Blogs from Iceland, Europe - page 76

I had to get up incredibly early because I'd booked a tour to the south part of the island at a glacier called Solheimajokull, about two hours away from Reykjavik by bus. We would be doing some trekking through this ancient frozen ice and some ice climbing as well. I got picked up at my hostel and then to the main bus station. From there we set out with our guide Oscar and four others who would be making up the group. As I expected, we were greeted with beautiful scenery along the way. We stopped near the glacier to pick up some supplies and once there Oscar pulled out all the equipment we would be using and we walked towards the towering mounds of snow and ice. Being that it was already May and the ... read more

In a world that is increasingly homogenous, fiercely independent cultures and places are especially intriguing. Likely a result of it's geographical isolation from both mainland Europe and North America, Iceland has always taken it's own unique path. Icelandic architecture and fashion is a reflection of it's unusual geography, the Icelandic palette is most comfortable when quality local ingredients are cured, cultured, fermented, or pickled, and the Icelandic people revel in self sufficiency and environmental sustainability. Iceland has always been deeply rooted in nordic liberal sensibilities, but unlike any other nation, they refused to bail out their banks after the 2008 recession, in 2009 they elected the world's first openly gay female prime minister and in 2010, Reykjavik elected John Gnarr, punk rock singer, comedian, and self proclaimed anarchist as their mayor. The physical land... read more

Sun Shining on the Blue Water Pack up, check out and straight to the Blue Lagoon. It's a 20 minute drive from Reykjavík and we got there right about the time they opened so it wasn't overly crowded yet. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field, the water is rich in minerals that are super good for your skin. Our package included the use of robes and towels, a free gift bag, a free drink and face mask. Basically you just show up, walk into a super posh Euro showering/changing hotel and then walk 20 feet onto the deck of the most gorgeous hot spring pool. The water is HOT and feels great after the dumb weather of the last few days. It puts every spring that we've been to in ... read more

A Little Bit of Sunshine Jet lag really messes up a sleep schedule which meant we ended up sleeping in until 11. Since we missed the regular breakfast at most places, which ends at 11, we went back to the Laundromat Cafe, they serve breakfast until the afternoon. Eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee for $40! The sun came out in little intervals today interspersed with short 10 second hail storms. The weather seems a bit sporadic and crazy except we're from Colorado so we're a bit used to weather changing by the minute. We spent most of the day wandering up and down the small streets browsing in stores and buying knickknacks and souvenirs. Marleah got an Icelandic sweater which was the one thing she was really looking forward to buying while we are here. John ... read more

We woke up "early" this morning to enjoy a tasty breakfast on the farm! After a quick shower (literally - the water couldn't decide d it was hr or cold and had that sulfury smell), we headed towards Geysir. Geysir is actually a cluster of little geysers including one that erupts every 5 minutes! We witnessed one eruption up close - it was spectacular! After Geysir we headed for Gullfoss, Icelanda largest waterfall. It did not disappoint! Although the wind was howling and the walkway was solid ice, we managed to get a great view. It is a major tourist destination though, so when the tour buses started lining up, we got out if there! We decided it was time to make our way to Reykjavik, since we had to turn the rental car in by ... read more