I joined the gym, or health club as it's known here, on Monday. The joining itself was fairly easy, but the rest was just plain strange. As anywhere else in Korea you have to leave your shoes at the door of the place before you enter. So that's exactly what I did. Just keep in mind that I was wearing my gym clothes, so off course my trainers were at the door. I asked the receptionist if I can work out on my first night. The answer was yes, but she was very worried that I didn't have shoes. I assured her I did, but they were outside. She told me that I'm not allowed in the gym with those shoes, because I wore them outside. I had to lock them in a locker and give the key to her. (So obviously you can't pitch up at the gym with your running shoes, you have to wear different ones.) Note to self - carry your running shoes in your hand.
The next thing I knew, the receptionist handed me an orange overall and two VERY small towels. She showed me to the bathroom. Before that, when I handed her my locker key, she gave me a watch with a number on it.
In the bathroom I tried to open every single locker, but couldn't get one to open. Eventually I realized that the number on the watch was the number for the locker. The gym's bathroom is very strange and everyone is naked! But not normal naked, you have to squeeze past old naked Asian ladies to get to your locker. Bum on bum action. Not cool! They sit on the floor (naked) and chill with their friends - come on that's not normal!? Anyways so I undressed and open my orange overall. The guys in the gym works out with black pants and lime green shirts and the lucky ladies with orange shorts and orange + grey shirts. SEXY!
Seeing that I didn't have my trainers with me I just missioned around the gym barefoot and after ten minutes decided it was time to sauna. I couldn't figure out which sauna was the female one (I have seen enough naked bodies for one day thank you very much) so I headed back to my locker to get dressed and leave the crazy place.
Back at reception the lady gave me a weird look and said: "card, tomorrow". Ok tannie ek sal dit more kom haal!
My first actual gym experience wasn't that bad. I did the shoe thing and my card was there! I looked like a pro - well not in my 'aksie pakkie' yet, but we'll get there! I worked out and headed for another try at the sauna. Turns out the sauna's are unisex and no one is naked in side - think they've got the naked thing completely wrong..haha! The sauna looks like a torture room. There is nothing but this wall like thing in the middle and a million asian carpets everywhere with an odd brick or two lying around. You can pick a spot anywhere on the floor and then just chill until the heat gets to you. At first the idea of chilling on those carpets/mats (whatever) was quite revolting (germs!!!) but you get over it very quickly! The sauna is very relaxing and helps you 'de-day'.
I will be back there tonight and if anything strange happens I will let you know tomorrow!
Wikkel dai boude en skud die krummels! x
No comments:
Post a Comment