Sunday, August 3, 2008

MANicure: Redux

ARGH! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post a follow-up! A. I've been kind of busy. B. I've been kind of lazy, and C. I've had a DEVIL of a time getting my videos to upload properly. And trust me, it's not HALF as fun w/out the videos.

So without further ado...here is a video/pictoral account of all my dealings w/ the fishies. (And click here, here and here if you want to watch them again on YouTube. We're famous!)

Jenn was up first, so I had the chance to get some shots of her reactions. Heh, heh. Priceless.




Becca and I were up next. After washing your feet for you, they put you in some cheapo sandals and walk you over to the fish foot tanks and help you step in backwards.

Here is a picture of our first reactions. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, no? How about a video?



In my research on this pedicure experience, I heard it described as the pins and needles one might feel if one's foot fell asleep. I disagree. It was mostly just unbearably ticklish - well, nearly unbearable. And then after about a minute or so, it becomes rather pleasant. Ya get used to it, ya know? But if you want a real experience, try spreading your toes for the little guys. Oooo! They loved that! Yipes!

Here is a close-up of the lucky feet.
Christina
Jenn & Becca
After our fifteen minutes w/ the fishies, we went over to the regular pedicure stations (complete w/ massage chairs...mmm) and had our feet/toes buffed, clipped, filed and painted. They even included a bit of a foot/calf massage. That was very nice.

Overall, it was a rather silly, but pleasant experience. Would I do it again? Mmm, probably not. Why? Because while my feet were quite smooth and the pedicurists did not have to use any razors to shave the dead skin off of my feet, I didn't notice any great benefit other than giving the fish a meal. So for the sake of the innovative technique, I'm glad I did it. I even recommend it to those who like to add things to their lists of slightly to definitely odd novelty experiences. And I most heartily recommend a regular pedicure to anyone - male or female.

Side note: I asked about the fish and whether this is detrimental to them at all, ya know over-feeding and whatnot? I was informed that they can eat and eat and eat and eat...and apparently poop and poop...so there's something else to consider when planning for your fish-icure. As an unrelated aside, I did have one floater in my tank, but I SWEAR that it wasn't my fault! I'd say it's more likely that he just gave up the ghost because he couldn't stand swimming in his own filth anymore. And in my last aside, they do change the water between pedicures.

I'll finish off with one more video.


Oh, and in case you didn't get it from the video, Diane Sawyer described the experience as having fish "kiss your feet". Uh...I don't know if I'm on board w/ that one entirely, but whatever floats your boat...or bites your feet, as it were.

What kind of things have you done just for the "novelty" of it?

7 comments:

wynne said...

"...the pedicurists did not have to use any razors to shave the dead skin off of my feet..."

Is that what they NORMALLY do?

And as for unique experiences...I guess you could say that your feet have made out with fish, couldn't you?

Christina said...

Well, it's not like they take a straight razor to your feet. And no, they don't always use that tool to remove the callouses. Just sometimes.

Because my feet weren't exactly active participants, I think it would be more accurate to say that they were made out with by the fish.

Wendi said...

Wow. I read the articles...I heard the hype, but never thought I would know someone so SOON who tried this grand experiment.

Thanks for being mankind's...err, my guinea pig.

Christina said...

Hee. No problem, Wendi! Anything I can do to be of service to my fellow man (or woman, as it were) :)

Megan B ♥ said...

Um.... WOW. You know, in a creepy, impressive kind of way!

BLUEYEDBOYS said...

Thank you for finally enlightening us! Hmm, well I don't think I'll search for a spa with the fishies. I also can't think of anything particularly novel that I've tried. I always was sort of intrigued by the water massage thing (you've may have seen them at a mall-you get in a bed contraption that sprays water jets all over your back, without getting you wet...) I've also been interested in "threading" to be done on my brows/face.

Stephanie & Brad Bishop said...

A truly ODD experience to say the least, but life is too short to NOT LIVE IT! Jessie and I are having a GIRL day and going to see KITT Kittredge with my Mom. FUN