I really, really intended to get a post up two weeks ago, before I went on vacation. But you know what they say about good intentions.

I had a wonderful time stomping around the Alberta badlands. I knit and drank wine every day, of course – but not nearly to the extent you might think. As it turns out, hanging around doing nothing all day long really eats up a lot of time.

I’ve still got a small menagerie of lovely knitted things to show you, as well as a delectable bottle or two. (Though, the theme of our trip was “value”, so I wasn’t exactly drinking Champagne out there.)

On to more pressing matters: it’s WTF Wednesday! In keeping with the spirit of vacations come and gone, I present you with this:

A wine spa.

This spa is located at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a “hot springs amusement park and spa resort” in Hakone, Japan. The pool is filled with red wine, and though it doesn’t say what kind, the big bottle in the background is Beaujolais Nouveau, and these shots were taken in November 2009 to celebrate its launch.

What I really find both amusing and baffling is this picture below:

Judging by the little dude happily cavorting in the Nouveau, apparently they don’t check your ID before you enter the wine tub. Wine glasses also seem to be optional. (Though, at least they are drinking from a fresh bottle, and not just dipping into the tub. Because, gross.)

I can’t decide if this spa is awesome or repulsive. I suspect it’s a bit of both. And I think this guy’s expression captures that sentiment beautifully: