Stefano the Massage Therapist

I debated whether or not I should blog about my massage experience because it could be a "touchy" subject, but after emailing my friends about the story, I heard that it made all of them laugh and so...what the heck, my blog is about everything that is happening in Italy, so I will tell the story of Stefano the massage therapist.

While visiting a hotel and spa recently, I scheduled a massage; this would be my first massage in Italy and not only did I really need it, I was excited and interested to see the differences between massages in Italy and America.

Where was I...oh yes...so lounging in my robe, I waited for the massage to start...and in walks Stefano -- a light-tanned, Italian with short, curly blonde hair. I would say he was 40 something and in good shape, wearing a type of white uniform. First impression, Stefano was extremely professional which made me relax and at ease...after all this would be the first time I received a massage by a male massuese. Just before the massage started he had me pick a scent for the aroma therapy, he asked if I wanted music on in the background and then he explained each massage technique he would be doing....sounded great to me....boy was I in for an even more pleasant surprise.

Back home, when a massage is about to begin, the therapist explains how to lay on the table, then leaves the room for the client to get undressed and slip under a blanket, only to return a couple of minutes later asking, "may I come in...are you ready?" My experience with Stefano was slightly different...he asked me to take off my robe (at this point I'm thinking "Isn't this when you are supposed to leave for a few minutes?"), but...instead he lifted the blanket up so that he could not see me undress, but he was still in the room...okay....so, off goes the robe and I lay on the bed.

First thing I noticed that was also different from American massages (the ones I have had), is that Stefano used a LOT of massage oil...and it was hot oil...did I mention a LOT of hot oil...okay, this felt incredible. He started massaging my back for a bit....ahhhhhhh...I am now starting to really relax and sink into the massage table. Then...wait...I think he just crawled onto the massage table...yep...sure enough...apparently he couldn't get to the spot he needed to on my spine so he got on the massage table, straddled my butt and sat lightly while he massaged and popped my back into place....okay...that was interesting...but actually very helpful to my back...by the way...at this point I am starting to feel like this could be an SNL skit or a Seinfeld episode! Oh God....hilarious....all the while I am concentrating on relaxing and not giggling because it truly was a great massage, but yet...funny.

Moving down from my back to my butt, he fully massaged my whole butt with his forearms... a much needed area to be massaged actually. Then Stefano lifts each of my legs, separately to stretch them...but this is when he put my leg on shoulder to stretch and massage...at this point I feel his skin on the heal of my foot...I realize he is no longer wearing that white shirt...perhaps he got really hot (temperature-wise) while massaging...anyway...that was interesting...but again, the stretch was so therapeutic (hold the jokes please).

The massage continued...quitely lovely...an exfoliating foot massage...then the best part of all...Stefano poured hot oil into my hair, gave me a scalp massage and then...brushed my hair....okay, are you booking your ticket yet to Positano for a massage with Stefano???!!! Lastly...he did some great stretching and popping techniques with my neck -- wowsers.

And that my friends is the story of Stefano the massage therapist (former physical therapist), who gave me the best massage I have ever had.