Sunshine, Roman Spas and Almond Blossom

Back in sunny Spain this week for our first visit of 2011. It’s good to be back and the tiredness from lack of sleep with a dawn flight to Alicante is soon forgotten as we arrive on a beautifully sunny morning with cloudless blue skies.

One of the highlights of visiting the Alicante/Valencia area at this time of year is the sight of the pink and white  almond blossom. The pretty flowering trees are one of the first signs of spring and particularly beautiful inland from the coast in the Jalon area. Instead of working in the garden, we drive out to see the blossom as the spectacular display lasts only a short couple of weeks each year.

I was fascinated to read in a local newspaper that some Roman thermal baths (dating back to the first century after Christ) had been unearthed in Allon, near the chocolate town of Villajoyosa.

The new discovery showed that the facilities had included a washroom and massage area, sauna, swimming pools with hot water and a relaxation area. There was also a huge frigidarium – a swimming pool filled with freezing cold water – obviously the Romans were hardy spa goers!

The excavations revealed that the thermal baths had underfloor heating via a false floor that circulated warm air from an oven. Shops and a refreshment area were also discovered at the entrance to the baths.

Isn’t it amazing that modern spas incorporate so many of the same features as these ancient baths from over 2,000 years ago?