What took me so long?

This is not, as one might assume, a title for the length of time between postings. It is in reference to what I finally did tonight: take a bath.

Giggles aside, I have been maintaining a regular habit of daily hygiene in the form of showers. But I had never taken the time to fill up the tub with nice hot water (45°C, 113°F) and soak. I did, and it was amazing.

I filled the tub to about one-third and then took a shower. That's right, you take a shower before the bath to keep the bath water clean (families share the same bath, so prior cleanliness is necessary). I'm not sure how much it matters that I clean up beforehand since I'm living by myself, but the feeling of a clean soak is unparalleled.

The showerheads are attached to hoses, allowing for discreet placement of the water flow, allowing one to keep it out of the tub basin. So one showers and then hops into the tub. And what a great way to wrap up an evening! I spent 15 minutes simply relaxing and wondering why I had never done anything like this in my Chicago apartment (we had 2! tubs). Some may be thinking of ways to enhance the bathing experience with foams and other things that react with water, but I say pure hot water is all one needs. Waisu desu.

PS - In a few weeks I'll be heading to mainland Japan. I'm stopping in Beppu, Oita for one, maybe two nights. They are well known for their onsen, or baths sourced by hot springs. I can't wait...