Solus Per Aqua

A couple weekends ago my host family took me to the Natural Hot Springs spa in Garda Lake. It was about an hour and a half drive to get there, which involved me being squished in the back seat between the door and Giorgia. She just so happened to think it would be a great idea to lean her entire body on me during this drive. I would tell her to stop and push her back over, but that did not deter her. I was annoyed, to say the least.

We stopped at the grocery store because Marco needed to pick up swim diapers for Mattia. He comes out of the store with an entire bag of stuff! Chiara said, "I send him in for two things and look at this!" We continued on our way with Giorgia still leaning up against me every now and then and also moving my leg out of the way because she thought I had Mattia's stickers. I did not have his stickers. I gave them to him once I opened them. She apparently missed the whole event of me leaning across her to hand them to Mattia. Anyway, Marco had bought some candy in the store so that kept the kids happy for a while.

It was just about lunch time when we were getting close, so we stopped at McDonald's to eat. This was my first time eating a meal at an Italian McDonald's. I got my usual plain cheeseburger with fries. Tasted just like America! I'm pretty sure the slogan for McDonald's is "The Great Tastes of America" because there were signs everywhere! This McDonald's also served pasta and pizza. Inside the McDonald's was the regular counter we are used to in America, where you order your food. But they also had a cafe counter that was really nice! They served coffee, croissants, breakfast sweets, etc. I would gladly take this McDonald's over the ones in America, except for one thing. There were no huge pump containers of ketchup setting out. Ketchup had to be purchased!

When we arrived at the spa, there were only four other people which was nice! We got changed in the locker rooms then walked up the stairs into the pool area. Before we left the house that morning, Chiara had given me a robe, sandals, and a swim cap. I packed everything she gave me, but in the back of my head I was thinking 'no way am I wearing a swim cap'. As I entered the pool Chiara was putting a swim cap on both kids and herself. As soon as I got in the water, Marco told me I needed the swim cap. I had a confused look on my face. Chiara then said, "In all public pools in Italy a swim cap must be worn so hair doesn't get everywhere." I said, "That makes sense. In America, you do not have to wear a swim cap. Girls with long hair will swim with their hair down." She looked disgusted. So I got out of the pool to put on this swim cap. It took me a solid five minutes to get it on. I had never worn a swim cap before. I got back in the pool and Marco said, "You look marvelous!" Haha

Part of the pool was indoor, while the other half was partly covered but had no walls. It was actually really nice using the outdoor section because the air was cool so it was easier to breathe. The indoor side got stuffy with all the steam. There was also a hot tub in the outdoor area! It made the heated pool feel cold afterwards though. The pools had jets, which were so strong I could barely walk around. Marco had to grab my arm once because I couldn't get past with the current. He just laughed at me. The pool had these waterfalls that you were supposed to sit underneath to massage your neck and shoulders. It was strange, but nice!

After a couple hours, we got out of the water to dry off and relax. We ate some snacks too. We were eating chocolate wafers, which had gotten a bit melty from the heat. The kids got chocolate everywhere! It was such a mess. Once we had dried off, we went back into the locker rooms to change and head home. The locker rooms had blowdryers attached to the walls, not like you see at a hotel though. They were quite strange looking.

The hot springs was such a cool experience. Even though it reminded me of a heated, covered pool, it was neat knowing that the water is heated naturally! Marco also taught me that S.P.A. stands for Solus Per Aqua. I don't remember what that means though, except something something water!

Luckily, the drive home was nice and calm because Giorgia and Mattia slept most of the way!