A fright for sore eyes

I have been scarred for life. I'll get to why in a minute, I just needed to get that off my chest.

We are travelling around Lake Balaton at the moment, yesterday we stayed in Balatonfüred which reminded me quite a lot of the Italian lakes. There was a nice promenade lined with swanky bars, restaurants and ice cream stalls. our hotel had a little beach with a swimming area so we spent the afternoon sprawled out on beach towels under the shade of a big willow tree. In the evening we had ice creams at one of the stalls - I had 1 scoop of caramel and 1 of chocolate orange (it works better than you'd think!) and ended up with it all down my arms! I don't lick fast enough!




Today we drove an hour South to Heviz which is famous for it's huge thermal swimming lake. We decided to go for the 'wellbeing' package which included use of the spa facilities.




Expecting the lake to be as warm as the thermal pools in Budapest, I launched myself into barely tepid water and nearly went under as it took my breath away. I was not impressed.

The lake was broken up by barriers and underwater gates which served as locks to keep cold and hot water from mixing. It was quite a swim out to the middle of the lake and into the island building that contained the warm bits but I was damn sure I wasn't staying out there in the cold for too long! After about an hour and a half swimming about amongst the colourful water lilies (with baby ducks at one point!) we decided to make use of the spa. First stop: sauna.




And this is where it happened. Something no 29 year old should ever have to see.

We were sat on the wooden benches trying to avoid making eye contact with anyone else in there, I was the only woman, when out of the corner of my eye I glimpsed something. Unsure at first, I then spotted another, and another and then a fourth. I looked around in horror: swinging over the sides of the benches, lined up like soldiers in a barracks waiting to fire were four seventy year old... I can't even bring myself to say it. Four old men's winkies. There, it's out! And so was I in seconds flat! I bolted out of the door so fast I almost took it off it's hinges!

I was too embarrassed to stay after that so we made a quick exit and went for ice creams in town. I sat, rocking on a park bench nibbling round the edges of my cone in silence.

Now, let's never speak of this again!

Location:Lake Balaton, Heviz