Most of us woke up on the late side today after our night last night, so it was decided we'd go to France for a day trip tomorrow instead of today. Besides, it was raining there today and all the shops are closed in Strasburg on Sunday (read: no eclairs) ;) so we thought it best to stay in town today.
Our day was rather low-key, George drove us all to the Katzenbacher hof Biergarden (Biergarten is basically a restaurant) The restaurant was situated in a huge traditional style German house built in 1823.
With it being Sunday, there were lots of families and friends gathering at this place. The parents would relax at one of the many tables while the kids played on the park, or kicked a soccer ball in field space, or rode their bikes on the trails.
There were a good many bikers, as there are lovely paths that run from town to town and biking is a huge form of transportation here.
After lunch, Embla and I played cards, then I played futbol with Ellert off and on for a long time. He taught me about all the kinds of kicks and we swapped off being the goalie or the kicker.
When I was not doing that, I walked a little bit of the bike path, people watched, or just sat and talked.
Ok. I have to say: GERMAN CHILDREN ARE SO EXTREMELY CUTE.
Later on, George, Embla, Ellert and I enjoyed some German Techno on the radio as we drove to the baths, the
Mineraltherme Böblingon.
These high-mineral-content baths were just phenomenal. You check in with a little wristband that looks like a watch with a blank white face that has a memory chip behind it. This grants you access to all the baths and spas have to offer- drinks, snacks, the Sauna and all the baths will credit to that chip. When you leave, you scan it again and it keeps track of any purchases you've made and you can pay there-no need for fumbling with cash while in the spa. It also works for the lockers, you use it to lock and unlock your own complimentary locker. I am continually amazed at German innovation and the streamlined technology and this was no exception.
There were four or five huge pools to choose from as well as a hot pool/cold pool. The cold pool was literally just above FREEZING and we hopped around, mixing and matching the kinds of pools.
(No pictures of course, no phones/cameras on deck. Just think: superior architecture and craftsmanship.
I am well versed in the benefits of hydrotherapy and Saunas for the releasing of toxins and to help the body detoxify, and so it was fun to get to experience it first hand.
George showed me the Saunas and we tried out one or two. I was debating whether or not to post this story, but it's too amusing not to share.
Germans are NOT shy, and in the Sauna side of the complex, it was towels and nothing else. One sauna I went into had a huge crowd of people (with just towels on) and I sat at the top of the stairs. The attendant kinda called me out and said in German that I needed to wear "only a towel, no swimsuit" if I wanted to be in that particular sauna. Aaaand all heads turned to look at me, wearing my sleeveless swim top and shorts. I was like "WELL, BYE BYE Y'ALL" (course, I didn't say that out loud, in reality, I told her "ok, I understand") and I went back to the one that doesn't have someone standing and watching to make sure you're properly naked before using the sauna. ;p
We swam/did hydrotherapies on ourselves for a good 2 1/2 hours. I left feeling super chilled out and relaxed from the therapy and the minerals I'd inevitably absorbed from the water. Probably sleep good tonight from all that magnesium. ;)
1 comment:
Went to a similar bath in Budapest! I know you enjoyed being there. George says they are better in Iceland! I am loving seeing how much Erla, Embla, and Ellert have grown. Erla is beginning to look like a combination of Embla and Ellert when they were smaller. George and Arnheider have gorgeous children! Tell Rachel John and I had lunch with the Parsons today. Erin was here with her two kids. They are leaving Tuesday for a week with Jill and her family. Wanda and I went to the movies in Danville today and ate dinner at the Olive Garden. John watched that LONG race on TV that took place in Charlotte today. Don't believe I could have watched over 10 minutes of that! You are right about soccer being king in Europe. I was in Munich during the championship games at the end of the season when I traveled to Germany. The players took over the entire square, and the crowds went wild. By the way, I was almost forty when I went to Munich, and there I had my very first beer. I like wine, but I cannot stand beer, and I did not drink it. I tried to give it away to people around me. The stein was so huge. I asked for water and just left it sitting there. People at home made fun of me for doing that and acted in disbelief! Rest well and enjoy Paris when you get there! Love your delightful posts!
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