in the background. I thought I was in New York.

I ordered an oil hair massage and a "Gold/Pearl' facial. This was incredible. After methodically applying hot oil to my hair, I received at least a 35 minute massage on my head including neck and shoulders. All of that stress that has been accumulating due to cramped plane rides and the Dehli cacophony drifted away. I haven't felt this good in a year.

Scenes 2: The Facial 

Then a girl whisked me back into a little room for the facial. Never having had a facial, I expected a 10 minute mud mask and some moisturizer. Oh no, no, no. Au contraire, mademoiselle. This whole process ended up lasting an hour (or so it seemed).

Not speaking Hindi really made the treatment a little more interesting because I was in complete ignorance about what she had planned and couldn't ask questions about being left unattended for long periods of time with cucumbers or ice packs on my eyes. The only Hindi I remember so far is ney (no), shukrinya (thank you) and ack-ya (good). This doesn't go too far in conversation, especially when follow up questions are asked.

First, the girl made what can only be described as a lotion lasagna on my face. There were layers upon layers upon layers of lotion. At least nine. And they all had to be rubbed in. Some smelled sweet. Some smelled spicy. They all smelled like Indian seasonings. I was worried animals would flock to my face.

I sat with a hot towel on my face for awhile before the facialist attacked my face with a metal instrument. She went straight for the pores and started extracting who knows what, but it hurt!

Then, she applied a second lotion lasagna and countered with an icy cold cold towel. And the big finale was a mere lotion sandwich (only 3 layers).

Scene 3: But Wait, There's More!

You may think that must be all. Isn't that enough? Last, the stylist washed and dried and fixed my hair.

So. How much did all this cost? What poor student can enjoy this two and a half hour spa extravaganza? Au contraire mes amis. The grand total, after a generous tip, cost about 1200 rupees.

THAT'S 30 DOLLARS. Holy canoli. We're all plotting return visits.


Act II: They Purchase Even More At Rock Bottom Prices
After this, we went shopping at a haggle-free consumer paradise and emporium of handmade Indian goods from all over the country.

Some of you may be getting presents...

Now we're getting ready to go out to celebrate New Years Eve.

I will message you from the future to let you know how 2011 is 12 hours before you know!!!