THE BUDAPEST BATH

One of the first things to happen when I got to Budapest, Warbucks told me were going to the Baths! Thermal Baths peeps, not the other kind I was used too!!! We pulled up to the entrance of the Szechenyi Thermal Baths, and I held my breath. For it was still a few minutes before the godforsaken hour of 6AM!!!! It was still dark and cold out, but mostly men were already standing outside waiting to get in. Hungarians apparently take their bathing seriously, so it is best to arrive early before it gets crowded. Budapest earned the nickname "City of Baths" thanks to the many Turkish thermal spas scattered around the city, filled with natural steaming thermal water which promise healing properties. The Szechenyi Spa is one of the country's most famous and dates back to over a century and a half. Some baths dated back 2 centuries. The baths' waters are said to be therapeutic and help soothe ailments like tired joints, joint diseases, and chronic arthritis. The bath has piping hot steam chambers and saunas which warm you up so quickly from the inside out that you'll be sweating in just a few minutes. The baths here are supplied by two different hot springs one that 79 C and the other at 80C.

Did he sneak in?

It was definitely a good idea from Warbucks...after what, with my 13-hour flight the day before. The building itself was a beautiful marvel. We had gotten a suite, for our changing into square cuts and we were also getting facials and massages later, so we got a private room. The springs themselves were a neat experience, as I never thought I'd be laying at a thermal poolside in the early cold temps of winter, as this took place remember, beginning of March. The waters felt great, yet when laying poolside, the cold air felt nice once out. I also noticed many men playing games of chess. It seems to be a very integral daily part of people to meet and be social too. Men and women. After the pool, we went before out services, to one of the sweltering dry saunas, where my eyes couldn't seem to stay fixated as Hungarian men are not shy and aren't afraid to get naked. Try concentrating when things are swinging to and fro!!!!! And many are sitting spread eagle with nice jumblies laying on the bench. For me it was like a candy shop! After 20, minutes that is, I had to get out as it was too hot after some time, and our services were impending. We had one of the best massages I think I had. The place offers the thermal pools, indoor and outdoor, great showers to rinse off between pools and saunas, indoor plunge pools, massage rooms and tables and even an Aquafitness area, and cafes. They also supply footwear and towels.

 Needless to say, when we left, I was putty... and ended up sleeping the rest of the day.