Travel

The pulchritudinous public pools of Paris

Getting back to my long-running European swimming pool fantasy itinerary, it looks like you’d hit the jackpot in Paris.

Yes, we tend to think of Paris as fancy and somewhat formal, but this article says Paris really comes to life in the city’s “stunning” public pools.

She had no answer as to why the most perfectly appointed Parisians, so consumed with fashion rules and rigid etiquette on the city’s streets, have no issue flaunting their informality in the showers.

“We are all a mix of contradictions,” she said.

And best of all, thanks to the upcoming Olympics, they’re even swimming in the Seine now.

👉 pulchritudinous [puhl-kri-tood-n-uhs]
– a synonym for “beautiful” that starts with a “p” 🤷🏻‍♂️

That’s it! Who’s down for a swimmingly fun time in France? 🏊🏻‍♂️

Travel

Seljavallalaug

Here’s a new addition to the European swimming pool agenda. And this one is not some fancy Parisian resort pool. In fact, it has to be the most remote (and cold) pool I’ve see so far.

Here’s how to find Seljavallalaug pool: From Reykjavík, Iceland, drive two-and-a-half-hours along the coast. Then park and hike 20 minutes past some glaciers, volcanoes, and a waterfall. 😮 Now jump in!

Once you get there, it’s free. In the summer, it might be “dyed a beautiful shade of green” due to algae, not unlike our own Barton Springs Pool here in Austin.

If I ever make it to Iceland, I’ll remember to bring my swim suit (and a really warm towel)!

Travel

Széchenyi thermal bath, Budapest

Szechenyi Baths in Budapest is now on my fantasy European pool/spa itinerary. Built in 1913, this pool is “the most visited and much praised attraction in Budapest: relaxing, fun, affordable and, at night, romantic.”

Apparently those Hungarians even like to hang out and play chess in the pool (when they’re not making out 🤷🏻‍♂️).