Swimming in Qum

Summer is finally here! So is exam period, but that's another blog entry!

The school swimming pool has finally opened... I have to say that it has been well worth the wait! And just in time for the boiling weather too! The pool complex is complete with a jacuzzi, children's pool, sauna, steam room and a cold plunge pool. (You're supposed to have a dip in the cold pool after using the jacuzzi to firm up your skin!?)

I was sitting in the jacuzzi today with my back in front of one of the jet streams. One of the ladies told me off (didn't really understand why) and told me to sit with my abdomen against the jet stream instead! My friend and I tried to do this, but found it ergonomically impossible! If anyone knows any sensible reason why its good to have your abdomen blasted with a stream of water, leave a comment!

The entry procedure is a bit like swimming in Mashad (see entry from August 2008). You have to check in your mobile phone and swap your outdoor shoes for a locker key! Before you give your shoes in though, you have to wear a pair of their flip flops. What puzzles me is that there are only 3 available colours - white, red and pink - but it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a pair in the same colour. I think there must be a place where all the left red flips and right pink flops go to hide, because I can NEVER find a pair in the same colour!

We can bring our mothers and daughters with us to swim, so if you're in Qum and old enough to be my mother or young enough to be my daughter, you're welcome to join me!