The half-arsed urban walrus story.

In Russia one may meet old men (known as Walruses) who bathe daily in the freezing lake. They break the ice with a hammer and bob up and down blowing steam as they do so.

This is alleged to be good for their health and since the average age for a walrus seems to be about seventy I can only assume that it works.

I thought I would have a go myself- but half hardheartedly as I am a pampered westerner.

I ran myself a cold bath and very rapidly soaped myself down. I felt unusually alive for much of the day and have now been doing this for nearly a week.

I have no idea if it is doing me good- but I feel good and this makes it worthwhile.