Travel Tales
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| Jackie and her up-tight-no-more parents |
Every month we feature funny, inspiring or cautionary anecdotes from travelers. If you have a true (short) travel tale to share, send it to stories@ricksteves.com. If you have a photo that illustrates it, please attach it. And don't forget to tell us your first name and the city where you live. We'd love to hear from you!
"You must be naked," she said...
My husband and I moved from Michigan to northern Germany last summer and received your Germany and Austria 2008 guidebook as a farewell gift. In early fall, my parents came for a visit and we road tripped to Baden-Baden to visit an acquaintance. As soon as we began reading about the city, we decided that we really should experience the world-famous spa from which it gets its name. After all, part of our motivation for moving to Europe was to experience new things. But the naked thing… hmm? That sounded uncomfortable.
And then there were my parents. How would I convince a Midwest farm boy-turned-conservative banker and a former Southern Baptist who still doesn't drink to get naked with strangers, and us, their daughter and son-in-law? I casually mentioned Friedrichsbad in a phone conversation with my mom. "Oh, and it's textile-free," I slipped in. She giggled and said how fat she felt and begged not to make a decision right then.
When they arrived in Germany — their first trip to Europe — my dad gave the idea two thumbs down. "Absolutely not," he said. So I just gave him your book and didn't press the issue. Later, as we were sailing down the Autobahn he said, "I think we better go to that spa." We all agreed, and it felt like we'd made a pact that none of us was sure we wanted to keep.
Since we were staying at Hotel Rathausglöckel, we had little excuse for avoiding Friedrichsbad. We walked in the front door and approached the woman at the desk. "Hello! This is our first time here." It probably didn't need to be said but don't we always state the obvious when we're nervous? "This is a naked spa. You must be naked," she said, taking each one of us in with her gaze. I think she fully expected us to bolt out the door at that moment. We just nodded and handed over our credit cards.
Three hours later we all emerged, pink and rosy and feeling as squishy as fresh gummi bears. It was a beautiful place and it took all of three minutes to get over the fact that no one wore clothes. It was incredibly peaceful and not at all weird. My mom went by the book, even dipping in the ice-cold pool at the end. My dad spent a full hour swaddled and napping in the dark. We walked back up the hill to our hotel, anticipating a good meal and a cozy bed. As we strolled my dad said, "I'm going back in the morning."
So Rick Steves, thanks for blazing the trail and leaving instructions on how to follow. At least one American family is better for stepping out of our clothes and comfort zones to have a lovely European experience.
— Jackie in Sörup, Germany
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