A block from the conference center I discover the local Bad, meaning "Bath," which is good for me. Built in 1904, the "Centralbad" offers an oasis to those who work and live in the center city. I take advantage on several occasions, soaking in the pool and saunas. The "bad" includes a full bar outside the saunas, although when I visit, during the day, nobody is imbibing.

The Swedes, of course, are famous for their water rites involving intense saunas followed by dunks in icy cold water. While less of a formal ritual than, say, Native American sweat lodge ceremonies, the process of sweating-- letting the pores open and pour out the fluids inside-- is a classic cleansing/purification that is a powerful reminder that, indeed, the human body is mostly water.

The sauna at the Bad is sex segregated, with swimsuits being banned, although the steam room is for both sexes and suits are required.

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