Upon arriving in Istanbul I knew I wanted to document my journey, but was growing sceptical of my ability to write an entertaining blog. I was lacking inspiration. I found all the inspiration one could hope for today during my trip to the hamam (a Turkish bath). Not knowing what to expect, I entered carrying my shampoo, an assortment of fruit, and an open mind. Once in the door, I undressed in my private dressing room and wrapped a sheet around myself. Feeling a bit out of place, I headed in the direction of the echoing voices. I entered a room tiled in marble, with marble basins filled with warm water along the walls and in the center a heated marble platform. The domed ceiling had a dozen holes that allowed the light to pour in. As I entered this sauna like room, I scanned the other women and noticed no one wearing a towel and everyone was wearing only their underwear. I reversed my course back to the dressing room to grab my underwear before joining the women once again. The room was filled with women scrubbing themselves or being scrubbed and massaged. I got my massage and proceded to take in this relaxing pass time with the occassional cup of warm water poured over my head. My largest concern during the two hour event was hair!! I have found that the majority of Muslim women shave or wax EVERYTHING! I feared these women would hold me down and try to shave my legs and armpits yelling, "Infidel!" No need to be worried, they all treated me kindly while I sat there sweating among them.
Wow...reminds me of Japan, but we had to bare all so I waited until most of the women were gone! lol Cool experience...how's the hostel?? They put you to work yet?
ReplyDeleteLOVE the story! It made me think of a book I read that had several scenes in a hamam. The book is called "The Blood of Flowers." It is about a young woman who wants to learn to make carpets. It was great. If you get a chance to read it, I think you will love it. I listened to the audiobook which is read by an actress with a beautiful accent. It really enhanced the experience for me. Do you have an iPod with you? I think I can gift a book to you and you could download it and listen to it. Let me know.
ReplyDeleteI think this adventure should of taken a turn...where the women made you wax everything and did it the "threading" way. Hahaha. I got my eyebrows threaded and that shit hurt, then the lady told me I had a harry face and I need to wax that! I was so offended. Well, adleast they didnt make you wax everything.
ReplyDeleteI think you doubt your story telling skills... just keep writting, that way I will miss you less and know you are having a good experience. In other news, I FINALLY finished "Avoiding Prision and other nobel vacation goals" Amazing book. Thanks for the recommendation, now on to the next one!
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