I could smell the eucalyptus  in my hair , and  I was beginning to become aware  of two things , one  I was sweaty heavily , and two though I couldn’t see it  I was  positive that my skin was peeling  off. I called for  the  attendant{ Diego}  and told him  that I could feel  my skin peeling off, ” don’t worry he said  it happens a lot to first timers, especially  americans “  and then  he  leaves, by this point sweat is  dripping down my back , and there is no doubt in my mind that  yes , my skin is peeling off, then  Diego is back  he tells me I am now to  run a towel of ice water  all over my body , wich is at first awkward  since instead of my usual  swim suite I’m in long bulky board shorts [ I had a sudden panic of modesty when I found out  that the baths were unisex  and that the only attendant was a  very young, possibly  even teenage boy]  even though the water is ice-cold at first  I feel good  relaxed even , and  as i sit in the box again  the steam seems less intense, this ritual is repeated about three or four times   until finally  I’m basically just hosed  down with cold water , lovely , now my skin is soft  and  some what  rosy , but all the health benefits are about to be lost as  I head out and about  to the market to-day in search  of  batteries, salty food , and  other miscellaneous  things , and I am happy to report that I have not had any coffee in three days and there have been no acts of violence or any serious withdrawals, I’m liking this natural setting , I might even just give up shaving , and meat all together , its funny how those two things seem to always go hand in hand isn’t it?  alright then I’ll  write  back soon—pj