Simply Portland...Utterly Devine

[*vi*]

Leaving as soon as possible was all ll I could think about as I was guided through the two amazing streams -- one hot the other ultra refreshingly cold ---. My driver knew something wasn’t right when I wasn’t taking pictures.

Okay, maybe taking pictures will bring me some pleasure. But I noticed I couldn’t snap pictures of people being massaged. Again this was very intrusive for me to. I went out of my way to avoid violating other peoples private moments no matter how public the setting.

This is not the beach.
This is not a club.
This is not a mountain hike.
This is not a street party.

This is an open air spa where people come for a particular service that is relatively private. A service they love and expect to receive without distractions. I, on the other hand hate such a service thus making me a definite distraction.

I took two more photos before turning off the camera and getting my driver’s attention. He makes his way over to me. With desperate eyes I whisper

“I need to leave”.

[SPARKLE1010]

My exact thoughts Sammy.............[QUOTE=sammyb;109421]Please feel free to express your views...they are after all YOUR views!

Everyone isn't going to like every aspect of Jamaica.....or any where for that matter....that's why God made us all individuals, we have the right to THINK differently, enjoy different experiences, parishes, even food....

[*vi*]

Sparkle, you also know I’ll blacken the eye of anyone who bad mouths Jamaica. I’m just that attached to her. So you know this isn’t easy to write.

[*vi*]

He looks confused and concerned. Asked me if I was feeling alright. I tell him I’m fine, but I just don’t like it here.

Now he looks disappointed. He enjoys bringing people here. He promotes the place all the time. Plus he and Rasta Steve are good friends. But he understood and said he will find Rasta Steve to let him know we are leaving. I hand him my camera while I search for my purse so I can leave a donation.

He sees Rasta Steve and walks towards him. They talk. Both come towards me.

“He wants to massage your feet.”
“What!!”

[*vi*]

Rasta Steve then points to my ankles and comments on how swollen they are and how bad that is. I look at my driver and wonder if he told him I was leaving. I reminded Rasta Steve that I wasn’t getting a massage. He reached down and squeezed my left foot hard. Looked back at me and asked me to reconsider just having my feet massaged to reduce the swelling.

In my mind I was screaming “no”, but “ok” came out of my mouth.

It didn’t feel good. I was uncomfortable from the very first touch. But I stayed focused on the end result and hopefully that was no swelling so I could close the strap on my cute, brown sandals.

That first barely tolerable touch went from toes to my heels. From my heel to my ankles. From my ankles to my calves. From my calves to my thighs. From my thighs to…

Yeah, you get the picture.



35 minutes later, there I sit on the edge of this rock with my legs, arms, shoulders and a bit of my neck area covered with mineral mud and Rasta Steve’s own made mineral oil.

[sammyb]

ohhh Vi

[*vi*]

[*vi*]

I could have stopped him long before the knees, but I didn’t. I kept telling myself it’s going to get better…knowing there was no possible way it would. I couldn’t stand the slapping sounds of the heavy, wet towels landing on people’s backs and stomachs. I couldn’t stand the grunts and groans as limbs were being stretched and bent at the joints. I couldn’t stand the sound of the crystal clear water rushing along it’s path by beside me.

Massages for goodness sake!!!! A simple care-free thing, so why all the drama??? yet I hated being a part of it so much.

I knew I had enough when I felt myself getting angry because I was covered with mud. Angry because I was being massaged. Angry and now looking for someone to blame. He asked me if I bought a towel so I could remove my top in order for him to massage me properly. I calmly said “Please rinse me off.” The look in my eyes told him I was about to flip out. The hot water was hot. The cold water was cold. Nothing felt good. Nothing felt therapeutic or relaxing or tranquil. It felt horrible. I felt horrible.

Finally my body was mud free. I can leave.

[*vi*]

I learned so much that afternoon. Learned that not EVERY service in Jamaica is an OPEN attraction. Spectators can not expect to be accommodated everywhere. I should not have gone.

I also learned to respect my own limitations and stop compromising my feelings all the time. I should have said no to even a foot massage, then leave.

But at the end, this is an awesome set-up for people who are into massages. And Rasta Steve is very talented at what he does. Trust me, all the positive reviews on TA are truly warranted. All the massagers are serious about their craft and perform it with pride. Although not for me, I wouldn’t criticize a thing about Bath Fountain.

[sammyb]

Oh Vi....so sorry this happened, so sorry you felt uncomfortable. Glad you saw for yourself what it was about, glad you learned to not compromised your feelings going forward!

The first time I went I had a lot on my mind and Rasta Steve seem to sense this, the bath wasn't crowded and he took extra care. The next time it was way too busy and I felt uncomfortable because of that...so many people all around, but Rasta Steve was the comfort in that mass of people. Still if I went again and felt uncomfortable as I did that second time right from the start I too would leave.

Your feelings are precious and meaningful and always remember NO ONE can read your mind and NO ONE will stand up for you better than YOU, took me a long time to "get that" and I still stumble a time or two.....but it's getting there....You did leave Bath with something positive that day, learning more about YOU