massage update from south asia remote island, bitches:
OK, just got done with a < $10 massage on a remote island in the Philippines and thought about typing a these-readers-will-be-envious post. I post from Boracay, a 45 minute propeller plane ride from Manila, Philippines. We did have to take 2 different bus rides and a small ferry to get to the final destination, but the effort was all worth it. But back to massages: the 3 biggest daily decisions for me are this: a) 1 or 2 massages a day b) when to get them c) to tip the equivalent of either $1.25 or $2.50 on a $8.50 rub down. They go for a full hour. There are 6 different kinds you can pick from. No happy endings here but that's OK. Fuck yeah.
Let me set the scene: Our resort hotel on Boracay island has been perfect. The pool is next to our room which is next to the outdoor, open air (but covered) breakfast/dinner area which is steps away from the beach (about 20 steps to be exact, I counted until I hit water). Caught a bit too much sun on the first day so the legs are pink; and oh, it's a temperate 90 degrees with not too much humidity. Water and beach couldn't be better. Did para sailing one day. Scuba diving twice. Seafood galore. I think I am working on 4-5 hours of sleep a night - am the oldest of the group I am with and the best partier by far (and most everyone else is just under 30). And it's such an easy time to party, especially at < $1 per bottle of San Miguel beer, but it is also much easier when you are with a pretty, curvy Swedish girl who has caught the eye of the bar manager and is working it for both she and I (free shots of Cuervo - hate it but drink it cause what the ****, right? And I am handed a free cold bottle of beer every 20 minutes). That was one of the main bars we stuck to. Did a little exploring and have hit some others which regularly feature hookers whose entire outfit comprises of less cloth than my man-thong. And they all look 18. I don't trust my double-wrap technique to even venture that way; with the way I have been drinking and my luck I would wake up the next morning with a tattoo on my ass and a new wife.
So yes, my friend from LA got married to a Philippine chick who has been over in the USA for about 6 years. There are about 8 Americans and 2 Euro chicks in the bigger group celebrating the festivities. Most everyone leaves tonight except me and the groom and bride. Since the bride has not seen her family for about 6 years, she is NOT coming out tonight and the groom and I will pretend it is the days BEFORE the wedding and go out bachelor-party style. WATCH OUT. She is back at her mom's home and he and I have a hotel room in the middle of the city (we will be back in Manila tonight). I am going to duct tape about 7 versions of the hotel name and directions and phone numbers to various parts of my body so we can just point to the cards when the taxi driver asks for a destination. Pray for me to get back OK.
Back to the USA later on Wednesday.

