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Mr. Cab Driver

June 18, 2009 in people, thought | Tags: culture, philosophy, russia, san francisco, stories, taxi driver, Taxicab confessions | Leave a comment

Human nature and the meaning of life discussed and debated during an 8-minute ride from Japantown back to Market and O’Farrell yesterday. Russian-born cabbie posed the following question:

“When you reach the top of something, whether it be a physical or philosophical place, what is your first intention?”

First answer that came to mind: “my first intention is to look down from there, seeing from a new perspective and marveling at how clearly all reveals itself from that height. “

The answer I gave him: “my first intention would be to rest.”

“Ahh you must be an American,” he said.

My assumption was that he was casting judgment on the “lazy American” need to rest after hard work, especially by comparison to what I’d assume to be the Russian work ethic.

But he surprised me.

“The Russian answer, not just my answer but the Russian answer is that when one reaches the top of something the first intention is to spit down.”

Then he launched into two anecdotes, both relating conversations he had with previous fares, to illustrate his point.

And that, my friends, is another post.

Just in case…

November 14, 2008 in people | Tags: san francisco, massage, massage therapists, massage recommendations, day spas, masseur, old-school, great employers, employee benefits, health, well-being | Leave a comment

I am fortunate enough to work for a company that understands the long-term benefits of healthy, relaxed, happy employees. So every other week, every employee receives a one-hour full-body massage on-site, in the middle of the day.

Which brings me to Clara.

Clara was born in Hungary, emigrated to the United States many years ago, lives on a sailboat, and gives the most thorought, most ass-kicking (literally) massage I have ever experienced.

Most days, Clara can be found in the Spa at the Hyatt Union Square, although she makes house-calls on her days off.

How many times in the past have I felt compelled to write about a massage? Zero.

Clara is really, really good– if you like deep tissue, climb-all-over-me-on-your-elbows-and-your-knees-please, relentless, merciless massage that leaves your body feeling remarkably, noticeably, lastingly better than it did before she took hold of it.

This is not far eastern, not new age, not about light tough energy healing, or pure relaxation. This is old-school, Eastern European style massage. And it is glorious.

Somehow I doubt the Spa at Hyatt Union Square isn’t one of those popular, constantly reviewed sorts of places. Then again, I haven’t researched it, nor have I ever been there. But it’s not Bliss at the W on Third. And it doesn’t matter, because this isn’t about pineapple/geranium foot masques or cucumber/whatever-infused water.

Just track Clara down. You will absolutely not regret it.