Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Back To The Continental Baths

We took the train (an 11-minute ride), in the pouring rain, into Benalmádena Sunday to meet friends Kristina and Matti for lunch. On our ride out of our neighborhood, as we passed the Roman ruins (click here) park down below, I noticed that the Roman Baths were filled with water. How exciting! It looked like they were back in business! And by my way of thinking, we live on "the continent," so these must be the "Continental Baths." (If you've never heard of the other Continental Baths, click here.)

Our usual morning coffee stop, El Jazzy Bar, is located right on the edge of the ruins park and, since El Jazzy is closed Mondays, I decided to check out "The Baths" Tuesday morning only to discover that they were no longer abubble. One pool had some water, but my favorite round pool had drained.

Then I noticed that the Roman fish salting factory also appeared to be back in business. Well, maybe not back in business. But there's lots of water. It's a start.

THE ONLY POOL STILL HOLDING WATER.
MA FAVORITE POOL. FILLED SUNDAY. EMPTY TUESDAY.
WAITING FOR THE FISH TO BE DELIVERED?

Bette Midler at the Continental Baths, New York City, 1971. (That's Barry Manilow on the piano.)
They'd come to the Fuengirola Baths if only the baths would hold water!
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11 comments:

  1. Jim29 November, 2016 18:53

    Roman ruins/baths.....such history!
    Too bad they drain out over time now...but probably a good thing.....think of the heat and swamps!! Sorry to wreck your romantic take, Mitch!!
    Bette.....I feel SO old looking at this clip....she was so young and always thankful for her start in the 'baths' of NYC.

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    Replies
    1. Moving with Mitchell30 November, 2016 22:48

      Jim:
      Well, if they're not going to get these baths up and running, I'll have to head into Málaga for the Arab Baths!

      Delete
  2. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com29 November, 2016 21:18

    That's a powerful metaphor for the state of the world, Mitchell. I suppose you could've soaked your pinky toes for a bit.
    On the other hand - wow! A young, svelte, bra-less Bette and Barry (he's bra-less too, I assume) singing for friends. Sign me up. That reenergized me.
    Thank you, kind friend. =)

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    1. Moving with Mitchell30 November, 2016 22:49

      Robyn:
      There is an entire Bette (and Barry) remastered show at the Continental Baths available online. Check it out!

      Delete
  3. stephen Hayes29 November, 2016 21:40

    I love Roman history and wonder if "Garum" was manufactured in these pools. Garum was a ridiculously expensive and coveted fish sauce that the Romans even put on sweet desserts.

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    1. Moving with Mitchell30 November, 2016 22:50

      Stephen:
      Yes, garum was produced there. I guess I should be grateful they haven't started THAT up again. Oh, the smell!

      Delete
  4. The Odd Essay30 November, 2016 02:16

    Sorry you couldn't enjoy the baths... I think I still have a swimsuit somewhere that smells like the sulfur from some hot baths in New Zealand. Do those you picture smell of sulfur?

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  5. Wilma30 November, 2016 03:56

    Bette, back in the day. What a treat.

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    Replies
    1. Moving with Mitchell30 November, 2016 22:51

      Wilma:
      Great to see. I saw her a few years later when she had left the Baths!

      Delete
  6. Ur-spo05 December, 2016 00:43

    Funny you should bring this up. My out of town guest and I almost went to a bathhouse today. but we felt asleep.

    ReplyDelete

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