BY Clay Larroy
In the world of traveling, there are plenty of great resources
available to both new and experienced travelers alike. There are many websites,
guides, books, videos, and other resources available. By writing this blog I
hope that I am providing valuable information about wonderful vacation
destinations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
City
Of Baths – Budapest
By Cindy Lou Dale
Step through a side-door into the
flamboyant art-nouveau foyer of the Gellért Spa where stone swans gracefully
spread their wings over a mosaic floor; fronds of exotic plants extravagantly
tumble over the balustrade of the gallery and at the center atrium, healing
waters gush from the mouths of sapphire dragons into a turquoise swimming pool,
framed by amber porcelain figurines, above which looms a tall stained glass
dome. The elegant medical baths are a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and
astound the senses. For around $205 (per night, for a double recently
refurbished room, including breakfast), you can enjoy the full Gellért Spa
experience. There is a unisex indoor pool with a section reserved for men- and
women-only. In these reserved sections, massage services are available - but
bear in mind these are bracing, Turkish-style massages. At the entrance to the baths an attendant in
hospital whites’ hands you a canvas towel (and a modesty cover for gentlemen)
and points you in the direction of a dressing compartment where you disrobe and
secure your valuables.
Inside the opulent spa complex the walls are covered with
lustrous azure and emerald tiles gilded with honeysuckle and figurines of
cherubs embracing above dolphin water fountains. Lower yourself into one of two
semi-circular pools and sink up to your neck with a sigh in simmering 96.8°F
water. Other patrons of mixed ages huddle together in small groups of two or
three while they unwind. A contemplative hush is the favored way to bathe,
although the perpetual stream of water generates enough white noise to cover
the occasional comment.
Once pleasantly parboiled, progress to the massage mat where a
same-sex masseuses (all of whom have a Sumo wrestler look about them) will give
you a no-frills, all-business massage, like you’ve never had before - your body
will be vigorously pressed and kneaded with soap lather for what seems like a
small eternity, but in reality is only 15-minutes.
If you bruise easily, you may
prefer the gentler Thai massage available across the foyer from the spa. This
hour-long massage is unique, as the certified masseuses use not only their
fingers in manipulating your muscles through a thin massage gown, but their
hands, elbows, knees and feet as well.
Now well massaged, head to the outdoor pool area, which
surpasses any Vegas hotel, as this pool is cloaked in history - including
marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and a luxurious landscape. During off-peak
hours in mid-morning and afternoons, the patrons are mostly pensioners desperately
seeking relief from arthritis or rheumatism. However, the baths provide more
than physical respite, as the hushed atmosphere and exotic surroundings afford
one’s psyche a welcome break from the 21st-century.
REFERENCE SITES:
A massage is
just like a movie, really relaxing and a total escape, except in a massage
you’re the star. And you don’t miss anything by falling asleep! – Elizabeth Jane Howard
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