Massage ready Miss Vanessa & a haircut in the heat

Bunaken Village Resort
Sulawesi
23:36 

Other than wandering around the resort, taking a few photos, watching geckos and crickets, the main 'activity' for me today was an epic 2-hour reflexology massage at the spa. It was blissful. The spa itself was really gorgeous and my therapist was lovely although I was rather glad I had 2-hours with her as it took this long for us to understand each other!

Because of my dodgy back, I told her about 4000 times to be really gentle around the area where my tumour had been when massaging me and by the 3999th time I think she had got the message or massage even! Poor thing. I was just making sure that's all.

“Thai massage no good for Miss Vanessa. Miss Vanessa back problems be bad. Thai message too strong for Miss Vanessa. Refrexology better."  By jove, I think she's got it!

Having experienced a full on Thai message and the footsteps of a little Thai lady walking all over my back, I already knew this but it was nice to be told of the better option all the same. She obviously cared. I got to learn about how she met her husband at 15, how she had been with him 20 years, how she had 3 children, how she had worked in Hong Kong and Singapore as a beauty therapist, how she knew lots of Filipinos, how she really wished her “Ingrish was more good” and how she loves working here etc etc. I couldn’t shut her up!  I didn’t mind as for whatever reason I always get beauty folk chatting away to me anyway - Indonesia, Inlondon, Indahouse.  I must nod in all the right places.

She pummelled and prodded me like a piece of tenderised steak and covered me in various lotions and potions. So much so that afterwards I had to keep stroking myself as I felt so much softer than usual!  I declined snorkelling in the afternoon as I wanted to retain my velveteen texture for longer - no nasty saltwater please.  I spent good money on this!

Mat went on more dives and saw yet more turtles and took some really good video footage of coral and fish with our new camera whilst out snorkeling.  We are so in love with it we are fighting on who gets to use it! It takes a great picture and is waterproof, shockproof, Vanessaproof - it’s wonderful. Highly recommend the Sony TX10 - this in silver.

He also got his hair cut and it looks good!  We were going to the village to hunt out a barber but got stopped by Jun one of the dive masters as “he will do it. I used to be a hairdresser”. Wasn't sure if he was joking at first and there was lots of banter from other guests and staff as it was done in the bar area but Jun did a great job. So good that other folk apparently got their hair cut too after Mat. Poor Jun, I bet he wished he hadn’t said anything!

Dinner was a lot better than last night and more great conversation with Ed and Alex. I wonder it we will keep in touch outside of Indonesia? 

Beyond tired now so going. Ciao bellos.