bathing Archives - usatoday24

Bathing in Rome was not a priority. Until the elites of the empire discovered the luxury of the Termas de Trajan

October 3, 2025 by usatoday24

At present, daily hygiene is (or it should beat least) something we assume with total normality. But in the times of the Republic of Rome, the bathroom was not considered as A priority. The Personal hygiene It consisted of little more than washing your arms once a day and the rest of the body every nine or ten days. At the end of the 1st century, a new trend inspired by classical Greece was gaining importance among the privileged classes of Rome, which began to build spaces dedicated to the pleasures of the bathroom in its lavish villas. The ones were born Balnea that worshiped to the Salutem per Aquam or health through water. Submerging in water bathtubs at different temperature went from being a mere practical requirement to wash, something more playful that fit as a glove with the enjoyment of the patricians and other wealthy class. The challenge: get the greatest and most luxurious hot springs of the empire Marco Vipsanio Agrippa was the first ruler of Rome to which it occurred to build a huge Balneum in the Mars field as a meeting and entertainment place for the citizens of Rome. However, unlike Balneumwhich were deprived, these public water baths will receive the name of Themaereaching Our days like Termas. Agrippa, without knowing it, had started a career with its predecessors in which each new ruler wanted to leave their mark with some larger, more luxurious and most ostentatious hot springs than those of his predecessor. Trajan, as a good Sevillianhe knew the benefits of a good bath to cool off the heats and relax at the end of the day, so he entered the rag in the competition by building an authentic architectural and technological wonder of the ancient world. Ruins of the Termas de Trajan If we could Travel in time to ancient Romewe would meet the sumptuous Trajan Termas. Considered as An architectural wonder delivered to the luxury and well -being of those who visited it. These places offered numerous attractions for the entertainment and health of citizens: saunas, bath pools, Palestras, libraries, porches and gardens decorated with everything luxury of detail. However, although in most cases the cost of the entrance was available to the majority of citizens of Rome, only the wealthiest and powerful could pay all the pleasures and luxury offered by these facilities. The hot springs were inaugurated in the Oppio hill in 109 AD covering the void of public bathrooms left by the fire of the Domus Aureaof Emperor Nero. The Trajan Termas They were a real display of architectural innovation that Integrated the latest in Roman air conditioning technology and opulence in the decorations and mosaics. Mosaic with sandals in hot springs. “Salvom Lavisse”, a bath is good for you In the structure of its construction it was innovated with the development of lighter materials to achieve a equally resistant concretebut much lighter and permissive with heat based on volcanic rock either Tufo Giallo. The wooden structures, which served as fuel for the previous hot springs, were replaced by slender advocated ceilings and large interior spaces. The whole occupied the triple of the surface that its predecessor with some 111,000 square meters of luxury dedicated to body cult. The water supply was guaranteed by a complex aqueduct that brought the water from different sources of the Bracciano lake located 40 km from Rome, and was stored in huge deposits near the theater enclosure with a capacity of eight million liters of water. Trajan thermal complex plant Enjoy a bath in that sumptuous temple dedicated to hygiene and health was A luxurious and relaxing experience. The thermal complex was designed with an impressive architecture and offered a wide range of services and comforts to enjoy. The operation Upon entering, he passed by the NATATIO A large pool with which the first visual contact with the water was had, but that was visited until the end. Before, it should be passed through the APODYTERIA or common dressing rooms. From that point, the visitor passed to the Palestra Fully naked or smeared in essential oils to worship the body exercising the muscles or participating in ball games. Moment that many used to achieve political favors or influences between high society. Columns on which the ground rested. Eustolian house. Cyprus Then, the Thermal circuit It continued through heated rooms with an elaborate system in which the exposure of the sun’s rays was combined through large double windows, and a system of “radiant soil” raised on a series of columns that was heated by the circulation of hot air under the ground, the walls and the vaults. The wealthiest could enjoy massage services with scented oils and ointments and even body hair removal executed by slaves Hot water pools (Caldolarium) and temperate (Tepidarium) were conditioned using the same underground boilers with which the air that acclimatized the entire enclosure was heated. These boilers warmed a large bronze container with inverted turtle shell that came into contact with the base of the bathtub Caldolarium and circulated hot water by convection until The whole pool had the same temperature. Maximum resources optimization, with the same fire air and water heated. The thermal circuit ended with a bathroom in the four cold water pools of the huge central basilica of the Termas de Trajan. In them you could share the bathroom, the conversation (or what arises) with the rest of the hot springs, it was already allowed entry of both men and women. The route ended in the NATATIO who welcomed the visitor. This was one outdoor pool With an approximate depth of one meter, with which the visitor left his luxury and well -being reverie to return to his routine, which Rome did not do in one day. Unfortunately, fate wanted all this wonder of ancient Rome to succumb under a fire. An even greater project emerged from its ashes: the hot springs of Emperor Caracalla … but that is another story. In Xataka … Read more

In Ibiza the luxury villas and ‘Beach Clubs’ have taken over the bathing areas. And the neighbors are saying enough

September 3, 2025 by usatoday24

Every year Ibiza receives hundreds of thousands of tourists that dream of the same: enjoy the Sun of the Mediterranean and take a dip in one of its paradisiacal coves. That has converted the sand of the Ibizan coast in the object of desire for locals and visitors, a coveted (and quoted) privilege that has long faces a serious threat: privatization covert of the beaches. A risk that materializes in the form of hammocks and sun loungers. What happened? That the summer of 2025 will perhaps go down in history by the forest firesthe Heat waves or the You alert of the hoteliers, who despite the record influx of tourists who are registering Spain perceive a fall in their turnover; But of course it won’t solve it One of the ‘hot potatoes’ of the Balearic coast: the private occupation of the sand. Eldiario.es remembered it yesterday An article in which he remembers some of the main controversies that Ibiz Beach Clubs. It is not really a problem that affects only the Pitiusa Islands. In Malaga the neighbors They have warned of the “privatization of the beach” for the expansion of several beach bars and in Menorca There have been criticism For the closure of roads, which prevents visitors (and neighbors) from practicing hiking in the area. Where does the controversy come from? Ibiza is close to 230 kilometers Costa and a good part of it are beaches and coves that, for decades, attract tourists from all over the planet. The result is that a portion of its sand, with its umbrella and sun lounger, has become (especially during the summer) into a precious good … and disputed. Residents know it. And also tourists and hoteliers. Hence it is not uncommon to find in the island press Complaints by Beach Clubs and restaurants that occupy sand with hammocks and umbrellas, hoarding more space than they allow them Your concessions. Or even news on villas and companies dedicated to the luxury holiday rental that colonize ‘the coves. In August Nou Diari He warned that the “undercover privatization” of the beaches is filling the patience of the neighbors of Ibiza and recalled that for years it is not strange to meet with auxiliary and yacht vessels that approach the coast to display hammocks that stay there in case their owners decide to use them. Sometimes it happens. Others do not simply occupy coast. Are there specific cases? Yes. In Ibiza there are at least three that have given to speak over the last months. Of all perhaps the most popular is that of Cala Molíin the municipality of Sant Josep. Fed of the ‘colonization’ of Arenal, Last month Someone withdrew the sun loungers in the cove and left a message in English attached to one of the chairs: “The beach is a public space and is not included in the house you have rented. If you want to put your hammock, come like everyone else and place it wherever you want. Eivissa free of pirates!”. In August Nou Diari public That the sun loungers, umbrellas and other Molí apparatus was installed by a company dedicated to the rental of luxury homes in the area. As needed, the business was dedicated to deploying the furniture in the morning, occupying part of the Ibizan coast, as if it were an exclusive service for its customers. eldiario.es Precise However, the hammocks actually installed operators hired by a family housed in a nearby villa. Are there more examples? Yes. Another sound case is that of Cala d´en Serrain Sant Joan. In June Amics de la Terra denounced that a business was installing more hammocks on the beach than allows its municipal concession. He denounced her accompanies her A photo in which 30 sun loungers can be seen in pairs who occupy practically the entire cove. His complaint motivated a police inspection, which, however, verified that the concessionaire was complying with the limits, at least at the time the agents came. Ibiza Diario Precise In any case that, although at the time of the inspection it was found that there were 18 hammocks, “amount that coincides with the maximum authorized according to the current concession”, in the image released by AMICs it is clearly appreciated that at the time when the photograph was taken there was almost double (30). “He has only started summer and hammocks already throw us from the beach”, regretted The environmental organization in its publication. Is it a new problem? Not quite. Nor exclusive to Ibiza. The occupation (or “privatization”) of the coasts has heating the debate For yearsboth by individuals that get up early to place their umbrellas and then leave, like business that monopolize large portions of sand. In the Balearic Islands it is usually a reason for recurring discussion. Last year the residents of Sant Agustí and Cala Major (Palmad de Mallorca) They denounced publicly That, according to their calculations, they only had 22% of the beach for their enjoyment. In Ibiza, Cala Spartin Santa Eulària, too It has generated controversy This summer for a similar reason: the appearance of private hammocks. Images | Fred Bigio (Flickr) and Amics de la Terra Eivissa (Flickr) Via | eldiario.es In Xataka | Cabo de Gata promised them happy with the tourist pull of its beaches. Until the dunes became parkings

In the Aragonese Pyrenees there are more and more people camping and bathing in Ibones. Until the police arrived

August 12, 2025 by usatoday24

The Ibones de Anayet They are a natural treasure, small glacier lakes located in Sallent de Gállego, in the Aragonese Pyrenees. For biologists they are jewelry. For mountaineers resting places and recreation. That same beauty has nevertheless became its cross: as the ibones popularize in networks, they have been filled with tourists who They do not always comply laws, Cold without permissionthey bathe where they should not and even use drones to achieve the best panoramic. Now the authorities They have said enough. Rain of fines. In theory it was going to be a quiet weekend in the middle of the Aragonese Pyrenees, but ended up becoming a true fines. Between Saturday and Sunday the agents of the Seprona de Huesca, together with the agents for the protection of the nature of Aragon, carried out an operation in the surroundings of Sallent de Gállego that resumed with 86 sanctions. The reason? When they arrived at the Anayet Ibón environment, the authorities found 46 mountaineer tents that were violating the regulations. But what did they do? Camp “illegally”, Clarify The Aragonese government, who remembers that the hikers who settled in the environment did so without communicating their presence to the authorities or the Emergency Center 112 and their stores (46) were less than 100 meters from the Lake Security Strip. “Anayet’s ibón and its environment are part of a protected natural space, where camping is only allowed under certain conditions and with express authorization, with the aim of preserving the ecosystem and avoiding damage to flora, fauna and landscapes and environmental value,” insists The Autonomous Executive. An environmental jewel. The Ibones They are small mountain lakes of glacier origin located in the Aragonese Pyrenees that are distributed from the Ansó Valley to the surroundings of the Aneto. They include Anayet’s, Located formations in the municipality of Sallent de Gállego, province of Huesca. Their characteristics make them special spaces … and above all delicate. Hence the authorities are concerned about their saturation. “The problem is that one hundred people go to the same point, to bathe, to eat, to use cream creams,” warns in The Aragon newspaper Fran Gómez, Director of the Province of Environment and Tourism in Huesca. “It is forbidden to bathe in the Ibones, but also when using sun creams, oils are left to the water (…)”. Among other measures and to protect the environment, before making an excursion a “minimum documentation” is needed. @diariovasco The biologist Lorena Escuer denounces through her social networks the camping that had been installed in the Ibón de Anayet. It is an easily accessible enclave through Formigal ski slopes, in the Aragonese Pyrenees, with great beauty and with a delicate flora and fauna. Camping in this type of places is strictly prohibited as well as bathing in the cold waters of the Ibones. These types of prohibitions occur to protect the environment and keep it. 🎥 Lorena Escuer Formigal Pyrenees Pyrenees Aragon Iboneanayet imprudence surprise Aramonon ♬ Original Sound – The Basque newspaper – The Basque newspaper “A remarkable increase”. The weekend campaign, which resulted in 86 fine proposals, was not the result of chance. From the government admit Having proof that more and more people go to spend the night in the area, largely because of their popularity in networks and the promotion of certain companies. “The action has been carried out after verifying in recent weeks a notable increase in influx of people who spend the night in the area, driven by the dissemination of networks and websites of companies that, irregularly, offer stays and charge for camping without having the mandatory authorization.” “A huge speaker”. The excuses for the Aragonese Pyrenees and the visits the Ibón de Anayet are no novelty, but over time they have gained considerable fame. In Your interview with The newspaper, Gómez acknowledges that practices such as those that motivated the almost 90 fines of the weekend “proliferate on social networks” and have become increasingly popular. “It is very promoted and has become a boom. This weekend has been filled. Boca to mouth comes to where it reaches, but now the networks are a huge speaker that allows you to teach a spectacular place and with relatively easy access “, Reflect. A quick search on Google also reveals companies that offer free camping and excursion services in that same area. Is it something new? This weekend’s operation was deployed in a very specific context, after the end of July several meansneighbors and environmentalists denounced the saturation of the Ibones of Aragon. Recently a local mountaineer He reported for example a Today Aragon The stamp that was found when he arrived at Anayet’s Ibón: “18 tents, people bathing and flying drones.” The beauty of the environment added to your access, simple compared to other parts of the environment, have turned the lake, In his opinionin “free and prettier standards of the Pyrenees.” The hyper saturation of Anayet’s ibones He denounced her Also in networks the biologist Lorena Escuer, who in July warned of the presence of drones flying over the place, tents and bathers who dive into the lake without worrying about their impact on the environment. “These ibones are unique and fragile ecosystems, home of high mountain flora and fauna, some protected species. And yet here, at 2,200 meters of altitude, the dominant species in summer is the human,” he laments. Images | Mauri (Flickr) and Aragon Government In Xataka | Aragon’s ski stations are sentenced to death. One of them has had an idea: the biggest tobogan in Europe

In Malaga, the megachiringuitos are taking over the city’s bathing areas

May 22, 2025 by usatoday24

Chiringuitos are usually synonymous with relaxation, vacations and pleasant times to the heat of the sun, with a cane and a good skewer in front. In Malaga, however, they have begun to raise something different: a controversial sound that It has mobilized to the neighbors and unleashed a rifirrafe between administrations on the distribution of competences, legislation and urbanism. All with the everlasting debate about the privatization of the coasts As a backdrop. The reason is simple. There, in full Malagueta, residents They denounce that you want to expand several picnius to turn them into megachiringuitos. “The beach is going to run out of horizon,” They warn. Malagueta earrings. Last year the hotels of Malaga hosted 6.3 million of travelers. And it is not unreasonable to think that the vast majority (at least among those who came to tourism) went through La Malagueta, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Andalusia, famous for their beach, their restaurants, stores … and beach bar. In recent months, however, some of these food and drink stalls have unleashed Criticism from neighbors. The reason: your remodeling plans. The focus is centered on several beach bars between Antonio Martín restaurant and the military residence. As revealed Already in September the newspaper SOUTH, The Junta de Andalucía and the City of Malaga have processed an in -depth reform of three chiringuitos to gain height and volume. In one of the cases there was even the demolition of the original beach bar to change it. The complaints of the neighbors. The idea has not convinced the neighbors of the neighborhood, who have been on a war stand for months. The reason? They denounce that the locals will give a considerable stretch, going from being simple beach picnic to large chiringuitos, which will “eat” Arenal. “La Malagueta Beach is going to run out of horizon (…). Three beach bars will be built to renew those that already exist that triple the space of occupation on the beach and duplicate in volume,” lamented in December The president of the Association in the SER. “A very important volume is being built that leaves the stretch of the walk, and with the project of two more similar.” Will they change so much? In the case of the most advanced reform, that of the beach bar that will move slightly west of the beach, the change is evident. Being a modest picnary, with a small construction, bar and awning has become a broader structure With glass, wood and a dark roof with wavy shape. As needed SOUTHthe new construction reaches 4.1 meters high from the sand and measures 24 m long, following the promenade. According to The Andalusian newspaperwill occupy in total 286 square meters, including both the 216 m3 of the main block, with kitchen, bar, bathrooms and terrace covered and the 70 m2 of the open and removable terrace. Click on the image to go to Tweet. And the controversy arrived. The works in La Malagueta started months ago and have advanced under the watchful eye of SOS Malagueta, which regrets that they are building “True Armatetes” in “an already saturated area”. The neighborhood association He has collected signatures To protest the expansion of the pixtures of the Paseo Marítimo, they have taken advantage of topographs, architects and lawyers to study the case and have even claimed the stoppage of the works. “It cannot be expanded and these projects have triple space and double volume”, He insisted on autumn its president, Mari Ángeles Ramírez in statements to Malaga’s opinion. And since then? The situation has not broken down. At the end of April the Malagueta neighborhood platform critical In the municipal plenary, the “systematic privatization of the beach for the exclusive benefit of tourism and the hoteliers” and the issue has also been present in municipal policy: in February the municipal Vox group demanded explanations to the Councilor for Urban Planning for the construction of the beach bars, which, which, which, which, which, which, which, which, which, which He denounced“They have disproportionately occupied the beach.” From the Malaga town hall It insists In the legality of permits and it is remembered that concessions can reach the 300 m2. To complete the mess, it makes A few weeks It was ordered to withdraw an access for beach trucks related to the work. The background debate. Although the focus has been put in the Malagueta beach bars, the background debate actually goes beyond and connects with a key debate, such as I recently remembered Toni Morillas, with Malaga: the “privatization” of the beach. It’s not Something exclusive From the Andalusian city and the same theme has also generated discussion in other parts of Spain, but in the case of Malaga coincides with a second crucial debate: the Tourist. The City Council itself He has recognized in A report That the town supports “unprecedented tourist saturation levels”, and warns: “This phenomenon causes certain areas to exceed its load capacity, negatively affecting both residents and visitors”, which ultimately can lead to “expulsion” from local trade. Image | Sputnik Mania (Flickr) In Xataka | Spanish tourism faces the real risk of dying of success. There are already guides that advise three of its great destinations

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