h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Another wee entry for your most esteemed perusal/condemnation/acceptance/vilification.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A653807

Sam.

Hi, Sam,

Just had a quick whizz through your entry. Never did know exactly did know what Turkish Baths were, except it was a bit like a sauna.

I think you will need to look at number 7., which appears to have a word missing, probably 'may' or 'can'.

I've got a couple of conflicting thoughts about this piece. One is that I imagine there isn't an entry about Turkish Baths at all (I have to admit I haven't checked yet) and with only a little tinkering this could be turned into something more universal, maybe with the address as a footnote. Something like 'Turkish Baths: what they are and what to expect'.

The second thought it that if it is to be this specific Turkish Baths, then you mght at least want to include the first part of the postcode and say a bit more about the history, what makes it special as an experience from other Turkish Baths.

I hope this is helpful.

Hi again, Sam!

Just had a quick look; there aren't any other entries on Turkish Baths so a general guide would indeed be a good thing.

Of course, you're free to ignore me - I won't mind.

Hi, Sam!

Please make allowances for the fact that I am an extremely prim and proper Irishwoman, but the burning question in my mind is this:

Are the Turkish Baths in any shape or form regarded as a pick-up joint???????

I love saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, mudbaths and nearly every manner and means of massage, but when I'm travelling I am always conscious of the fact that all kinds of nefarious activities could be masquerading under those names, and I tend to steer clear.

You mention that the baths didn't seem too homosexually-threatening... did you mean threatening *to* homosexuals, or a place where rugby players go in fear that someone might *look* at them? Many researchers might consider the difference important.

And have you any information on the mixed sessions? Above a certain nudge-nudge wink-wink level I wouldn't go near the place, but if the atmosphere has the right who-cares-we've-seen-it-all-before attitude then I'd certainly consider a visit on my next trip to London.


Azara

Blatant attempt to put this to the top of PR coming up...

Right! Great stuff! Thank you very much indeed, the pair of you, for your comments which I very much appreciate and will certainly act upon when I get the opportunity.

As far as the nudge-nudge wink-wink factor of the place is concerned, I think it's absolutely fine - not at all predatory. It's all part of a big leisure centre and not in the slightest bit seedy. I don't know about the mixed days but I imagine it's all good clean fun. If you know what I mean. It's small and basic - certainly not luxurious - but I recommend at least a visit if you fancy a bit of a sweat.

Thanks again for your comments.

Ta Dah!

Interesting read - sound very Roman.

btw: Don't Russians use this type of treatment as a cure for hangovers?

I'll ask my Russian friend, Vania, and get back to you.

Sam,
As a member of a scuba club who use the Ironmonger row pool I can tell you the water while generally clean isn't the cleanest I've seen. The water quality does vary though.
It might be nice to say a little about the building - big imposing brick thing from the early 20th Century (a guess from looking at the style).

I used to use a turkish baths in Swindon after going to the gym there. Most relaxing.
Nice one Sam.

Solsbury, your feedback is most appreciated. I'll get round to saying something about the building and I might as well say something along the lines of 'while this Researcher found the water to be clean that day etc, others felt the quality to vary...' That kind of thing.

Many thanks again,

Sam.

Glad you thought it usefull. I was wondering if I was waffling off at some tangent that you didn't want to go down.
As to the water quality some weeks it's hard to see from one side of the pool to the other (underwater), others it's great and you can see everything.

Another astounding piece of self-publicity about to appear to push this to the top of PR....

OK, I've made a few little tweaks here and there incorporating some of your comments and added a few links as well.

Ta-dah!

Editorial Note: This conversation has been moved from 'Peer Review' to 'Turkish Steam Baths, Ironmonger Row, London'.

This thread has been moved out of the Peer Review Forum because your entry has now been recommended for the Edited Guide.

You can find out what will happen to your entry here: http://www.h2g2.com/SubEditors-Process

Congratulations

Pfffft!

OK, who picked this?

Whoever you are, you're fired...

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

I was the one who picked the entry. Well done.

Many thanks Silverfish. Ashley's just a bit jealous, that's all. He'll get over it. Eventually.