Batswana are known to wallow in luxurious lifestyles. We compete to own big flashy cars, which we ornament with personalised registration plates. We scamper for the latest mobile phones, wear some of the flashiest designer clothes. And, within every little free time, we hang out and party, spending exorbitantly like Hollywood superstars. The latest luxurious fad emerging is the visit to massage parlours. Every evening and weekends, men and women are seen lining up for massage sessions. Massage is basically the soothing of muscles and joints with slight gentle finger strokes using special remedial oils.
To cater for the growing demand, massage parlours are sprouting in every entertainment nook and hotels within the city centre and suburbs. The parlours are packaged with gym, aromatherapy, sauna, spa and steam bath services.
But recent surveys carried out in massage parlours around town revealed lurid sex tales and unstrained advances from men seeking sexual pleasure in the guise of having a massage. As a rule in massage parlours, girls massage male clients, while men massage female clients. I decided not to initiate my interview with less discomforting questions about the healthy benefits of a massage.
But as soon as I tried asking about their experiences in the parlour, some masseurs refused to talk. She was taught how to massage by a friend in She took me through the basics-explained the importance of having a massage at least twice every week. Others come because they have joint and muscle ache. Throughout the interview, she was relaxed and seemed to enjoy talking. Considering the intimate nature of her job, I asked if men ever get aroused and how she handles such situations.
She became hesitant at first. But eventually vowed to only talk under one condition for fear of loosing her job. I had to promise not to mention the massage parlour in which she works or her real name.
