I have shared several tour guide stories in previous articles but they are worthy of a separate discussion. The context for Midwesterners are hunting and fishing guides, which are often necessary to find the critter you are looking for in unfamiliar territory. Other than that, most US travelers today are able to successfully navigate the US old school through paper maps or electronically. So too for traveling in other first world countries once language barriers are tackled. This is not the case in third world countries where language barriers are a given, roads are not always up to par, signage is often non-existent and various forms of safety need to be considered before venturing out. Big bus tours are available in most countries but not my cup of tea. Thus, personal guides are a given for many and they are easily found online and usually pick you up at your hotel. Many tours include both a guide and a driver to navigate both city streets and the local countryside. Guides are usually young outgoing people and/or students who are from and/or familiar with the area. They have a wealth of knowledge and in addition to providing information about the local area and getting you to your destination; they love to share their personal stories about their families and life ambitions. We have learned a tremendous amount about the places we have been and the people who live there from our tour guides. In addition, they help you navigate entry fees, provide translation services, provide walking/hiking route instructions, locate safe food/drink along with clean restrooms and make your touring much more enjoyable than venturing out on your own in unfamiliar areas. They are worth every dime and remember to tip them as their wages are low and they work intermittently as tours are booked.
Healthcare in the US, including massage, is expensive. Not so in many third world countries most of which have excellent healthcare systems. In every city and on every street in Thailand you will find businesses that provide massage services. This is a trip highlight for many westerners because it is so available and so reasonable in SE Asia. No appointment is necessary; you just take off your shoes at the door and enter. Most massages are given while you are fully clothed so privacy isn’t a big concern as long as you don’t mind being in close proximity to others while being treated. Numerous therapists, both male and female, work in these stores. I think they move around because if there is no therapist available when you arrive one shortly appears after the proprietor makes a call. A foot massage is a very popular service, includes a brief neck massage and is usually completed in 30 minutes all for about 7 dollars. Yup, you read that right! For a full body Thai massage you change into an outfit that resembles medical scrubs, lay down on a sheeted floor mat where the therapist uses his/her body to take your body through a sequence of movements that mimic guided stretch. You can choose the amount of time you want for your massage and if you have the time choose the 90-120 minute massage. You will be amazed at how fast that time goes and it will only set you back around 20 bucks. Many Thai’s regularly avail themselves of these services; I recall sitting next to a cab driver and a shopkeeper both taking breaks from their long workdays. If you befriend a local, you could get referred to the bodyworkers off the beaten path where services are provided in traditional homes and are even cheaper. In the evenings during festivals the massage stores move their chairs onto side streets where they are placed in long rows and dozens of locals and tourists alike receive simultaneous foot massages from a plethora of available massage therapists. Who doesn’t need a foot massage after a long day’s work or evening of shopping? It can even rejuvenate the tourist enough for a second round of shopping or, at the very least, a less painful trek back to your hotel where you will sleep like a baby. You can find these services in some US cities, albeit at higher prices, but we probably shouldn’t hold our breath for such luxury in NE South Dakota. In the meanwhile, the massage therapists at Unity Square provide great services. To your health and safe travels! 2018