BATHING IN BUDAPEST

No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to some of the famous natural springs that the health conscious (in regard to famous natural springs) people of Budapest love so much.

After walking many, many miles in search of the famous natural springs, we came upon some ministry of health thing in the general area. Evidently they use the same natural springs in an attempt to cure some of the problems native to Hungary: no ability to tan, obesity, and 50 years of communism.

After our entrance fee was safely paid we entered into the indoor facilities of the bath to find a really, super cold pool of water. This is supposed to make you appreciate the lukewarm water contained in the next pool and then really love the large hot tub like pool after that. Super cold water did its job well.

To be perfectly frank, the overall experience seemed like a letdown at that point. But we discovered a smooth flow of people going outside and found where the real action was (uhm, outside). Three absolutely huge pools fed by the natural springs and designed so that people can stay in there all day. One pool (and this may seem hard to believe) was actually designed for swimming, the second was an oversize hot tub of sorts and the third one had a really nifty current that you could get in and be swept around in the current like you were in a river above some falls.

Children playing, tourists eating food at one of the pool side tables, old men playing chess (built in chess boards in the pool), teenagers dunking each other in the pool, and the ever present problem of the European Speedo wearing middle-aged male (in the baths, hanging out at parks, they lurk while seeking the ever elusive tan).

Yes, this is a problem of great magnitude. Evidently in Europe they face a mid-life crisis through clothing rather than cars. While this may save money, a Corvette driving American beats a Speedo wearing European man any day of the week when it comes to taste.

Here's to signs that say "No shoes. No Shirt. No Service."

After surviving the baths, we hit Margaret (sp) Island. Actually, Seth and Jeremy decided to hit a cafe and read for awhile, so I rented a bike and set out to see the sights. The most remarkable thing about the island (most of which was arranged for athletic training, with biking and jogging trails, swimming facilities, kung fu lessons, etc) was the fountain.

They actually had a fountain that would spout forth different water patterns in time to classical music. Very cool. And no mid-life crisis goers in sight.
MB