Austin, Texas recently banned the use of carp fish pedicures citing safety concerns. Funnily enough, it claimed that there was no way to clean the fish before having the next customer in for a fish pedicure!!! However, what interested me most was the cost of a fish pedicure - $22 for a one-hour sitting!
I had just returned from a visit to Kerala. And for someone used to taking a shower in a bathroom, a bath in the village tank (or pond) was a delightful experience. And I made sure, I had my cousin take me to the temple tank every single day of my stay over there. Surprisingly, the water is quite warm, especially after a shower - quite contrary to the brrrrrrrrrrr cold water that comes out of the tap (from the overhead tank) after a rain. And that made the bath even more wonderful!
Even as we entered the water, we had these tiny fish come up and nibble at the feet. It took me quite by surprise the first time, and I squealed, wondering if it was some water snake that had decided to have my toes for breakfast. However, they turned out to be tiny fish, and my cousin assured me that it was quite harmless, as long as I had no injuries on my leg. After the initial shock, I sat down on the edge of a rock, and actually gave in to the pleasure of having the feet tickled by these little nibbles. Little did I know that I was experiencing a creme-de-la-creme experience - something that cost a few thousand rupees!!!
I cannot vouch for the hygiene of those fish! And every day there are dozens of people who have a bath in that lake; nature takes care of cleaning the water - fresh rains during the monsoon (which Kerala has plenty of) and I guess given the average life of these small fish, one can be reasonably sure that these creatures are not being overused - at least no cause to have the SPCA come over and complain. The average age of the people in that region seemed to be over sixty…(most youngsters prefer to move to the city…or go overseas to Dubai / Saudi or Kuwait). So, these fish could not possibly be causing serious damage to their feet or health in general.
I guess, there are pluses in being a small-town, nay small-village resident! You don’t have to pay through your nose for the height of luxury - a fish pedicure.
The best things in life are indeed free!!!
A Spa can never replace the natural charm and beauty of a village pond, never and all for free too. Count yourself lucky to be still be able to go back to those “small village” experiences.
Little did I know that I was experiencing a creme-de-la-creme experience-that made me laugh.Yr post reminded me of the tingle that trickled down my body when fishes nibbled my feet in Ambalakkulam….enjoyed reading this….PGR
I am so scared of the neerkolis. When young, when wounds were for sure, the fish would cleanse your wounds, the locals would say. I hated the experience. Great post.
best things in life are indeed free! don”t you think these foreigners are a bit too finicky about hygiene and safety or maybe we have an extra nerve to be so carefree? good for you, you were saved from paying a hefty amount for the pedicure! interesting post!
Experienced this feet nibbling of fish in the pond at Palghat home. I was scared its some snake and would jump back to the steps. Enjoyed your writing!
simple pleasures of life! and at what cost in some places!