An alternative

Lo and Behold, yet another option that has eluded me thus far, right under my nose.

All around Taiwan, and in the Huaxi Market, are totally legit, completely transparent nail salons, also giving foot massages and even full body massages in clear sight. There is absolutely nothing nefarious or untoward about these respectable businesses, aside from the fact that mostly women perform the services. So, they share nothing whatsoever in common with the notorious reputation that is attributed to Wanhua. They are clean as a whistle. (talk about being redundant— my age).

Now that that explanation is crystal clear, I could not help but notice that many of these ladies are good-looking civilians. I get my nails done these days, and I enjoy the non-rushed sit downs with a lady, sometimes before going for the dark side stroll, visiting the wayward girls, comparatively speaking.

I am an older guy, pretty good shape because I try to eat right and do my exercises, but also not blessed with Hollywood Motion Picture and Live Stage looks and charisma. Just an ordinary relatively well-maintained Joe.

But, in my recent outings, I could not help but notice plenty of eye contact and sweet smiles. One girl enjoyed talking to me so much, a simple 20 minute manicure went over an hour, and other girls seemed to enjoy the friendly exchange we were having. The boss didn't mind. It was slow and no customers waiting and was pleased to have a new customer and told me to bring friends.

They prefer to do both a manicure and pedicure as opposed to one or the other, and then try to upsell to a foot or full body massage.

You know, I have spent so much time in the dark alleys, and seedier venues, I have been missing all the signs that there are open pastures of opportunities, ready and willing to be cultivated. It also might be that I am so relaxed and normal in these civilian establishment, not seeking anything, in the moment, and appear to be a much cooler, less desperate, safer, a carefree attractive human being. And, it did come to my attention, beyond a shadow of any doubt, another girl wanted to date me. I mean she went right for the jugular to directly ask my status and personal data, and let me know that she was available.

Jeez, I spend so much time paying for so many years, I literally forgot that there is a natural institution created by nature for male / female satisfaction.

Now, I left it open-ended as a "maybe. " But she was ready. Very attractive. Let me know that she would love a little friendship. I mean, I was actually shocked, flabbergasted to think that a nice civilian, non-working girl might be a very pleasant option.

If I was a free man, I would definitely jump on it, as they are hardworking ladies, sometimes students, just looking for a decent guy to have a little fun with and exchange cultures. Of course, it would segue swiftly into satisfying our instinctual desires. If you are single, that is great. But, if you are tied up, it is a tougher game, although they did not seem to mind my status.

But, the old mantra keeps coming to the fore of my mind, "free sex is the most expensive. " I think Woody Allen coined that cliche.

Huaxi is that place near Longshan Temple? The place with like 50-100 massage places right next to each other? I couldn't tell how legit it was. Like how do you even stay in business when everyone is charging 300 and there's so much competition! I was thinking a lot of them had to have special service upstairs or something. But I also saw so many aunties getting mani / pedi on first floor so I was kind of flabbergasted. So you're saying they're mostly all legit places?

I’m going to Taiwan in a few weeks and might actually go for a mani / pedi. Any suggestions on how to choose a place? There are so many to choose from. I might just choose one if I see a cute girl working.

And good point about talking to the girls there like you normally would as a non thirsty guy. Just being yourself probably goes a long way. Most of us are foreigners to Taiwan in some capacity so we are probably more interesting to locals than we assume.

[QUOTE=Pickley;2814489]Huaxi is that place near Longshan Temple? The place with like 50-100 massage places right next to each other? I couldn't tell how legit it was. Like how do you even stay in business when everyone is charging 300 and there's so much competition! I was thinking a lot of them had to have special service upstairs or something. But I also saw so many aunties getting mani / pedi on first floor so I was kind of flabbergasted. So you're saying they're mostly all legit places?

Im going to Taiwan in a few weeks and might actually go for a mani / pedi. Any suggestions on how to choose a place? There are so many to choose from. I might just choose one if I see a cute girl working.

And good point about talking to the girls there like you normally would as a non thirsty guy. Just being yourself probably goes a long way. Most of us are foreigners to Taiwan in some capacity so we are probably more interesting to locals than we assume.[/QUOTE]You are correct in your philosophy with respect to just looking inside these many massage / manicure / pedicure stores which are blatantly clear on all activities and just look inside and see if you fancy the girls and comfort level. A man / ped is usually 300 NT combined. Throw in 100 NT tip and you are considered to be an authentic jolly good generous king of a man.

For myself, I just had to try it, and was pleasantly surprised by the level of warm regard I was given, gentle attention, and their desire to enjoy their time serving in a non-threatening, almost innocent way. And, I saw the opportunity for a segue if she was right, or even if she wasn't, talking to her sisters. I mean, you are in the company of women serving you as a king. Because, quite frankly, I could easily use the rusty nail clipper on my keychain and clip all 20 nails in 60 seconds and be done with it. But to have a lady attendant, good company attending me is a quite pleasant experience, and a few sparks could be kindled and you go from there.

I didn't really expect much, but now I see it for the possibility that it is. Don't expect much, just enjoy it for exactly what it is, because even that IS enough. But, I am just saying, there is a level of a fun / friendship (s) beyond that, not instant gratification at all, but a date.

The other massage places without clear open transparent glass which are dark and they bring you upstairs are the typical AMP (Asian massage parlor) situation, like all over the globe, and there are pleasure menus there for instant gratification.