Travel Possibility

The public imagination is instantly riveted by stories of rare paintings by master artists being discovered in old attics or hidden behind piles of boxes in a garage. The idea that someone could have something of value without even realizing it is part of the notion of becoming rich overnight. Similar stories can be told of those who find a rare, old map of europe that is later authenticated to be worth thousands of dollars to museums and collectors. While the scale of value is less, the dream of finding a hidden gem is the same.

Rare maps are very hard to come by, as the name suggests. They are displayed in museums or enshrined by collectors who take great care to preserve and protect them from damage. These are usually original, hand drawn maps dating back centuries. In some cases, as with postage stamps, a printed map may be famous for having a specific error or for having played a specific role in history.

Antique maps include these rare finds as well as countless other maps that have aged well. Well preserved maps from the early twentieth century are now antiques. New collectors need to be wary of maps that claim to be historic but are actually reproductions or maps created at a later date. An old map of the world may be a true antique or it may be a modern reproduction of the original.

Before history was even written down, early man had been finding the benefits of a warm water soak in the natural hot springs.  Native Americans understood the healing benefits, as did the ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures. The king of Persia was said to have built his own hot tub in 600 BC.  The Greek philosophers, Hippocrates and Plato, make mention often in their writings of the therapeutic benefits to one’s health provided by soaking in water, and the Greeks built shrines and structures around the natural hot springs.  In Rome as well, stone structures were built around the natural hot springs, with various rooms and temples.  Queen Elizabeth frequented the baths in the 1500′s as did as many other royal figures.  These date back to the 2nd Century and to this day the Roman hot tubs in Bath, England are still being used on a regular basis.

Across Asia from China to Japan, the healing powers of water were also so revered.  To have a mind like water is a mantra for many Japanese, referring to the peaceful state we can bring ourselves to by considering the calm pools and ponds, a way of passive resistance and finding harmony with all living beings.  Before the technological advances that we are so familiar with today had been made, people used whatever they could find, old olive and wine tanks, troughs for animals…they filled them up with hot water and took in a soak.  Now there are so many choices, whether you wish to have a hot tub or spa installed into your back yard, or inside your home, there are many options.  Hydrotherapy is now available in the comfort of your own home.  Many illnesses that cause pain such as back and spinal problems, arthritis, and stress will be relieved with a nightly soak before bed, and with a hot tub in your home, you will not need to go far to get that great night’s sleep you will be ready for.