By Laura Frazier, Staff Writer -- frazier13@up.edu
It took a lot of convincing, but I agreed to test out the Sauna Social myself.
Honestly, I was nervous. The concept of being surrounded by a bunch of guys I didn't really know in a terribly confined area was intimidating, not to mention the whole sweat factor. Was I really agreeing to sit there and drip for an hour? Nonetheless, I went into the sauna and found myself a corner in which to hide.
I stayed quiet while the guys in the sauna started talking about football; clearly I was a little out of the conversation. I looked to the other three girls for help, but they just seemed to be taking it all in as well.
However, this didn't last for long as the group decided to play a riddle game, which I was invited to participate in.
I was just starting to get comfortable when four more guys showed up at the sauna door, pushing the quaint little sauna past its capacity. Yet no one seemed to care. I just figured, what's four more people? It's not like I am going to look any more ladylike or stand out less with more guys involved. I felt like busting out "Man I Feel Like A Woman," Shania Twain style, just to remind myself that I was indeed different from all the smelly men.
As far as the aroma of the sauna, it was tolerable, though it definitely didn't smell like the fresh ocean breeze. It was actually a more distinctive scent along the lines of orange — I think it was orange tea and that marvelous smell of sweat. But the vapors from the tea did sting my eyes just a little. I was dying for fresh air. I couldn't leave though, as that would show weakness.
Then it was time for the notorious recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Oh no, I thought, this is the part of the night when I pass out and some guy has to cart me out of the sauna. Thankfully, it was not as bad as I thought it would be, but it was undeniably hotter standing up.
I sat down after, and went back to focusing all my energy on not rubbing up on the guy next to me.
I stayed in the sauna for as long as I could, and left when the rest of the group did. They thanked me profusely for coming.
Overall, the sauna was far from a negative experience. I made 15 new friends in possibly the most awkward way possible. Will I go back? Of course. After that first slightly overwhelming experience, it can only get better from here. From now on, look for me in the sauna on Thursday nights at 10. Maybe.
