Sulfur city

Exploring some of the North Island I signed up for a Magic Bus tour of some of the highlights for the north. Its a bit of a whirlwind, but nice to see some things very fast. =) Crazy part is our bus, an entire tour bus, only had 5 of us on there. Very crazy, but we made friends and it was great. Sad to leave them as we get along very well.

We first went to Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. After being actual caving, I am normally opposed to going to caves where I am lead around, but this time it was wonderful because it was so different. Floating around on a boat through the cave with glow worms above my head like stars. Magical feeling. Sadly couldn't take pictures but check the link out for how it would be like.

Since we had some extra time there we wandered around and found a bunny-hair farm. They take care of bunnies and cut their hair and make stuff. The owner was wonderful and even took out a bunny for us to pet and told us all about it. They treat their bunnies very well, and they are hallarious to watch.

Then we went over to Rotarua, the Sulfur city. Known as such as it is located in the land of natural hot springs, and the air everywhere smells a little bit sulfury. The city itself isnt that great... not friendly really. Rather boxy and tourist looking. But the hot springs themselves are amazing. All along the side of the lake they pop up and bubble everywhere. I wandered around in the morning and there was nobody else out-hopped some fences and was right on the water with the springs. Maybe a bit unsafe but very cool.

And what hot spring experience is there without some spa? Went over to the Hell's Gate mud spa-bathe in natural mud baths. Left the skin feeling amazingly soft, but sadly stained my wonderful swimsuit badly... not sure if that will wash off. =(

Now one more day in north island, before heading to south island which is covered in snow. Ahhh!

A day at the spa

Spa World USA

I have never been to a 'Spa' in America before. This is an expensive thing to do and well... I'm generally only extravagant in travels, and food. :) So spa and massages has never been on my to-do list (apart from that massaging course I am taking this semester... which is part of my schoolwork).

So Saturday when I get home my parents announce that they are going to a spa the following day and that I should join them. Since its them inviting me (and paying) I am immediately in.

Let me take a moment to explain the 'banya' in Russia. Since not everyone had baths (or more like nobody) or hot water, people went to communal baths, banyas, in order to wash up and relax. A banya involves many hot tubs of various sizes and temperatures, and saunas. Everyone is naked (they were generally male and female separate days) and after sitting in the banya you would whip each other with birch tree branches. That hits out the fat and sweat and help you even more. And then you jump in cold water.

Our neighbors at our dacha (Russian summer home) had a sauna in their backyard, homemade, and we spent a huge amount of time there. Fond memories.

So this type of thing is not so commonplace in America. Americans are more about hygene, and less about nakedness. Saunas are present and used mainly at skiing resorts. Swim suits are always worn. It actually deteriorates your swim suit very quickly to be subjected to that hot of water.

So anyways, some Russian friends told us a couple of weeks ago that they found a place that is like a real Russian banya that was operated by Koreans who have a similar idea of relaxation. It is called 'Spa World' and is located in Northern Virginia. For 35$ you have access to the facilities (which are open 24/7) for twenty-four hours. The facilities include about 7 different saunas, many many pools with various jets, fitness room, sleeping room, restaurant (well you pay for that, but its not expensive and includes bubble tea), and more. Massages are not expensive either.

The place is mainly full of Korean people. Those that are not Korean are Russian, and the rest are friends of the two nationalities.

I know many people pay hundreds of dollars for a day at the spa, which is generally defined as massages and facials and such. I think this is an amazing deal though. Assuming you can do one thing: be naked and see lots of naked people (of the same sex).

I find that being naked in such a setting is great. Liberating. Nobody cares. People of all shapes, ages, fitness levels, whatever. Everyone is just there. You are only naked for the area that is in the baths. Then you put on a robe that they give you and you can go with the sauna, exercise rooms, and restaurant with your male cronies.

We spent 5 hours there. I would have stayed longer. And I am that person that likes to move around a lot. This is saying a lot. I felt amazing afterward. Slept like a baby. This is a place I recommend to everyone, and if you are comfortable with being naked around me (and others) I would love to go with you.