Thermal Baths, Chess and Beer

The Danube River flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Following a geographical fault line separating Buda Hills from the vast East European plains, the river near Budapest emanates daily from over 120 springs and feeds Hungary’s marvelous thermal baths. Ottoman architecture provides a stunning backdrop for many of the area’s popular bathhouses, including the one in this image.

I see in these men wholehearted living and all kinds of love and joy. There’s self-love in how they care for their bodies enough to immerse themselves in what they believe is water with medicinal power. Self-acceptance is apparent in allowing the signs of aging—more wrinkles, looser abs, receding hairlines—to show without discomfort or efforts to mask the changes brought about by time passing.

Joy in things other than themselves is obvious in their camaraderie, close positioning, and how their faces convey a passionate concentration that celebrates the rigorous game of chess. Without being certain, a person gets the sense they have met like this for decades and after a game is completed, they are likely to enjoy a beer together and review every move made.

This, to me, is a portrait of simple living: fun, play, health, people in community. In the mighty Danube’s water, love and joy bubble up and overflow.