Thinking Aloud - November 22, 2002

Finally, I made it to the Spa in town. Loads of my friends had raved about it; the pampering, the relaxation and the total rejuvenation felt upon leaving the place.

So I warned my husband he would be babysitting for a morning, (they were on holiday that week) and booked myself in for the monthly special. I wanted to make the most of my morning off, so I left the children semi-awake and made an early start, ensuring that I'd be able to have a go in the jacuzzi, sauna and other such yummy sounding things before my actual appointment.

Unfortunately, the Garhoud Bridge wasn't in the mood for early starts and I ended up doing a mad dash through the car park, past the majestic statues and towards the Spa, checking my watch and spilling the contents of my scruffy handbag over the regal reception area. Whilst scrabbling around picking up toys, half-eaten sandwiches and bottles of water and putting them back in my bag, (yes I have a large handbag!) I managed to finally face the perfectly calm receptionist.

Anyway, I managed to stutter my way through asking directions to the changing rooms and what I should be changing into for a 'Spice Wrap'. A kind assistant accompanied me through corridors of delicately-scented candles and floating flower petals, with accompanying piped 'relaxation muzak' and pointed out the spotless cubicles. She handed me a fluffy white towelling robe and matching slippers before disappearing silently through a secret passageway, or something. I put my cossie on, covered it with the fluffy robe and padded out in my fluffy slippers.

As I peered nervously into a corridor, an exceptionally-friendly masseuse appeared from nowhere and asked if I was ready. (How do they do that?)

The next 90 minutes or so were a heavenly mix of aromas, spices, oils, wraps and waterbeds and when they eventually managed to wake me, I felt thoroughly recharged. There was even a free cup of tea, a comfy sofa and a warm bag of beans or something to put around your neck. I felt so relaxed, I almost nodded off again over my Darjeeling, so I thought I'd better leave. Must have been the mesmerising music or something, (note to self - buy that CD for children's bedtime!)

The husband had bravely decided to bring the children into the office, so I called him to suggest lunch in the conveniently located mall.

I'd just settled down and was leisurely browsing through the menu when the noise hit me. I was on the second floor, but my family had apparently just entered the mall and I desperately hoped that my newly-acquired inner calm had heightened my sense of hearing. A quick look at the horrified faces of my fellow diners soon persuaded me otherwise.

My eldest, Luca, looked reasonably dressed, Marco, however, was missing his shoes, and Nina had obviously dressed herself, judging by the green shorts and the purple/pink flowered T-shirt that she was sporting. My husband obviously hadn't even thought about running a brush anywhere near Nina's haystack-resembling hairdo.

I think I need to revisit that spa - soon!