By SF. Girls
I kept cancelling my appointment for a massage, but today I went to go get a foot massage! Based on some reviews I read from Shanghaiexpat.com, I went to this place that is literally a block away from my apartment (on Wending near Nandan). It looked pretty legit from the outside and is connected to a large restaurant/cafe called Strait's Cafe. I looked at the services list and went for the oil foot massage - 88 rmb for a 60 minutes. A bit on the expensive side, but I figured I'd start out with something more 
appealing to the Western eye and then make my way to the local level foot parlor establishments (they are everywhere!). The lady asks me if I want to change (into what?), and I tell her 'no thanks' (I'm wearing a tshirt and capris). Apparently, they provide scrub/pajama outfits in case you're coming from work or something. The lady takes me through their facility and the place is huge ---rooms and rooms of massage tables, large rooms with rows of recliner type chairs. I get led into a room that just has two large chairs and I hesitate a little, but then I notice that the door is opaque and there is a clear window which is eye level to the main hallway; I felt a little bit more comfortable. Anyway, my tired legs and feet really liked the massage. It is interesting how I could really feel the pressure points on my feet relax my entire body. I tried not to think too much about it, as I don't particularly like being touched, so I listened to my ipod the entire time. It was very relaxing and just what I needed. They pound/massage your calves, knees and lower thighs, which I did not think was comfortable so I signaled that I didn't like it. The foot massage man asked if I needed a Chinese pedicure; it's just where they cut your cuticles and rub off callous. I think that was hints that he thought my feet were gross? Hmm... I'll try that next time. 
I'll try to understand the massage culture, but it's a bit odd to me. A lot of massage places (real legit ones), are open 24 hours a day, or open until late at night. I guess it's common for friends (including men) to go the spa together and play cards, smoke, sauna, etc at these places to hang out. Additionally, you can stay overnight and everyone wears those pajama outfits. I still interpret this is a bit grey-area/sketchy/inappropriate, but I'm sensing that it's part of the culture here. You can get a massage at every other street corner.
I'm meeting my friend M in Hong Kong tomorrow! We're going to stay there for four days, and then going to Beijing for five. My Mandarin class starts after that and I'll have to buckle down and be a good student. I'm really looking forward to our trip. I hope HK is cleaner than Shanghai. I'm curious to see Beijing again. I went two years ago on a tour, but our time in Beijing was brief. I think we did the Tinneman Sq, Forbidden City, Imperial Gardens, Summer Palace, Great Wall, Ming Tombs in two days. I'd like to spend more time understanding the history, architecture, etc.
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