D MJ Binkley's Guestbook

2nd December 2017

Stunning Iceland!
Gosh, very inspirational, I love your descriptions of this unique country. Also loved the photos of the velvet clouds and grass-covered houses :) I've often considered revisiting places I've travelled to to rekindle the memories, but very useful to remember that although memories stay the same, the places will always move on, and it would be important to remember this before returning. Thank you for getting me to think about this one.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

2nd December 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Stunning Iceland
Yes the places continue to move on. Iceland is spectacular and I recommend everyone going. I'd go sooner than later but it is worth the trip. Love your description of the velvet clouds.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

1st December 2017

Crannster
Theresa and Dave

Crowds
Indeed Iceland has changed drastically over the years. I consider myself fortunate to go to Iceland most years with work, but I have noticed the impact of mass tourism in some of the most beautiful parts. Economy vs environment - the struggle continues! Winter in Iceland is just starting to get noticed, but it is still fairly quiet (for now). Keep exploring, Dave.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

1st December 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Crowds
We were hesitant to discuss the crowds because we wondered if we just hit a bad week. Until our guide told us they no longer have a slow season we were not sure. I’d hate for anyone to miss this amazing country so I would go sooner than later. You’ve taken note of the changes also and we agree with you that it has been rather dramatic. With that said Iceland is still unique and stunning. Wish travel magazines would slow down with those articles. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

1st December 2017

nancic123
Nanci and David Curry

Ahh....the Memories
When we have really enjoyed a destination, we romanticize it so much that a return visit could almost never live up to our vision of it in our dreams. I think that is why we have rarely visited destinations twice. Like a lost love from our past, they are often best left in our memories. That being said, Iceland is gorgeous and the photography opportunities are too great. I know we will get there eventually. Enjoyed reading this entry and all your recent travels!

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

1st December 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Ahh.... the memories
We can't wait until you go so we can see your amazing photos. Iceland is rare and has the most unique topography. You will love it. If you read our past blogs you'll know there are some areas fewer tourists go to. One of the reasons is most people only allowed 4 or 5 days to see this country.... and that cannot be done. As you say... a lost love from our past. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew

Revisting old loves vs finding new friends
We haven't made it to that part of the world yet, so my first reaction was one of dismay. But as you say, we won't really know any different and despite the crowds it all sounds fabulously exotic to me. I'm glad you were able to salvage your thermal pool dreams in your hotel pool. Love your pics! :)

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

1st December 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Revisiting old loves vs finding new friends
Iceland is amazing even with the crowds. On our first trip we went far and wide and really enjoyed the North and Northwest parts of the country. You can still find less crowded locations. This time we admit we were on the Golden Triangle which is the heaviest traveled. I would recommend doing Iceland sooner than later. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

Timing is everything
When we were in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia together I recall your excitement you were returning to Iceland. But your blog reminds me of the old adage when travelling "Timing is Everything." Our travel experiences can be twarted by insurrection, catastrophic or political events...unpredictable but making one wish we had not delayed travelling there. Or oft it can be if one waits too long the destination becomes 'the flavour of the month' making remote seem crowded like a tourist city in the evening. Makes me think I'll let Iceland quieten down...or maybe (cos I don't like crowds in paradise) it is too late for us to visit there. No matter...the next on our wish list should be remoteness heaven. Yep...timing is everything...the challenge for us is to ensure time does not run out.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Timing is everything
We were taken aback by the crowds. I’ll bet western Iceland is still pristine and it is off the beaten path and few go there. I’m glad we had a real Icelandic experience a few years ago. Thanks for reading and commenting. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

Grey haired nomads
David & Janice The grey-haired-nomads

Never Return
Hi Guys, It gets rather better the further you go from the 'golden circle', but I'm inclined to agree; it's an awesome, wonderful place, on its way to being the victim of its own success. It will take more than that to stop you two travelling though. We even suffered the same problem during the school holidays in Scotland this year! Life is an adventure whichever way up.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Never return
On our first visit we had over two weeks so we saw much of the country and the North and northwest were our favorites. Such an amazingly diverse country.I’m sure getting away from the city is the way to go but this was intended to be a quick stop to enjoy the thermal pools. Lessons learned. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

RedPlanetClaire
Claire Wade

Sad about the Blue Lagoon
I didn’t get to the Blue Lagoon when I went to Iceland in 2016, I feel like I missed it now! My employee is going to Iceland on Saturday and was asking me how busy I thought it would be and I wasn’t sure, but as she’s in her 20s, it should be all good for her although I recall it being super expensive when I went!

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Sad about the Blue Lagoon
I wish you had gone in 2016 but even still would encourage you to experience it once. You won’t know the difference and maybe you will get lucky and not have a croweded day. I doubt it but I’m attempting to be positive. I’m sure your 20 something employee will fit right in. Yes Iceland is expense and the hotel at the Blue Lagoon has gotten extremely expensive. I don’t think a ticket into the lagoon is all that pricey. Most people take the bus from town and return to the city. Thanks for following along. MJ

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

gangopa
tab gangopadhyay

A tale of an amazing country
A good reminisence of the Blue Lagoon reflected during your wonderful trip to Iceland, Dave and MJ. Often I found that dream gets broken when i revisit a place to walk down the memory lane. Only couple of days ago I was in Chiang Mai and revisited my old love Tharn Thong Lodge close to Chiang Mai. To my surprise, i found that time has not put any dent to the tranquility of the place that i enjoyed staying. So i understand the pain you felt for Blue Lagoon, MJ. Enjoyed your story.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

A tale of an amazing country
Thanks for following along. Glad your dreams were not broken when visiting Tharn Thong Lodge. Serenity now. Iceland is one of our favorites but no desire to do the Blue Lagoon again. We will erase the recent visit and remember it as it was....hopefully.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

Sheila Ball
non-member comment

Beautiful
That water looks so inviting! It is a place that Bill needs to see with his Icelandic heritage.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

30th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Iceland .... the land of Bill
Yes Bill needs to go trace his roots. A very unique country and both of you would love it.

From Blog: Return to Iceland.....Savor the memory as there is no going back……

26th November 2017

alex waring
Alexander Waring

Wow, What a Journey!
Wow! What a journey you guys are having. Beginning in off-the-beaten track Central Asia, through Armenia, Northern Italy, and next up Iceland! What an amazing adventure! Loved the return of the suitcase in this one, visiting the non-touristy Bergamo, and then stylish Milan. Great travel reading :)

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

28th November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Wow, What a journey!
Alex, thanks for following along. It was a great trip... a variety of experiences. We were pleasantly surprised by those quaint Italian towns that few go to. Such a joy.

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

21st November 2017

RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew

The thigh of Italy
Of all the lost/misplaced luggage stories I've heard, Michael's train experience probably has the most unusual but great ending! How lucky you came across that lovely waitress. From reading about everything you saw and ate in Italy, it seemed like you were there much longer than four weeks. I bet you missed the glorious food after you left :)

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

22nd November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

The thigh of Italy
Actually we were glad to get home and stop eating. As much as we loved it we've only had pasta once since we returned. We were just talking about the fact that we might like to have some soon. Michael was fortunate we found some one so wonderful to assist us. She was not going to give up. She kept making phone calls.

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

21st November 2017

Readingfcboi
Alan Atkinson

Lake Como
What beautiful photos of Lake Como. I also love visiting less popular tourist destinations, so have noted the names of the places you've both visited.

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

21st November 2017

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Lake Como
We look forward to your future blogs.... and maybe they will include off the beaten path Italy and other countries. Loved your last blog.

From Blog: The Lombardy Region: Lakes, Walls and More Cuisine

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