Beauty Factory

Continuing on the spa theme... I have a story I wanted to share from the days BEFORE I discovered my favourite treatments. It was during the time when our language teachers were telling us all about spas and their virtues, and I was trying any treatment offered to me...

This was probably only the second time I had been to a spa in Indonesia... this popular one, also in Jogjakarta, had a very inviting lobby that was soothing and comfortable, and served tea as you waited your appointment. The price was right (as prices always are in Jogja), so I signed up...

Once led into the back room, however, I was surprised at the sight: row upon row of treatment beds lined a big open room, and were filled with women in different stages of therapy... I couldn't get the image out of my head that this was a beauty factory!

It was too late now, however, because once I had pulled the blue spa smock over my head in the dressing room, I had committed.

So I got lined up amongst the rest, and started my first (and last) 'facial'. I think the treatment consisted of about 11 different steps, although I did get so relaxed at one point that I lost count... there were various creams and scrubs and exfoliators all lovingly massaged into my skin, cool cucumbers placed over the eyes, masks and gels that felt splendid...

... then the therapist applied another gel... which was followed closely by electrocution! I'm not kidding... they took some tool out which was throwing electric shocks through my skin... hence the fun and lovingness ended. I was so stunned, and had such low language ability at the time, that I didn't know what to say... so I just sat there and let them shock me! I realize now this was probably part of their standard 'whitening' treatment, which, with my nods and smiles of non-comprehension, I probably signed up for!?

Luckily that phase, although seriously disturbing, didn't last that long... then we were onto the creambath phase... and I felt cared for again... natural fruit creams being massaged into my scalp, strong steady massage strokes intermixed with light flicks, and smooth sweeps... aaaahhh... then the masseuse started pounding me on the head... OUCH! It felt like she was cracking eggs on my crown... only this hurt more than I imagine the eggs would. Again, lack of language to blame, I didn't know how to say 'softer' or 'that hurts', so I suffered through it!

Needless to say, I went home and immediately learned those words, and have never since had electro-shock therapy!