traveltales: Mud Bath

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Mud Bath

Just like Kids

I found the volcanic activity in Costa Rica of particular interest because of the hot springs. Arenal, dormant for 400 years, blew her top in 1968. The perfect cone shaped volcano is often hidden behind clouds, so it is quite common for visitors to actually not see it.

On my first visit, our hotel was located directly across the street for a front-on-view of the volcano, and the weather was perfect. At night the fiery display of hot lava running down its side was spectacular as Arenal spit up her innards. It was like a fireworks display all night long. What a sight and were we lucky!

At Tobacon Hot Springs, we went swimming in the pools, which ranged in size from small to large and with temperatures from temperate to quite hot. Several of the pools were hidden among tropical foliage. One pool even had a waterfall and the warm water felt so good on my shoulders and back.

The day of our mud bath we started the day hiking through a lovely forest with howler monkeys cheering us on. We wore bathing suits under our clothes. I don’t think howler monkeys are very cute like some monkeys are, and they can be very noisy. In the forest I was fascinated watching a long line of leaf cutter ants march on to their nest. The ants are small and the leaf pieces are many times their size.

Reaching a clearing we headed to a sauna built over a natural steam vent. It was quite hot inside, but the guide kept telling us stories to occupy us while we stood and sweated. When we got so hot we couldn’t stand it any longer we left to get covered with warm mud. Standing spread eagle so the mud could dry, with our mud masks, we sure looked like a silly bunch of characters.

It was a gorgeous warm day. As the mud dried you could feel your skin pulling. The dried mud was really hard to wash off under the showers, so we helped each other with our backs. After getting clean and the mud gone we relaxed in one of the hot pools.

We were well relaxed, but eventually our stomachs told us it was lunch time. After drying off we headed back to the hotel to dress before lunch. It had been a fun morning doing and seeing a few new things.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.