We took a day trip today, about an hour and a half South of Lucca, along the coast, past Livorno.

Our goal was a hot spring in Venturina, which boasts a hot water lake and a spa. We did not feel like going to the spa, but a hot water lake sounded great. Bummer! The "lake" was more like a pool, with very little space around it, and lots and LOTS of people crowding the cement "banks".

Italians love spending the day at the pool. The whole family goes, with plenty of towels, food for a picnic, games, reading material, cool sunglasses... And pool complexes are really well designed for that: there are several pools, water slides, lounge chairs around the pool, tables, plenty of grass for a picnic, a bar. It's great fun.

But Venturina only has a pond of admittedly hotter than usual water, and a very narrow cement bank around it. All for 16 euros a pop.

Not even Gina, who loves hot springs from her years in Japan, liked the place.

posted by michel, 2005-05-02