8th Jan - Massaging my ego



Christmas 2020. It seems like a long time ago now, huh? Today, I'm excited to receive my Christmas present from 2020, though I must confess I'd already opened it 13 months ago. You see, my partner gifted me with a spa break, but due to everybody's favourite Wuhan-buddy, there have been various delays and postponements etc. Truth be told, as ungrateful as it sounds, I may request an absence of 'physical' gifts in future, from friends and family. As I touched on in one of my previous blogs, I've reached a stage now where I can't seem to imagine any physical product which could sufficiently satisfy my soul. Instead, I'd much rather enjoy gifts like this! Physical experiences which leave an imprint in your memory bank. Holidays, European City breaks, tickets to sporting events, or dining experiences... Boat rides, train rides, west-end productions, stadium tours... You name it, I'm all for it!



Although there are a variety of treatments available at this spa (I'm quite intrigued by the 'facial', after I saw a brilliant demonstration of this technique on a website which makes short documentaries about taxis which are fake), my undeniable piece de resistance will be the hot-tub. Technically, most baths I indulge in are transformed into jacuzzis on account of my relentless flatulence, but I'm undeniably something of a real 'water baby'. My Grandfather was an incredibly strong swimmer and even in his mid-80s, would make daily trips to the local leisure centre to power through a series of lengths in the pool. When I later put together the eulogy for his funeral, I discovered that this skill was one taught to him as a young boy in the 'old fashioned' way. An Oxfordian, born-and-bred, he was chucked into the Thames adjacent to the back of his family home and told to get on with it (bringing real meaning to the phrase 'throw you in the deep end'). This aquatic passion was undeniably passed through our gene pool (no pun intended).




The first time I went to a Spar was when I was 8 years old. They sold takeaway sandwiches and my Mother would send me to run errands such as topping up the e-card for our gas meter. Now, I'm excited to indulge in the alternate spelling, the one which always evokes personal thoughts of the Icona Pop girls. I first met Caroline and Aino in 2017, when they were performing in London as part of their European tour, and we worked on a press campaign together, renting out one of those traditional giant red double-deckers and touring round the Capital on the open-top terrace of the bus. From there, we forged a natural friendship and it's been so fulfilling to witness their success since! 





Anyway, I'll quit rambling. I need to start getting ready and packing my bag. Experiences as gifts? To quote the Icona girls, and the title of their most iconic anthem... I love it! 

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