As my last week in Bagram fast approaches, I want to make sure that I take full advantage of my presence here and buy some Afghan rugs, scarves, small trinkets, and get a massage at the local Spa!
Ive bought my handmade rug which came all the way from Herat, Afghanistan (or China if I flip it over and find a tag). I've purchased several scarves with different colors and patterns. And I am still working on getting some trinkets, in whatever form those may come (I just tried not to end in a preposition and I sound like a jackass. Stupid English grammar). And lastly, I just received a massage from a woman from Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan is an interesting country. In the wikipedia page under "Traditions" you can find the time honored tradition of Bride Kidnapping. I suppose that's a pretty good reason to flee your country and come to work as a masseuse in a war zone. I bet those riots earlier this summer could be another reason.
Anyways, what makes a massage here worthwhile is the price. A full body massage lasting one hour costs a remarkable $20. Since my body has accumulated and experienced plenty of stress while in Afghanistan I thought getting a massage could help relieve some of it. The small Kyrgyzstan woman was a lot stronger than she looked and I expect some bruising to form within the next couple days. I'll probably look like a battered child soon, and I say child since she practically made fun of how young I look. Regardless, I was more concerned with her welfare.
Can you imagine having to touch the bodies of some of these sweaty, hairy, pimply contractors (and some soldiers)? It's definitely somebody's version of hell. Of course, I was the gentleman, having arrived squeaky clean after a refreshing shower. But some of these guys don't have that kind of time. And most of them don't have the hairless back of mine either. I just imagine closing my eyes rubbing lotion all over an Afghan rug except the rug is just some really ugly, hairy dude.
-Danny
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