jenjoy

Sedona

There is a vortex in Sedona.  Or so I've heard.    While I had no personal epiphanies there I did begin to feel lighter but then I realized that was because I was giving out handfuls of cash to the shops in the area known as Tlaquepaque, where local artists sell their wares.

Heather and I forced ourselves away from our relaxing haven at the Phoenician in Phoenix to
make the two hour drive over the high desert to Sedona.  The first thing we stumbled upon was
the poser town called The Village of Oak Creek.    The Village that doesn't have any signs so that
strangers think it is Sedona.  Whatever.

Of course the red rocks took my breath away, rising majestically out of the desert floor, they are mesmerizing.  We stopped and took the pre-requisite photos before exploring the artist enclave
at Tlaquepaque.  Unfortunately, or according to my checking account fortunately, we only had about two hours before they closed up shop, promptly at 5P.  I asked one of the shopkeepers where the locals like to eat  and she pointed us to the Sedona Airport Restaurant, located on one of the higher plateaus. A beautiful place for the sunset and the perfect ending for the day (if you make the two hour drive back to Phoenix a footnote).

If you'd like to read more about Sedona check out this article from Budget Travel:  25 Reasons We Love Sedona.

Phoenix/Sedona Photo Album

Its new. Its posted.  Check it out!

The Phoencian Breakfast

We all deserve to be spoiled but rarely do we allow it. Heather and I took the plunge by ordering breakfast in our room.  We could think of no better way to start our day than staying in our pjs, having food brought to us and hanging out on our balcony overlooking the pool.

I have worked on location and stayed in enough hotels to have granted myself this treat before but wasn't prepare me for the service that the Phoenician staff bestowed upon us.  I indicated to the gentleman who brought our breakfast that we were going to eat on the veranda.  Instead of plopping our room service trays on the outdoor table he went to work completely setting the table and even brought a toaster so my english muffin would be freshly toasted.   We settled down to our breakfast spread and before leaving he presented us with the local paper. 

We basked in our self-indulgence, enjoying the silence of demands, watching the day unfold before us without worry.

We dallied so long that we were late for our spa appointments.

And while we were gone.  They came and cleaned up after us.

(sigh)

Thai foot massage

Yes please.  I have been uttering those words repeatedly since I saw the Thai Foot Massage on the menu at the Center For Well Being Spa  at the The Phoenician  in Phoenix, Arizona.   My cousin, Heather, and I have convened here for a girl's weekend away. She is escaping the colder than usual Minnesota winter, a husband and her three home schooled daughters .  I am  avoiding my empty condo and an increasingly busy work schedule, as the movie I am working on is gearing up for shooting.

I can think of nothing more decadent than having another person rub my feet for an entire hour.

My massage therapist for the awe inspiring Thai Foot Massage is Joel Sheposh.  He authored  this particiular treatment after many trips to Thailand to study the art.  (There is a job I’d like to have!)  Now he and his wife travel across the world teaching the technique to others. 

He begins by washing my feet with a lime, applying din saw pong (a type of Thai dirt), then cleansing. Eyes shut, I am concentrating on every touch, every sensation.  This is pure bliss.  There are over 7500 nerve endings in the  feet and Joel manages to touch all of them.    Using an abundance of lotions and oils he rubs and stretches each foot then creates a towel boot which helps the foot absorb all that has been applied to it.  The Thai foot massage began in the Thai Wats (temples) and was practiced by Buddhist monks which explains the state of near nirvana I am experiencing.   There is something scared and personal about allowing someone to rub your feet, its as if they are touching the center of your being.

All too soon I am slipping my well pampered feet back into their spa sandals.  I say a quiet prayer of gratitude that Joel has brought a piece of Thai tradition to the foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona and bid my foot guru a fond farewell, feeling a bit more prepared for the busy months ahead.