Day Trip to LA: Relaxing in the Jimjilbang!

Driving by the Babylonian themed outlet mall wasn’t in the plans when we got lost, but at least it gave us the opportunity to see the cool huge holiday decorations gracing the ancient style buildings! For some reason, it’s been way too long since I’ve been down here in Los Angeles, and I totally got turned around on the freeway, missing the original destination by a good half hour. Oops! Oh well, there’s always something to see in the city of angels, and it wasn’t too terribly out of the way. Just a quick turn around and we were back to our main destination.

Yes, the famous (or infamous?) Korean tradition style spa, known as Wi Spa. I first came here a couple of years ago after Conan posted a segment from his late night show with a little skit he did inside the spa. It was hilarious and made me feel comfortable diving into this very nude, very public situation. Growing up I was always very self conscious about my body, but since coming here that has been blown away.

It really is amazing what bathing with strangers can do. Not only do you get ridiculously clean and your skin gets terrifyingly smooth, but the experience of mingling with other people in the buff is magically liberating and does wonders for your sense of self and mental well being. It’s a shame it’s not a part of mainstream American culture, I think it could do a lot of good in regards to this countries hangups about the human body.

After countless rounds through the showers, the many types of saunas, the hot tubs, and cold areas, I’m now up on the rooftop patio snuggled up under a blanket on a couch. I’m hoping the next leg of today’s journey will be at some Korean BBQ restaurant, as all that washing, sweating, and relaxing has seriously stimulated my appetite!

This is an excellent way to start the new year!