Waldenbuch Hallenbad

I experienced the Waldenbuch indoor pool this morning as the kids were off school for ice/snow and Ric started work late- so I walked up the hill 5 minutes to our local pool. Only 120 Euro for a one-year pass (about $150); totally worth it- especially considering that Ric and I can share a pool karte since they don't check id or cards at the door- there's an automated turnstile that records your schwimmkarte.

So I guess I missed the *lap swim* this morning... I think 7:30 am is the Single Mingle for the over-70 folks. There was a lot of floating around, aimless gentle breast-stroking, and chit-chatting amongst the elders. Not sure where to actually "swim," I followed a couple young people trying to get in some "laps," weaving in an out of the crowd, breast-stroking only since you had to pay attention to who was in front of you, or swimming across the pool into your space. (Sandy, I wish you were there to laughe along with me at this pool scene.)

After about 15 minutes, the crowd seemed to leave the wall and there was a length of pool completely open where I could eke out some overhand swimming... save for the 3 ladies in the corner chatting... I would just swim a length, going around them at the corner. This went on clearly for about 5 laps: me back and forth in this small lane next to the wall, completely out of everyone's way, and everyone out of my way; a nice arrangement, save for the 3 ladies. Once done chatting, did they move from my small space and permit me to continue *getting exercise*? NO. They actually started swimming the old-lady breast stroke IN MY LANE SPACE! There's an ENTIRE POOL with people doing the old-lady breast stroke. THEY CAN'T MOVE OVER A SMIDGE FOR ME TO SWIM??? (Insert sound of hand smacking forehead.)

At this point I give up swimming and head to the showers and locker room. In my towel at the locker I start to dry off (nudity here) to then get dressed. Until I notice the man's shoes under the locker next to mine. *Thankfully* reminding me that lockers are co-ed, before the man actually turned the corner. I found a dressing room instead.

So, a couple of lessons learned:
a) swim earlier when the rest of the town is still putting on slippers and drinking Ensure
b) don't actually undress in the locker room.