Ada, a spirited septuagenarian with a zest for life’s curiosities, had heard these tales. Initially, she was sceptical. Time travel? In a bathtub? It sounded like something out of a science fiction novel. Yet, the notion of experiencing different eras was too tantalising to ignore. She thought about her bathtub at home, plain and functional, a stark contrast to the spa’s reputed marvel. Ada often pondered about how to modify a bathtub to suit her aging needs, but time travel was never part of her considerations.
Upon entering the spa, Ada was greeted by walls adorned with images of different eras – Ancient Egypt, the Roaring Twenties, and even glimpses of what seemed like the distant future. The centrepiece of it all was the bathtub. It looked almost ordinary but for its elegant design and a few unusual panels and dials. It was modified for accessibility, with features that made it easy for even those with mobility issues to use – a thoughtful incorporation blending futuristic innovation with present-day necessity.
With a mix of excitement and apprehension, Ada stepped into the water. It was warm and inviting, and as she settled in, she gave a nod to the attendant. The lights dimmed, and the tub began to hum softly. The walls of the room seemed to dissolve, and suddenly, Ada found herself overlooking a bustling Victorian street. Carriages rolled by, and people in period attire walked the cobblestone paths.
For an hour, Ada was no longer just an elderly woman from Sydney; she was a traveller in time, witnessing histories she had only read about. When she returned, stepping out of the bathtub felt like emerging from a dream. But it was real, as real as the need for accessible modifications in her own home.
As Ada left the spa, her mind buzzed not just with the wonders she had witnessed, but with possibilities. The bathtub, a symbol of innovation and care, had opened her eyes. What seemed like mere fantasy had profound implications for reality, for the elderly and disabled, for anyone who sought a blend of the practical and the magical in their lives.