Bare facts of the sauna

How should a visitor to Finland react to the following proposition?

You are invited to take off all your clothes and go to a little room heated to almost 100 Cº, where you will sit, naked, with others for a while and sweat. Then you will go outside and jump (still naked) through a small hole in the ice on a lake, the sea or whatever and refresh yourselves in the freezing water - or roll in the snow instead.

In short, "What about a sauna?" The answer should be simple. Be courageous and say "yes" - because if you don't you will miss a deliciously relaxing experience which will provide a vital insight into the culture and mentality of your Finnish hosts.

Saunas have existed in other cultures, but it is in Finland that they have become entwined in the national culture. In days....

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