Without wishing to overgeneralise, Eastern European countries seem to place a great deal of attention on health and sports facilities. On a recent visit to Prague, I explored potential swimming sites and was impressed by the number of possibilities even for a relatively cold March. I settled on one (ČEZ – Plavecký stadion Podolí) aka Podolí Swimming Stadium and begin to gradually learn its unique quirks and peculiarities after several visits. https://pspodoli.cz/en/

Built in 1964, the facility won’t win any architectural beauty contests and it took all the charm that I could muster to try to raise a smile from the attendant at the entrance. I must thank her though for helping me immensely with the wrist key system. However, what a place it is. Two 50m pools (one indoor and one out) as well as a 33m outdoor pool which is where I spent the majority of my time (the 50m outdoor pool was being cleaned over the week). It is one of those places for the masses. Everyone seems to go there and I saw swimmers of all ages, shapes, speeds and agendas. On the last day that we were there, the temperature shot up and it seemed that half of Prague visited the pool. The entrance fee for a non-resident was reasonable, but I was happy to see that it was even more so for residents and those who come regularly. Within the massive complex were an array of other services including a salon for hair, manicures and pedicures, a swim shop and cafeteria. One man told me that his work subsidised his membership. They really seem to have it sussed. Brilliant.