 Want better looking skin, immunity from what ales you, improved circulation, a faster metabolism AND increased testosterone??? Who doesn't? I sure do love me a good testosterone fix now and again. But the secret to securing these gems does come with some balls. You need them to enter Nautholsvik, Iceland's Geothermal beach, where locals sea swim in arctic water for their health. Sea water temperatures range from 42 to 60 degrees May through August with the geothermal lagoon heating up another 10ish degrees. The rite of passage starts at the beach to the left of the pier and continues with a 500 meter swim around the lagoon. I attempted such a swim (with gloves and booties adorned) but immediately changed my mind to a plunge and run once I hit the water. It was an Ice Bucket Challenge rebuttal gone horribly wrong. Abort! My SoCal blood had nothing on my host swimmer's Viking blood, who swims there a few times per week for fun. Amanda, my travel buddy, did make the swim. But to be fair, she is insane and apparently immune to hypothermia. The biggest attraction, however, on cold days is Nautholsvík’s long hot tub. Heating up over 100 degrees, it brings back the color to your cheeks and a rhythmic heartbeat to your chest. Both pluses. It also fits everyone. By everyone, I mean everyone. Literally 30ish people sat in while I was there with room to spare. Nautholsvik beach also has a service center with changing rooms, showers, a sauna and refreshments. Before and after entering the hot tub you're expected to shower carefully, completely nude and with ample soap. There's even diagrams posted to show you exactly the areas on which to concentrate your scrubbing. Thank goodness. All-in-all it was very refreshing. Now time to go lift something heavy with my small pores.
|
