Relaxing – the hard way

Traditionally, massages are a relaxing experience. Something you do to unwind, to be pampered, and to have an experienced masseur/masseuse rub all the tension out of your body.

Well overdue for a massage, Kristy and I headed up to Crystal Spa NYC – a small little massage parlour located in our neighbourhood that had been given a great review on New York Metro. Re-reading the review in hindsight, I would probably change the wording from:

Deep tissue work is the specialty of the house

To something which I think is a bit more appropriate:

Deep tissue work is the only thing that the barely English speaking staff are capable of. Note that the words, “A little softer please” is above their limited vocabulary.

Ok, sounds a little harsh, but nowhere near as harsh as that woman was on my poor back! At one point, kneeling beside my head, the woman was rocking back and forward, moving her entire body weight to the pressure points on my back – and using only the points of her elbows for support! OUCH!

But at least we can’t complain about the professionalism. Kristy’s girl was so professional, that rather than let a call from a potential client be answered by another, less busy member of staff, she stopped mid-massage to go and grab the call herself. And then, rather than deal with it in a fast and effective manner, she brought the phone back into our room, and continued the massage with one hand!

There’s a very good chance that the ladies didn’t understand that we weren’t actually after a deep tissue massage, but I don’t think that’s an excuse. I think we’ll find a new place to try next time.