We Asked: What is the most interesting setting you have worked in?

Here is what you told us...

Floating out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean using buoyancy belts and [foam] "noodles" to float with.  It was more relaxing for me than I think it was for the client.
Christopher Pindell
Miami, Florida

The Dominican Republic resorts I work in have an ever-changing international clientele.  I find that all around the world people suffer the same pains from stress and repetitive motion.  I work on a team of 15 practitioners and we present a free program, Self Sports Massage, in three languages.  We work by the pool near the ocean, with the sound of the surf, intense colors and tropical fragrances.   Because many people return here for their holidays, we have the satisfaction of seeing the lasting effects of our work.
Alexander Pavulak
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic

The most interesting setting, by far, is a dance club that I work in on most Saturday nights, usually from about midnight to 4 a.m.  We do five-to 15 minute massages on tables to flashing lights and a disco beat.  You would think that something so relaxing wouldn't work in such a location, but it has been very popular and we do have our regulars that see us every time we're there.
Bob Hentschel
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

This year one  of my clients asked me if I would like to go along with her team on an annual bike ride across Iowa.  We stayed in a different place every night.  The best one was in Spencer, Iowa, where we stayed with a family in a very nice home, with a screened-in porch overlooking a golf course.  I decided to set my table up on the porch.  Everyone loved the massages and said that it was very relaxing, especially with the thundershowers.  While giving the massage I felt like I was in another world.
Kaylyn Hoskins
Iowa City, Iowa

My first massage therapy job was in a Mexican health club along the U.S./Mexican border in 1983.  I was only allowed to charge $6 for a 30-minute treatment.  That and the fact that I was a strong blond guy from the north made me very popular.  My record was 17 massages in one day.
Dennis Davis
McAllen, Texas

My most interesting setting was being part of the massage crew during the second annual Texas AIDS Ride this past October.  There we were, in 94-degree heat with 15 therapists crammed into a tent, massaging the bicycle riders after their 100-mile day was done.  We felt like we were on top of the world.  Nothing could match the gratitude and the smiles on those riders' faces.  I will be forever grateful.
Lori Rankin
Durham, North Carolina

My involvement with Single Mothers Support Network one day took me to participate in an International Women's Day Celebration.  There I met many women.   One was 80 and works as a security guard for an apartment building.  Another lady was instantly energized after a five-minute seated massage.  There was this atmosphere of acceptance, respect, openness, support, appreciation.  Just an ordinary massage turned extraordinary for simple folks who needed it most.
Esah Munji
Surrey, BC, Canada

In April of 1998 I went along with two colleagues to witness the horrendous destruction caused by a tornado in Comfrey, Minnesota.  The estimation was that 90 percent of the town was destroyed.  We set up two tables and a massage chair.   It was wonderful to feel part of a team with a mission.  We worked on soldiers with the National Guard, who were living in tents in the most appalling weather conditions.  We worked on Red Cross personnel and, of course, on survivors - some of whom had the most hair-raising stories to tell.  Everyone was so appreciative of our efforts.  I hope we left a lasting impression of the benefits of massage on some of those folks - but more than that, I hope we helped restore a little faith in human nature.
Maggy Hardy
Fairmont, Minnesota