A solo mom of three, first time in New Zealand. The free foot bath I found after giving up

It is said that there is a famous geyser in
Rotorua, on the North Island of New Zealand.

Apparently they exist in Japan too, but
I have yet to see one.

I was curious about
how impressive they might be.

However, I just couldn't
make the schedule work.

After much hesitation, I gave up on the geyser, but
though it wasn't quite a mud bath,
I thought I would like to enjoy a hot spring one more time.

That was because I learned there was a free foot bath
in the park across from the motel
where we were staying.

It seemed interesting to compare it with Japanese foot baths.

We immediately started walking with the whole family
to the place where the foot bath was supposed to be.

However, we couldn't easily
find the foot bath.

When we thought we had found it,
it was an old foot bath,
and all the water had been drained.

The park was larger than I had expected.

The children, who were getting a bit tired of walking,
"I wonder if they won't build a new foot bath?"

"We even went to the trouble of putting towels and socks in our backpacks."
they
muttered,
with slightly clouded expressions.

I, too,
almost gave up halfway.

However, the words that came out of my mouth were,

"Let's try for just 10 more minutes.
I have a feeling it might be
up ahead where we can see the steam."

I said, trying to encourage them.

My husband and children reluctantly
started to go along with me.

While we were walking,
we discovered a place where hot water? was
bubbling up.

There were sturdy fences to keep people out,
which gave me a sense of relief.

The children
"What is this? If you went in there, it looks like you'd get too hot and wouldn't be able to get out."

"Maybe people who do bad things
get punished here,"

they said, letting their imaginations run wild,
showing different,
happier expressions than before.

Then, I
spotted a place where people were gathered
in the distance.

When I got closer,
I found a newly built
footbath.

"Found it."

My whole family locked eyes.

People from various countries
were soaking their feet as they pleased.

We also took off our shoes and socks,
and stepped into the footbath.

The water was a bit hot.
Unlike mud or sulfur hot springs,
it was clear and colorless, with
almost no scent.

The warmth spread slowly from our feet,
and the tension left our bodies.

The footbath in New Zealand
was almost the same
as the ones in Japan.

We didn't get to see
the geyser this time.

However, walking through the park
filled with steam,
and finally, the time we spent
laughing with the kids
while looking for the footbath,
was more fun
than I had imagined.

Once again,
I've added another experience
that makes me think, "I'm glad I didn't give up."