My First Turkish Hamam Trip

On December 18th, Sero came into town. We convinced him to take us to Isparta! We arrived at a quarter to eleven and had breakfast at the Simit Cafe. Shortly after, we set out to find a Hamam for women.

What we did not find out until later was that this day was a test to determine whether we could travel to Isparta alone in the future. We had to ask for directions in Turkish, the three of us... and Sero just watched (cruel right)! It turnedout to be fairly easy and we learned that all the major shops are on one straight strip. After walking about 30 minutes and asking a million and one questions we finally found the Hamam! Sero decided to wait for us in a cafe across the street (now, before I go on I must first say that I do not think Sero will ever take us to a Hamam again lol).

So we went in, Rebecca, Fatihah and I and we were completely clueless. I have been to enough spas but never a Turkish Hamam. We were given lockers for our personal items, issued towels and then directed to the changing rooms. We undressed down to our undies and towels and then proceeded to the bathing room, the sauna. Not. HAMAMS ARE MOST DEFINITELY UNDER RATED! We had baths, deep tissue scrubs and last but not least... massages on the center of a hot rock! Besides the old women staring that have never seen naked brown skin, tattoos or perky breasts, I had a great time!

However, this trip to the Hamam that was supposed to last 45 minutes turned into 2 and a half hours.... and boy was Sero bothered!!!! If we want to go back I'm certain we'll get the permission to go alone because I doubt Sero waiting in a cafe again for 2 and a half hours. Be back later with details about my birthday party.

Originally written for On Turkish Turf