Schwimmbad

Camden's friend came to visit this week and we went to the Schwimmbad (swimming pool) that is near our house (Have I mentioned, I love being able to walk everywhere ;-)). One of the things that is really neat at some of the indoor pools over here (including the one in Bamberg), is that they are self sufficient with regard to energy. They build the facility and then as soon as the building is paid off (within 20 years or so), the facility actually turns a complete profit using alternative energy and of course ticket sales are a bonus (which are very reasonable by the way). They use Solar and Geothermal energy to run the place - really a "no brainer" of a concept! Anyway, it was the first time we went to this pool and found it to be a really fun. The highlight was the slide. Not only because the slide was fun, but because they add the competitive component with a timer. Most people were at the outdoor pool, so we had the place virtually all to ourselves - a great day!

They have lots of different "lagoons" so you don't feel like everyone is right beside you..

You can swim indoors and outdoors

The outdoor area is heated too, and it is fun because the water pushes you around this area (like a river)

You can see all of the natural sunlight that makes you feel like you are outdoors (but also helps heat the place)

lots of different type of swimming spots - both indoors and out

They had lots of huge hot tub pools too, where you can just lay and relax

This was the gathering spot to watch the time as people go down the slide...

And a little kids area...

And this was the highlight...after each turn on the slide, the top number tells you how fast you went. The bottom right tells you the fastest time for the day, and the bottom left tells you the fastest time ever. The competitive spirit in everyone came out! So funny! (oh - and none of us even came close to breaking the days record - but we had a lot of fun trying :-))