Peter left a very nice comment on my previous blog and I'd like to say thank you. In the blog I mentioned I felt lonely at Spielplatz but I didn't intend that to sound like a criticism. I loved the atmosphere at the club and the people were very friendly, which reminded me why I'm here on ITB rather than just finding a quiet sunny spot and stripping off, as I've done for years.
A couple of days ago I went to Rio's again for the naturist evening. Almost as soon as I'd walked in it struck me that everyone was wrapped in towels. I reckon there were about 5 times as many men as women but, since it was crowded, it meant there were quite a few couples.
What I couldn't help noticing was that sexual activity was more obvous than I remember. In the big hot-tub a young lady planted herself on her genteman's spigot and then her friend opposite did the same while the other men in the hot-tub tried to maintain a degree of British detachment. But when everyone got out, on went the towels and it was all as decorous as a vicarage tea-party again.
I have to admit that I felt uncomfortable at Rio's because of the towel wearing. Why go to a naturist evening and cover up? I can understand that with 5 men to every woman, females might feel a little bit vulnerable - but the blokes? On a naturist evening? Weird!
Spielplatz was great, just as I'd always imagined this cradle of British naturism would be. Indeed, there was a chalet for sale and I wished I had the money to buy it. Yes, I felt lonely on my visit, but that is not the fault of the people there.
Ever since I was in my teens I've just found a quiet spot, stripped off and enjoyed the sun and air. Meeting like minded people was a bonus. I suppose it was a bit selfish. Increasingly it has become harder for me to be a free nudist - living in London doesn't help, but even places like Rio's, where I used to enjoy going naked, feel less welcoming.
Once upon a time I'd run naked on the banks of the Taff in Cathays Park or stroll about the dunes at Merthyr Mawr but now, tempted as I am to go up to Richmond Park or Wimbledon Common and get my kit off I find I have become almost paranoid, such is the way that individual, solitary, nakedness in a public places seems to be treated by the populist press.
It seems to me that the pursuit of naturism is once again being forced back behind hedges and into little ghettoes. Nudity and the overt use of sexuality may be the currency of advertising but it is not encouraged as recreation for the masses. Too much like freedom perhaps? So clubs like Spielplatz will continue to thrive, but it is a pity that that is because what they allow inside the club is increasingly proscribed outside it.
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