Sunday, was girls day! That’s right, we finally took time, Nichole, Sarah, Paula, and I to just relax. No rock climbing, no hiking, no work, just pure relaxation. For Valentine’s Day, Wolfgang had given each of us a gift certificate to a local spa. We could choose from a variety of treatments, including, pedicures/manicurs, massages, or baths. So, around 12:30, we left the house. Nichole and Sarah decided to get massages, I decided on a hops (beer) bath, and Paula got a pedicure. I cannot speak for the others, but mine was an interesting experience. First, of course, we all undressed and wrapped ourselves in towels (because in Germany, you only go into spas naked!) Then we entered a room with not 1, but 3 saunas. Germans are serious about their sauna experience! My bath was ready as soon as we entered the room, so I went into my private room. The tub was big enough for 2 people (but I opted for the 1 person bath) and was all wooden. It was carved so smooth that there was no need to worry about splinters! It was so rustic and like out of a movie! The bath was unlike any I”ve had before…the best way I can describe it is to say it was like sitting in champagne…little bubbles kept coming up around me! I spent 25 minutes soaking up the hops and when I got out, my skin was so soft!
Since the other girls were still getting their massages, I decided to check out the saunas. Let me explain each: 1) A wet sauna- the kind with lots of steam..you feel gross and like you sweated out every ounce of fluid you ever had inside you- not my favorite 2) A warm dry sauna- with a tiled bench, this sauna was kept at about 80 degrees and made you feel really relaxed and calm- my favorite 3) A hot dry sauna- this one was wooden (think Quincy YMCA) and was kept at 95-100 degrees- almost too hot to sit or lay on the wooden benches! After the sauna, German practice is to get into an icerain shower…that’s right, get all good, warm, and relaxed- then take a hose that is spraying cold water and work from your toes up to your head (because if you start in the middle, your heart might go into shock) This is suppossed to build your immunity and increase your circulation. Not wanting to disappoint Wolfgang, Nichole and I tried the true German way…I was not so impressed…I was just freezing my ass off thinking when can I get back in the warm sauna? Nichole actually liked the ice shower after the sauna…go figures since she’s always the one complaining about being cold!
After the spa, we went to Amber and got dinner at a local cafe…delicious! Then, we went to a gelato place known for it’s ice cream creations! I got a banana cup that was to die for!!! SO YUMMY!!! Can’t even explain how good it was, and what an art form….they take time and joy in making each order into an artistic creation! So fun to watch the head guy make them! I’ll show you all pictures soon. What a great way to spend a Sunday!!!
