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| Inside the hamam – obviously the only picture I could take. |
I was scrubbed down and lathered, head to toe, by a half naked Turk with a hairy beer belly. Yes, the first time my naked body was ever bathed by another man. So this is what a Turkish Bath is all about.
I have always looked forward to the hamam (bath) experience and here in Safranbolu I got my first taste. With only a piece of cloth wrapped around my bottom half, I stepped inside the marble-clad hamam and began to relax in the mild sauna-like heat. There was nobody else but me and I had no idea what to do. Then the doors creaked open and in came my bather – a chubby man with a thick moustache – who showed me to the bathing section and ordered me to lay down. This is probably when every first-timer asks the silly question – do I remove my cloth? I wasn’t sure, because I remember reading it was bath etiquette to keep the cloth on at all times, but how the hell do I get washed with it wrapped around me? I asked with hand gestures and I think my bather nodded in the affirmative. So off it came.
Cleansed of every trace of grit, my bather lifted a large cloth pouch full of soapy water and pressed onto my chess. Foam oozed out of the pouch and I was an instant cappuccino, pleasantly covered in a creamy white froth. I was lathered down and massaged, front and back, head to toe. Soooo fun! Then I was rinsed in warm water and shampooed.
Like all good times though, it went by too quickly. I came back to our guesthouse and briefed KF on the details. The ladies’ section of the hamam didn’t open as early as the mens’ so she went after me. She came back an hour later and the first thing she said?
“soooooooo comfortable!!” (好舒服呀!!!)
This reminds me of when I was scrubed by a half naked Koaren Mama in one of the Korean bath house…
Missing you lots Glenn and Kafei! Take care!
Denise
This one is funny LoL! Scrubbed EVERY inch???
Haha this post is hilarious! I am off to Istanbul of Friday and I am really looking forward to a nice massage. Thanks for the tip.
Kenrick: well….. all but 10 inches.. wahahahahahaha!!!
I want to try it! I'm sure your tried and dirty bodies appreciated it!
Hi guys,
I hope you remember me, I am Megi, we met in Bulgaria .. Rila Monastery :p
I saw your blog its awesome!!!!!! I m dreaming about an adventure like yours.
Hope to stay in touch
and again….it was sooo nice to meet you both!
Best regards,
Megi
hilariousssssssss!! i heat kf saying that too!!!!! xo