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Among the best two or three places in the world, I wound up here by mistake this summer going to Lord’s Cricket Ground (took the long way), but without trunks, so I came back. It’s a pretty cold freshwater pond with trees all around it near the lookout point, and is open spring to fall. There are men’s and ladies’ ponds too, nearby. George Smiley swam laps in one with his head above water at the start of the Tinker Tailor movie; when I went other retirees were doing the same. It’s unreal to step into, much less swim in; you feel like a million bucks or pounds getting out of the water. It’s hard to believe this place exists. It looks like the nice half of that Bosch painting.
Nov 23, 2022
Related Recs
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Unlike my usual spots you are allowed to dive in, the ducks get really close to you & you don’t have to wear a hat or a tow float either
Nov 1, 2024
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the water is brown & silky and when u dive under the sunlight is golden and when u come back up a lily pad is on ur head
Mar 9, 2024
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Even if you’re not a huge fan of lap swimming, indoor pools are often really special examples of national architecture—my favorites are from the first half of the twentieth century—and it’s surprisingly interesting to observe the pool etiquette of different cultures. Italians, while somewhat impatient and in-your-face on land, are incredibly courteous and respectful of relative speed in the water; they’re gracious and accommodating if you need to pass them. In Milan I always make a point to go to Piscina Cozzi, which had a huge Maurizio Cattelan mural on the back wall featuring a tacky Ophelia in red lipstick. It was there in October of last year, but I think they’ve since taken it down, which is a shame, but apparently he swims there, too.
Jun 6, 2024
Top Recs from @sami
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I like the neuroplastic/wholesome/health recs in these letters, and I remember this specific advice from an earlier one and am going to echo it. Walking is really it. People love lifting and breaking sweats but frankly walking 8,000 steps a day (10 tbh) is more important for long-term health. By a hair… I won’t make any crazy claims like walking can cure depression. But…. if you eat right, breathe through your nose, get some sleep and sun and have something you want to do every day, and have a couple of bucks to your name and some friends, it might. More realistically, even when things could improve at least you get to go on a nice long walk.
Nov 23, 2022
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Been listening to a lot of Immolation lately… the nice thing about death metal is even the average bands are really satisfying because they don’t need to hammer the point if they hint at it. Immolation, though, hammer it, and have like nine great full lengths. They’re all very fluid and easy, but not showy. Who can explain great art? Not me. But if I remember right they’re based in New York, and the drummer lives in Cleveland and commutes to practice. Which feels like the key to it all.
Nov 23, 2022
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I remain optimistic about this dipshit and think he should get another year at least.
Nov 23, 2022