Baden Baden

For my last full day in Strasbourg, Joy and I decided to visit Baden Baden, Germany and go to the hot spring spa. The hot springs were built by the Romans when they conquered ancient Germania for a place of rest and relaxation.

As we approached the spa from the city's main road, white steam slowly swirled up into the air and gradually dissipated, a result from the cold air interacting with the outdoor portion of the spa's thermal water. The spa's indoor building was relatively modern-looking. The lobby area was walled with numerous panes of glass, stone pillars extending out into the walk way holding up the awning, and a rotating glass door ushered guests in.

Once we entered, we quickly bought our tickets and followed the crowd of people. It was also easy to figure out where to go by following the direction in which it got consistently warmer and warmer. First entering the main spa and looking to the right, one could see a large, semi-circular pool filled with people. A smaller jacuzzi-like pool sat in the middle of the larger pool, and a few people sat underneath a circular fountain spewing water in its entire circumference, letting the water splash over their bodies. To the left sat the even hotter pool surrounded by stone with a waterfall splashing down into the pool.

With a sigh of relief, I gradually eased my body into the pool. Sitting in the warm, thermal water, I felt so relaxed and calm. Not a worry or thought crept into my mind. I felt at peace with the world. I didn't think about homework, tests, internships, or anything that would place even the tiniest bit of stress on my body. My mind was at ease, caring neither about the past or future, only the now.