Bathtubs, Bedrooms, and Big Deals

Since the election of Pope Francis there has been an understandable and warranted appreciation of the new pope's humility. He is very genuine. Personally, I am still impressed that upon meeting the crowds he first asked for their blessing....and paused....he paused a long while...because he meant it!

This man who is in a position of great prominence and prestige chooses to dress simply (as simply as a pope can dress) and stay humble. I'm sure in his home country of Argentina folks are already placing historical markers in his home and on the bus he rode to work. Pope Francis probably would not approve.

It's a contrast between how we Americans do the fame game and especially where presidents are concerned. Let's be honest, be you R or D, it takes a significant ego to think of one's self as having the ability to be President. I think our culture lends to this by our "George Washington Slept Here" phenomena.

I'm referring to the various inns, hotels and homes that have a marker informing all visitors that the first president of the United States once bunked in that very place for a night or two. Of course, in Pennsylvania those claims are many. Goerge and his horse got around.

This weekend I was in Bedford County and was shown an old building where the native Bedfordian told me that "George Washington did indeed sleep there." However, the landmark of even greater presidential significance was found in Berkeley Springs, WVA which is home to the famous Berkely hot springs and commerce surrounding said hot springs and Roman-style baths. (I laid down some cash for the experience and I have to say it is well worth it.)

According to the town events calendar, this past weekend marked the celebration of "George Washington Bath" day. I'm serious.

Yes, as the photo attests, they have a small, rock-laid, rectangular bath filled by the area's hot springs and according to journal accounts from George himself, he did, indeed, come there to bathe in the soothing, wonder-working waters of Berkely Springs.

It begs the question, what is our fascination with the sleeping, bathing, eating, and transportation habits of the famous and powerful?

All I know is, after my experience in the Roman baths at Berkely Springs I had a strange hankering to hatchet down a cherry tree.