Here we are, back at the hotel after a very interesting evening. Pretty low-key.
Spent the time before my spa appointment walking around. Visited the camels and the falcons. They have a whole hospital just for falcons! So cool. The camels looked pretty bored, tbh. They were definitely giving a vibe like, “Ahhh we still remember the good old days when we had real work to do. Now all we do is carry tourists around in a circle. Lame. Lame AF!” Felt a bit sorry for them.
Stopped at a Moroccan place for a snack and some tea. I walked in and the whole place was empty. Never a good sign. Waited 20 minutes and nobody came along, so I got up and left. Moved on to another random cafe. Got my tea and sat out on the patio. The Call to Prayer started and suddenly the overall vibe became very still, very quiet, very sad. It was like everyone there was thinking of Palestine in that moment. I know I was thinking of Palestine. I said a little prayer for them in my own way. Now when I hear the Call, I know how to respond.
After my cup of tea, I went to a hammam spa for the first time. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I walked away feeling relaxed and refreshed. That being said, it was a strange experience for me. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t quite understand what the “ritual washing” was until I sat down and the guy literally brought out a bucket of water and dumped it over my head. I also didn’t realize it meant they scrub down your entire body with a brillo pad. Kinda felt awkward in the moment, but wow, is my skin glowing right now. I look and feel incredible! Not to mention, I smell amazing. I really did feel at the end of the ritual that I had somehow been cleansed and purified. It was the first time I felt like the trail of slime the Holidate Guy left all over me had finally washed off for good.
Next came the massage. That part was tough. Honestly, it was all tough. I really had to keep repeating to myself, “You are safe right now. There is nothing sexual or inappropriate about this. He is not going to hurt you. He is a trained professional doing his job. Just relax. The point of this is to feel safe in your own body.” He was pretty good about stopping whenever I clenched up or froze to make sure I was doing okay. His English wasn’t the best, so I didn’t want to launch into the whole story. I just said I was a little sensitive. He understood that and made sure I was comfortable. If only it could be like that in other situations with men. Perhaps then I wouldn’t need a mantra to get me through something as basic as a massage.
In the end, I walked away feeling very refreshed and relaxed. I felt purified in spirit and soul. Somehow better prepared for my upcoming Yoga Teacher Training than I was before. Also learned never to give away a luxury massage for free to a man ever again. Next time, I’m charging big money for that shit. Thanks for helping me learn that lesson, “Levi Gene.” Ugh. What an asshole. Remind me to send him a bill for services rendered when I finally return home.
Overall, I definitely recommend going to a hammam if you ever get the chance. Just make sure you are comfortable enough in your own body to get scrubbed down by a total stranger with a brillo pad. If you’re not, it’s probably not for you. Fair warning.
My appointment started and ended kinda late, so I ended up eating dinner at approximately 11pm. Not unusual at all. There were so many people out. All the cafes were full of people eating, drinking a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, and smoking shisha. It reminded me of Paris. I went to the Azerbaijani restaurant. I actually recognized everything on the menu, but it didn’t taste like any of the similar dishes I’d had before. It has its own unique flavor and spice. Loved it! My new obsession? Passionfruit Mojito Mocktails. Delicious!
Not sure what to do tomorrow. It’s my last day. Maybe not sleep all day, haha. Everything will be closed because Friday is the Sunday of the Islamic faith. Hopefully someone will have a shop open so I can pick up a scarf or two. I guess we will see how it goes.
Feeling pretty tired now. Going to try to sleep through the night. Wish me luck! Hopefully there won’t be a fire alarm drill tomorrow morning to wake me up. I can sleep through the Call to Prayer. I can’t sleep through a fire alarm, lol. My ears were still ringing for about an hour afterwards. Not fun!
Have a good night!
#FreePalestine