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More than 190,000 women are currently being held in some kind of confinement in the United States — a number that’s been growing rapidly sin

#Ex-prisoners #News

VICE embed with the staff and residents of The Stay Inn, a motel that gets most of its clientele through prison and homeless services. Arrests and fights bet...

After watching this film I felt a sense of urgency. This Motel is 10 minutes away from me and I have been completely unaware. For a second I put myself in another persons shoes. I feel the desperation through the screen and suddenly deeply touched. I have a huge appreciation for the owner Phillip and admire his willingness. I start to feel angry at myself that I haven't done enough. All it takes is some exposure to reveal the dark truth of our people. Power to them.

#The Stay Inn #Motel #Homelessness #Homeless #Ex-prisoners #Australia #Melbourne #Coburg #Help #Awareness #Community #People #love #[pwer #appreciation #doco #film

New Post has been published on Michael Wiggins

New Post has been published on http://michael-wiggins.com/asiaversary-spa-review-womens-massage-center/

Asiaversary Spa Review - Women's Massage Center

As I shared previously, I didn’t originally plan to review spas individually, but we had two such stark contrasts in experience (and price) that I felt compelled to post separately and call out the good (and the bad/ugly). The great experiences we had were at all of the massage centers in Chiang Mai. Specifically, I’d like to elaborate on our time at the Women’s Massage Center.

This chain of massage studios is actually a concept developed to provide vocational opportunity for ex-prisoners (yes, you read that right!). Given that spas are so prominent in Asia, the skill and trade of providing great spa therapies is something that is highly-coveted. Once you get past the momentary pause that you are (gasp!) about to receive a foot massage or spa treatment from an ex-prisoner – this place is absolutely magical.

One of the most intriguing parts of this chain is the price. It’s simply unbeatable. At one point, I believe we paid 200 Baht (roughly $6 US) for a one hour foot massage. Given that these are in fact ex-prisoners, they intentionally keep the cost low because it is really a win-win. #1 – you, the consumer, win because who doesn’t like the idea of a $6 hour-long foot massage? #2 – they, the therapists, receive education, training, and a vocational opportunity to make some good (by Chiang Mai standards) money while learning an extremely valuable trade that can keep them gainfully employed for a long time.

And, I would be remiss if I did not mention how professional and incredible these women were. Whatever stigma one may have about “prisoners”, I can truly say these women were energetic, kind, and extremely proficient in their trade. Seeing how they interacted and chatted with each other really showed how much they enjoy the opportunity and the “new lease on life” they have when they get to work with such strong and positive peer influences.

Such a stark contrast from Naka Island. Maybe it’s partially the fact that I could get 50 hours of foot massage for what I paid for the Naka Spa treatment. Maybe it’s because the energy and vibe were so positive. Maybe it’s because it was less stuffy, a bit more rickety, but way more charming. Maybe it’s all the above.

Either way – I cannot recommend this place highly enough!

Til Next Time,

Michael

#Asiaversary #Chiang Mai #Ex-Prisoners #Spa #Vocation #Women's Massage Center