Reykjavik - Day 2

---

Today was the first day of winter in Iceland. It felt like it. Even managed to see a few snowflakes at one point. But I'm all warmed up after a nice long shower and ready to tell you about today. Actually, I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking today.

We had a half day tour and half a day to do whatever we wanted.

Tour was to the Blue Lagoon. After passing through miles and miles of lava fields and past mountains of lava, we arrived at our destination. Oh. My. Gosh. What an experience. It was surreal. The colors, the steam, the water, the clay mask. It was also interesting in that you have to put away your modesty because they have very strong rules about hygiene - bathing before you put your bathing suit on. It's also very interesting in that you get a bracelet that serves as your entry key, locker key, and method of payment for any drinks you buy at the bar. I was so relaxed I was weak in the knees when we left. I dozed all the way back to the hotel.

Afternoon was spent in the shopping district. I can't wait to share with you one of the items I purchased but that's another story for a later blog. This is such an interesting and beautiful place.

That's really all I have to say for today. The pictures will speak for themselves.

Tomorrow we are on to the Golden Circle. Think volcanoes, craters, waterfalls and tectonic plates. Can't wait!

Night y'all!

---

Photos

Lava fields
There were fields and mountains for miles! Fascinating to see the craters and caves that the lava formed. We get a different view tomorrow.

Moss
It takes about 1,000 years before moss can grow on the lava. As you can see in the first picture, all the moss means these lava fields have been around a long time.

Vegetation
After the moss, other vegetation can begin to grow. Just loved the color on this little bush growing from the lava field.

Blue Lagoon
Amazing. The lagoon is not really a natural phenomenon. This is a mixture of regular and ocean water that is heated by the geothermal plant nearby. The color comes from silica that reflects the sun and makes the water look the milky blue.

Steam from the source.
Where you see the steam rising on the left is where the open well from the geothermal plant . The water coming out is HOT!

Cuties.
These girls were so cute. And yes, you should be here!!

Proof of life.
So the mask you leave on for 15 minutes and it's amazing what it does for your skin. Did I mention it was 32 degrees above the water?

Just a street.
Like so many others in Reykjavik. Can you imagine living in one of those apartments?

Single Gloves
Someone did this on a gate on the main shopping street. Too funny!

Comments

[Tara]

Beautiful!
I love this! It must be such an amazing experience. Thanks so much for sharing!