Friday Night Backyard Banya: A Cozy Tradition with Friends
As I've grown older, I've come to cherish Friday nights as a time to unwind and relax after a long week of work. While many people opt for a night out on the town, my ideal Friday night involves the soothing embrace of a sauna, right in my own backyard.
Before I had my own Sauna Tent, I used to gather a few friends and head to the Russian Banya in Etobicoke. It was fantastic, but also quite a mission and often cost me over $100 per visit. With my Sauna Tent, I've created a Friday night tradition that's not only more affordable but deeply personal.
Here's how my Friday night backyard Banya unfolds:
Early Evening Gathering: I invite a few close friends over in the early evening, setting the stage for a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.
Simple Meal: To keep things easy, I prepare a pot of soup or some perogies, opting for pre-made varieties from the local Polish store. This ensures more time to enjoy my friends' company.
Sauna Preparation: Together, we chop wood, light the sauna stove, and change into our sauna gear. It's a collective effort that adds to the sense of camaraderie.
Round 1 - Warm-Up: After a quick 20-minute warm-up, we jump into the sauna for the first of three rounds. We start at a moderate 70°C, allowing us to acclimate gradually while catching up on our week.
The Steam Experience: Around 7 minutes into each round, I introduce a steam session. I pour eucalyptus-infused water over hot stones, intensifying the heat and elevating our sweat. These moments are filled with silence as we immerse ourselves in the waves of heat.
Cold Plunge: Each round concludes with a cold plunge into a stock tank, followed by tea and conversation to cool off and recharge.
Intermission: We take at least a 10-minute break between rounds to hydrate and relax.
Round 2 - Deeper Conversations: Round 2 begins at a hotter 80°C, encouraging deeper conversations about relationships, life plans, and dreams.
Round 3 - Culmination: Round 3 follows a similar pattern. Each round lasts around 15 minutes, concluding with a hot steam session and a refreshing cold plunge.
The Meal and Relaxation: After round 3, we head inside to share a hearty meal of soup and perogies, accompanied by drinks and lively conversation. Traditional Eastern European cuisine complements the sauna experience perfectly. We unwind on the couch while enjoying some Animal Planet – a nod to those who have experienced the Russian Banya.
A Cozy Conclusion: After an unforgettable evening with friends, we typically find ourselves in bed by midnight, feeling warm, satisfied, and completely relaxed.
These Friday night backyard Banya sessions have become a cherished tradition, providing warmth, connection, and rejuvenation at the end of a long workweek.
