Iceland - 29th July to 4th August, 2010

On our way to Bucharest, we stopped over in Iceland. I've wanted to go here for a very long time, and Devin found a cheaper rate to London (then on to Bucharest) by stopping over for a few days. I think it's just great marketing by Icelandair. Stopover for a few days and save $300. (Forget that you'll spend much more while staying here...) Anyway, we had a great time. Details below...

Day 1 - Flight from Seattle to Reykjavik

The flight left Seattle at 4:30 PM. We had a wonderful time in the U.S. this summer, but it's time for our next adventure. We flew up into Canada and over (or near?) the North Pole, over Greenland, then into Iceland. Greenland was incredibly beautiful. Mountains covered in snow for as far as the eye could see. After our arrival - at 6:45 AM - in Reykjavik, Devin booked us a trip on a shuttle to the hotel. As we left the airport, the first thing I noticed on the bus ride was the stark landscape that is barren of any trees, yet green covers the volcanic rocks. It is the most unique landscape I think I've ever seen.

We got to our hotel (Hotel Vik) and had to wait about two hours for our room to be available. We were early, so it wasn't the fault of the hotel. They actually were able to check us in early once the room was open. David crashed out on the couch and Devin and I grabbed a snack from the breakfast. We perused the flyers and brochures for tourist stuff to make some plans for the next few days. Devin went for a walk of the neighborhood as well. Once we got to our room, Devin and David took a nap while I took a walk of the neighborhood and scouted restaurants for dinner. When I got back, I took a nap myself.

After we all woke from our slumber, we decided to go to a local swimming pool. One of the cool things about this pool is that it's heated by geothermal energy. In fact, almost all heating in Iceland comes from geothermal energy. It's very cool. Well, except for the smelly shower. The hot water in the shower smells like rotten egg. Really rotten egg. While swimming, I think David and I offended the locals by wearing our swim shirts. One of the lifeguards told us it's against policy for men to wear shirts in the pool. Yes, I know what you might be thinking. We were wearing swim suits. But since we're both sensitive to the sun, we typically wear a top to protect our skin. Apparently that's a no-no here in Iceland. But after some explanation, we were allowed to keep our shirts on for the day. After swimming, we hit the local eatery for some really good hamburgers. Yep, we flew all the way to Iceland to eat hamburgers. We all crashed early, but David didn't sleep great due to his extended napping. Devin and I also woke up quite early, as our clocks are still messed up from the time change. But given that our day "started" in Seattle, it was a good day.

Day 2 - Downtown Reykjavik, Maritime Museum, and the Pearl with the Saga Museum

This day started really early, as we all woke up at about 4 AM due to jet lag. So we had plenty of time to plan the day. After breakfast, we caught a bus to downtown Reykjavik and walked the empty streets. We found a coffee shop and had a pastry then hit a tourist information center where Devin wanted to ask a bunch of questions.

Questions answered, we ventured to the Maritime Museum. It's kind of small, but the displays were very cool. But we were too early to board the Coast Guard ship on display, so we went to lunch and came back for the ship. It was well worth it, as the ship was almost completely open to visitors, including the Captain's quarters. (Quite small. I never could have slept on one of the bunks in the ship.) David had fun in the bridge as well. Then we waited and waited for a bus to show up to get to our next destination. The Pearl.

The Pearl (or Perlan) is an interesting place, as it's built atop six 4-million liter hot water storage tanks. Inside is a cafe and the Saga Museum, where Icelandic history allegedly comes to life. I say allegedly, as we were all a bit under whelmed. But David and I had fun trying on Viking gear. Then we went up to the observation deck to check out views of Reykjavik. Very cool.

Check out the pictures below.  Remember you can click on each image to see a larger version.

Our hotel (Hotel Vik) is on the left.	Devin and David on a deserted downtown Reykjavik street.	At the Maritime Museum.	Of course, we had to have lunch on a street called Burgerjoint. Yes, that's a street sign.
David trying on some oil cloth.	Lowell's new friend.	Devin's new boyfriend.	David on the wheel.
Some whale bones on the dock. HUGE!	The Pearl, and the 4-million liter storage tanks.	David in his Viking gear.	Lowell trying on a helmet.
David with the chainmail hood.	And Lowell too.	Viking horns.	Ditto.
Devin's artistic photo inside the Pearl.	A man-made geyser at the Pearl.	The view of Reykjavik.

Day 3 - The Blue Lagoon, the Rift Zone, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the "original" Geysir

Today was our day to act like tourists. We booked ourselves on a "Combo Tour" to see the Blue Lagoon, the Gulfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir area. We got picked up at our hotel and dropped off at the headquarters of the tour company before boarding a small bus to The Blue Lagoon. We didn't take any pictures inside the spa area because we didn't want to damage our camera, but it was actually really cool. I went along because it was supposedly one of the "signature" tourist sites in Iceland. Well, I guess there's a reason for that. Being in the milky blue water in the middle of a lava field is a pretty cool experience. I think it would be even cooler in the winter with snow around. (If you weren't paying attention, that pun just flew right past you!)

After the Blue Lagoon, we went back to headquarters to wait for the afternoon bus to the waterfall and geysir. This bus was much larger, so we took over the back seat. More legroom. The first stop was a historical area where some parliament was established a lot of years ago. Being the science nerd, I cared more about the fact that this historical site was right next to a rift zone, where the island is actually still being pulled apart. Geology in action!

The next stop was Gulfoss waterfall. As I walked around with David, I ran out of superlatives. Wow. Amazing. Incredible. Awe-inspiring. David and I walked around a bit while Devin lounged in the cafe. After a quick snack, we were whisked off to see the "original" geysir. As far as I can tell, the word for geyser comes from Icelandic, and this geysir area is the reason. The actual alleged original geysir isn't very active, but one right next to it is pretty reliable about going off every five or so minutes. I took video of the whole process like the science nerd that I am. David loved it too! Except for the story of a 12-year old that was talked into going down into the dormant geysir and almost died because of the journey.

After watching the geysir a few times, we went to the obligatory gift shop, then hit the road back to Reyjkavik and our hotel. I'm not a huge fan of packaged tours like this. In general, we don't do these things when we travel. But in this case, it worked. It allowed us to spend time at some amazing sights for the day without the (very high) expense of renting a car for a few days. Of course, the tours weren't cheap either, but it was nice to sit back and relax, while soaking up some history/science/sight-seeing. Good stuff.

Check out the pictures below.  Remember you can click on each image to see a larger version.

David at the entrance to the Blue Lagoon.	Some of the milky blue water outside the spa facility.	The lava field by the Blue Lagoon.	Devin and David at a viewpoint for the rift zone with a beautiful lake in the background.
David posing with the rift zone behind him.	Lowell and David in a self-portrait.	David hiding in a small "cave."	David and Devin at the Gulfoss Waterfall.
A rainbow over the waterfall. Amazingly beautiful.	Lowell and David clowning on the bus.	A blue hot spring next to...	a clear hot spring. Look in the upper-left corner for the blue water.
Devin all bundled up against the cold.	The geysir going off!	Calm water before the next eruption.	A hot spring billowing steam.

Day 4 - Day of Rest, Recovery, and Relaxation

Nothing to report from today. We slept in, took a nap, hung out, ordered pizza and just relaxed.

Day 5 - More Downtown Reykjavik, and the Arbaejarsafn Museum

We went downtown to hop a bus out to the Arbaejarsafn Museum, which highlights the history of Iceland. They had some cool exhibits, but my favorite were the old turf houses. They were very cool.

Then we went back to downtown, had lunch, and cruised up and down the tourist shops so Devin could find a "real" Icelandic wool sweater. Turns out the first one she found was actually at a thrift store. Perfect for Devin, as she's a thrift-store shopper supreme. The second sweater she found was on sale at a local "handcrafted in Iceland" store. Heck, the two sweaters combined were cheaper than what she expected to pay for just one, so we went for it.

Our time in Reykjavik was kind of anticlimactic. But overall we enjoyed the visit. There is far too much to see in only a few days.

Check out the pictures below.  Remember you can click on each image to see a larger version.

Devin and David on a toy horse and carriage.	One of the turf houses. These were really small, but very cool.	David and Lowell in one of the houses.	An old ski collection at the scout house.
Lowell sitting down for hot chocolate with one of the scouts.	David looking on at the fire exhibit.	Some old chemical bottles in one of the restored houses.	Another turf house.
Sexy!	Some dancers in downtown Reykjavik. David was enthralled... Lowell and Devin, not so much.

Our stay in Iceland ended too quickly. In my mind, Iceland is a place I'd like to visit again. I'm sure, if Iceland Air continues to have good fares, that it'll be on our itinerary in the future.