Recon Runs; A Continuing Saga
Greetings All
I was out and about recently and decided to drop in on a few places to recon them. Visiting the AMP beforehand gives me impressions I can't get checking the Google Map Street View, which is usually step uno. I read past entries on the places I was going to recon, so I could compare and contrast.
I wanted answers to a few simple questions. Namely:
- do you have a card?
- what are your rates?
- is it better to call ahead and make an appointment or just walk in?
- if I want to make an appointment, how far ahead should I call?
- Oh, by the way, I'm Promethius, very nice to meet you, and what is your name?
The first place I dropped into last Saturday afternoon was in Malden, those nice folks who advertise being in the shadow of the local gubmint building. There was no older fellow in sight; when I entered I set off an alarm that sounded like I was trying to escape from East Berlin. If you were on the table at that time and the provider tore off your junk, I apologize. I wonder if this was the previosuly-mentioned woman Y: glasses, somewhere between 30s and mid 40s, with a growing-out Posh bob. Friendly woman, she asked if I wanted a massage. I went through my questions and she tried her damnedest to keep me in the store. I told her I was pushed for time and would have to come back. I did not factor the language barrier into my plans. In a Hail Mary move, she made sure I noticed the candy dish, asking me if I "liked candy." I assured her I love candy and promised to return. Alas I cannot confirm this was the Woman Y, as I forgot to do the whole intro thing.
Next day, I took a walk through Arl-town, the reviled capital of DIY. I started at Beijing and met the positively-reviewed Enni. She seemed happy and was very welcoming. The candy dish was evident in Beijing's cramped interior. Same deal, I promised to return. A bit of a language barrier, so I skipped some questions, scored a card and split.
It was a nice day for a walk, so I made my way to Body Tune. Candy dish evident. Luckily for the curious hobbyist, their rates are posted right on the window. I met Lulu, who gave me a card and seemed put off by my consumer reports line of questioning. Sorry to interrupt your doing of nothing; no loss, won't be going back.
In each case, the concept of "call for an appointment" seemed to gum their gears up a bit. I think they are only used to the walk-in model.
Rates were pretty standard, a dollar a minute.
More recons and field reports to come.
Be safe out there.
TOFFT in Chinatown, or The Happy Train Has Since Derailed
Good Evening All
While recently beating the crunk out of the forum's search function, I came across a reference to Boylston St. The post spoke in good terms of a provider in a hair salon, the last third of the massage being quite pleasant. The large neon "Foot Massage" sign in the window of the China Trade Center called out to me like a moth to a bug-zapper every time I walked by. I was convinced its interior held secrets yet to be discovered, and this post only fueled my desire to find The Next Hidden Gem.
It was not to be so.
The post I read was from 2 years ago. Lesson learned. Intel stales fast, as a rule, and moreso in the hobby, I would wager.
I did not consider that yesterday, however, when I ran across a CL posting for "60mins/$40 Foot Reflection Massage" at the same location. Same 1090 number, and my inner n00b was convinced the "reflection" mistake was some sort of code. I called and secured an hour's session for this afternoon. My intent was to use the session as a pivot, continuing the recon run I had been on, and see if they offered table-massage in addition to this "Foot Reflection."
I get there, and the woman in the spa asks me if I am there "for the massage." Ding, I think, this looks promising. She then politely takes my coat, and ushers me to a back room. Things are on a familiar trajectory.
In the back room is a woman performing a foot massage on an elderly Asian woman. I will be sitting in the recliner diagonally opposite Grandmother. Not the one-on-one access I was hoping for, but I can adapt.
I am then informed by Ms. Salon Woman that "he will be doing your massage."
This outing just went ka-thunk.
Then I think, meh, whatever. It's been a long week at work, if he's any good then the reflexology will chill me out. I can still get an answer to the table massage question. Always looking to salvage.
Short story long, the foot reflexology was good. Chilled me out. 20 minutes on shoulders, neck and arms, 20 minutes each foot...in and out in an hour and 10 or so. Ms. Spa Woman later tells me, no, no, no [table] massage here. Seeing as you can't swing a takeout container down that way and not hit half a dozen amps, it's no great loss.
In the back I tip him .2, pay her the .4 on the way out, and she asks me "and did you tip him?" Inwardly aghast at her lack of couth, I smile and say, "of cooourse, would you like to confirm that with him?" She actually does confirm it, and I am on my way, with recon to share and a relaxed set of dogs.
Ms. Salon Woman then calls after me as I am leaving. She comes out in the hall and hands me half a dozen flyers for the salon. She can't figure out why there aren't more people coming by her salon for Foot Massage. I could case study this out for you, honey, but it'd be like a pig lookin' at a wristwatch.
In conclusion:
- massage: 7...it was some OK foot reflexology, and I was rather chilled afterwards.
- paid: .4/.2
- attitude: 5...they were OK, not warm and bubbly, but they didn't burn me at the stake either. Couldn't figure out how I found them. Not used to gwailo like me coming to their salon, perhaps.
- would I return: I just don't feel inspired to return. There are better options out there even for legit massage & reflexology.
Looking for a old favorite.
If anyone has any info on the amp that use to be over on Harrison ave. near Boston Medical, give me a shout of post in the forum. I do alot of lurking here, but I can share some of my info to anyone that gives me a pm.
Thanks
