I, Bather

I've always preferred baths to showers. Soaking in your own filth while having some soothing music in the background, a puro light up and some nice scented candles does wonders for the soul.

Right, it might not sound very macho but on the other hand, sending of youngsters to foreign countries to die for oil is not very macho either. Rather the contrary.

There is a very strong European but also Asian bathing tradition. The public bath house was the most popular meeting ground before the cafe emerged during the 19th century.

It's not often these days that you hear two buddies say: Hey, let's go and have a bath and catch up. No Siree, that happens very seldom. These days.

But getting really soaked - for a man - must be the equivalent to getting a manicure and pedicure - for a woman. You feel pampered. Your body and mind cleansed. Your thoughts become pure and simple.

My almost daily baths have become a routine and something that I look forward to before I go to bed. A candle, some bath salt, the Sunday NYT and some Bossa Nova makes me feel like I can take on the world. Which I'll never do but who cares. It feels good!