Lao Massage

 

    We got to experience our first Lao massage since arriving in Laos three weeks ago.  I do not know why we have not been getting those every day, they run about $8.00 an hour.  Although a lot of the techniques they use in the Lao massage are similar to techniques used in Thai massage, there are some big differences as well.  First difference I noticed is that you do not strip down for a Lao massage, you get into a ‘massage outfit’.  It resembles something the Genie from Aladdin would wear, big baggy pants and a matching shirt.  The fabric is kind of rough, which kind of feels good on your skin when they massage you.  In a Thai massage, you typically undress and lie under a sheet.  I imagine the reason is that the people of Laos are much more sensitive to showing any skin.  In Thailand, people dress pretty modern, jeans, tank tops, dresses, etc.  Here in Laos, people still where traditional skirts and blouses.  Most of the people exposing any leg are tourists (and most of them are out of shape!).

    The second main difference is that the Thai massage was super rough, where as the Lao version was just pleasantly rough.  In Thailand I had several women standing on me, pulling on my legs, pulling me backwards over their knees, twisting my body around.  Of course, I thought it felt great – but then again a great massage to me is being smacked around with a 2x4.  The Lao version was a little lighter on the wrestling, and more about getting deep in there with their fingers.  I swear, those girls are 5’4, but they have a grip of iron.

 

    We also took our friend Joel to the hospital, he fell and cut up his arm really bad and had to get stitches.  The hospital was the most intense place we have been in Asia.  Super dirty, mold growing on the walls.  One room with all the sick people in it, and one private room at the end.  No air conditioning, just fans.  You had to buy the supplies the doctor was going to use BEFORE he would use them (but they were SUPER cheap).  For Joel’s arm, he got stitches, a tetanus shot, antibiotics and an assortment of other pills, three ‘re-dressing’ sessions, and the stitches removed all for about $25.00 US.  Pretty intense… we took a short video, we felt strange trying to videotape in the hospital, although I am sure it was allowed, so it is just a real short clip.