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Published: July 11th 2016
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Somewhere over Greenland... 9:45pm Seattle Time, 4:45am Reykjavik Time, 6:45am Haigerloch Time Time is a funny thing. It is relative, akin to distance. While measurable, constant and finite, it is, nevertheless, relative within the realm of human consciousness. Three hundred sixty-five days, one year, yet seemingly the blink of an eye. Perception is reality after all.
One year ago we were making first contact with our German partners via email, not even to the point of speaking face to face via Skype. The idea of flying half way around the world to stay in their home was something less than reality, not yet tangible. As I peer out of the window on our Iceland Air flight, gazing in awe at the twilight alpenglow shining majestically on the glaciers of Greenland and the masses of drifting icebergs thirty thousand feet below, it has now become very real for everyone who is intrepid enough to take part. It seemed to arrive overnight. Time is relative.
A celebration of time occurred at Seattle Tacoma International Airport at 1pm when everyone met, all on time, to say their fond farewells. Hugs and a few tears marked the occasion as we embark
on this journey. I believe that those tears illustrate positive feelings and pride on the part of both parents and children. There is a certain realization that the student who is leaving will never truly return. The individual who does come back will be quite different than the one who they are sending off. The power of this exchange is evident in change. These students will return as confident, responsible, independent, citizens of this world. A momentous change will occur in just a three week span. In just three short weeks, a lifetime of memories and experiences that they will be able to draw from and reflect positively upon for the rest of their lives will be imparted upon them. Time is relative.
Reykjavik, Iceland 11:30am Seattle Time, 6:30pm Iceland Time, 8:30pm Haigerloch Time Twenty Two weary student travelers and two haggard teachers are finally able to call it a day; and what a day it was!
We breezed through Keflavik International airport like we had VIP service. In and out and on to our chartered bus in record time. Our driver, Leuers, a former 747 pilot, was tasked with giving us a
glimpse of Iceland's incredible landscape, answer a litany of questions peppered at him at a ferocious pace by Heidi, and somehow remain cheery and bright. Our kids were amazing all day. I have not been with a group who has maintained their energy as well as this one, which made the day a lot of fun.
Our first stop was the plate boundary, where the North American and Eurasian plates are pulling away from one another at about two inches per year. The kids took that in, processed it, were duly impressed, and then proceeded to play in the sand, which was all good.
On toward Reykjavik we drove, but first, an important stop. A small, hole in the wall Icelandic Bakery for some morning treats. It was quite obviously a shock for the one poor lady on duty within. So much so, that she quickly called in reinforcements. Moments later, her wide eyed helper strode through the door, squeezing past 22 hungry American teenagers. We enjoyed our brief stop, but it was on to more strenuous activities for us.
Our next stop was the thermal beach. A wonderful, and free, alternative to the ever pricier and
not so worth it Blue Lagoon. Our kids really enjoyed the geothermal heated waters of the hot tub and seawater swimming area. Back and forth they went, from the hot waters of the spa, to the cooler waters of the sea. The weather really cooperated today as it was partly sunny and warm for the duration, a rare occasion in Iceland indeed.
Back to check in at the hostel, which was quick and easy, and we were off to explore the town. To the church on the hill and beyond we strode, doing our best to remain active and engaged in order to fend off the jet lag and keep our eyes open. Reykjavik is a cool town, with hidden artistic prizes strewn about town everywhere. And though tired, and nearing a wall, the kids seems to really appreciate it all.
Another couple hours spent swimming this evening in order to maintain consciousness after being up and on the go for well over 24 hours, and it was finally time to head back and get some rest.
We'll be up at 3am Iceland time, that's 8pm for those of you in Seattle, in order to catch our
bus to the airport. It's going to be great to see our German friends again, and the kids are thrilled to be able to finally be there.
Heidi and I have been very impressed by the start that this group has acheived. They have been jovial, kind, responsible and attentive travelers who have pushed through the difficulty of being very tired. Across the board, they have really appreciated the experience and have been very grateful for the opportunity provided to them.
We are all eager to get some much needed rest in order to make our way to our final destination tomorrow! Germany here we come!
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