Today was our very first free day on the trip, and there were several groups of people planning to do different things with their time. I decided to be part of the group going to Baden Baden, Germany for a relaxing day at the spa, although the work that it took to get there can be described as anything but relaxing! From Strasbourg we took two buses to the outskirt of the city, then walked across a Rhine River bridge separating France from Germany where a train station waited on the other side. The kiosk to buy the train tickets was much more complicated than our guide Sven had describe, so it took several attempts for all of us to get the right tickets. In between trains, we stopped in a small town where I got an amazing lunch of smoked salmon on a croissant.
Two train transfers, asking for directions, and another bus later, we gained entrance to the overly luxurious spa for only $14 per person! The ground floor was filled with indoor and outdoor pools of natural spring water (and jacuzzis and waterfalls), all interconnected with different jets and temperatures. There were also a couple aromatherapy steam rooms. The second level was different from the first in that it was all nude and co-ed. At first it seemed strange, but I ventured up there with a couple girls from our group and we quickly forgot about our insecurities as we enjoyed the 15 or so different saunas, which were amazing but were so hot I could actually feel my knees cooking! After our three hours at the spa, a few of us sat on the patio of a touristy Bavarian restaurant and drank beer and ate dinner (I had stuffed cabbage and apple strudel). I took a quick jog around the city to take a few pictures and see the cathedral before meeting back up with the group for our train ride home.
Policy Observations:
This being my first time in Germany, I was extremely surprised at how well everyone seemed to know English in comparison to the French. After talking with a few people, I came to find out that everyone is taught English starting in grade school. Being in Europe makes me realize how important and marketable it is to be bilingual. Under the multi-state culture of the European Union, being bilingual is just a basic expectation of society, and the United States should also embracing the cultural changes of globalization by investing in multi-lingual programs within our education system.
The transportation system was absolutely incredible! In less than two hours, we were able to make it across a national border with complete ease, all by way of public transportation. The ability to travel freely across the borders of EU nations is apparent. Unlike U.S. borders, there were no stops, no searches, no customs. I'm sure this lack of security creates its own problems, but it was amazing that crossing country borders in the EU is exactly like crossing state borders in America.
Peace, Love, and Spa Days ~ Naomi
Pictures of the Day
Strasbourg bus
Walking into Germany on Rhine River bridge
Complete ticket buying confusion
Incredible German-style lox and bagel!
Welcome to Baden Baden!
Fountain in the main square pre-spa
Historic apartment buildings
All glass windows at the spa entrance
Children playing in the river at the park
Streets of Baden Baden
Cathedral (every city has at least one!)
Walking back over the Rhine River bridge at night
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