But none of that matters to me now, because I've found a sanctuary in this city. Who would have known that our city is home to natural hot springs?? And with these hot springs they've made... that's right... a SPA. Just so you can understand what a big deal this is, you need to know two things.
1. Taking a bath is one of my favorite things. I can sit in a bathtub for over an hour. But since we've been here, the only bathing I get is in our tiny bathroom from a hot water heater that allows me a 10 minute shower.
2. This is the last city on earth that you'd expect to have a spa. The children get baths once a year, most people don't mop or dust their home, and I'm considered crazy for taking a shower everyday. These people really don't care about hygiene or fancy things.
I found this wonderful place through a friend who wanted to take me as a gift before she goes back to her hometown. When she first told me about it, I was really worried because I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into. Was it co-ed? Do people bath naked? Is it a private shower? Can I bring my own soap?
I couldn't say no to this invitation (not supposed to refuse a gift), so I just prepared myself to embrace the culture.
We came to a large building and went into the welcome center. It looked like a 4 star hotel, not a Motel 6, so I started to relax. The men all went to the right and the women all went to the left. (I was so relieved it wasn't co-ed) We took off our shoes and socks and they brought us sandals to wear.
We got personal lockers, and, not to my surprise, were told to put ALL of our clothes in the locker. Guess who was smart enough to bring a swimsuit?!
Then we were ushered into the spa- it was by no means private or modest, but I got over that real quick because all around were showers (not private) gushing with steaming water, and there was a spa tub with 'medicine' in it, and a sauna and a steam room and a pool with submerged lounge chairs with jets and a shower that acted as a little waterfall.
I chose a shower in the corner and they brought me soap and shampoo and conditioner, and stayed a LONG time- then my friend and I sat in the medicine bath, which to my surprise smelled all flowery and wonderful- then we showered again to get the medicine off, and then sat in the lounge chairs in the pool. I hit the sauna for a few minutes, and then dried off and put on the robes they brought me.
We were shown upstairs where there were great big lounge chairs with TVs, and we sat and relaxed while they brought us Coca-Cola and a honey and sesame seed drink.
Then we went to the restaurant and had a small dinner.
What made this especially great is that I went for a long jog today for the first time since we've been here- that spa soothed all my aching muscles. And the best part?
all of this for $6.
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