Where natural beauty abounds

Given that I now live in one of the largest, most exciting cities in the world, I'm glad I stopped in Iceland, where its charms are just the opposite. Most of what I have to say about that can best be said in pictures.





I didn't really feel like I'd experienced Iceland, though, until the end of my trip. Reykjavik's a cute little city, but Iceland is really all about its wilderness. On my last evening there, some dancers took me out to a cave. I had to walk about a mile over volcanic rock and thick moss, through blueberry patches and past random pinecones (notable for the complete lack of nearby trees), trusting three strangers and a GPS to guide me there and back safely. There were moments when I wondered if I was losing my mind. But then I gazed around at the magestic beauty and noted the wild grin on my face and realized it didn't matter.





After all that, though, I was so hungry that the traditional Icelandic hot dog became the most beautiful thing I'd seen all day.


Ahhh, the perfect end to the perfect day.

Frolicking through the Shire

Today was the day that made the whole trip to Iceland worthwhile. Caving was incredible. I'll write more about it when I have time, but for now let me summarize it this way: I felt like I was in the Lord of the Rings. There's no other way to explain the hills, the moss, the volcanic rock, the mist. Exhausting yet exhilarating, frightening yet liberating. There were moments when I questioned the sanity of leaving my life up to near strangers. Thankfully, it turns out that my life was in good hands.

The Flybus picks me up in less than 5 hours, so I'm going to attempt to get some sleep. Perhaps I'll write from the airport, but if not... take care out there in the blogosphere. I'm not sure when I'll have internet access again.

Random little nuggets

- On the way in from the airport, there is a sign featuring a veritable banged up car warning motorists to drive safely
- Reykjavik has a lot of graffiti everywhere... and I kind of think it adds to the charm
- The Saga Museum is worth the hike, if only for the spectacular views of the city and the hilarious audio tour of wax statues
- Had breakfast at Café Paris, which is right next to the English Pub and the Icelandic Bar. They served me more bacon than I knew humanly possible
- I'm going caving this evening... a deal I arranged with local dancers in exchange for me giving them a private lesson
- I was asked by a café owner if I'm from Germany. Huh??
- I chatted with an Australian, an American, and another Canadian last night in the common room. People who hang out in hostels in unusual countries are pretty interesting people
- I fly to London way too early tomorrow morning
- I still don't feel any different

Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre

There are so many funny signs here. For instance, today I passed a building named Bacon. On it, there was a mayonnaise sign. Then I passed a bus shelter ad for the movie Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre. Hmm... sounds tempting!

An hour and a half until dancing time and I'm thinking of taking another nap. Who knew an afternoon in a hot spring could make you feel so sleepy?

I counted 2 sheep then passed out cold

I slept for 22 hours. Seriously. I blame the jetlag and the surprisingly cozy hostel bed. I didn't get out clubbing. I thought about it when I woke up at 11 pm to the sounds of people having fun, but all my carefully-selected clubbing outfits were in my missing suitcase, anyway.

Speaking of which, the missing suitcase is no longer missing! I'm going to pick it up at the Flybus station today on my way to the Blue Lagoon.

And then, tonight... swing dancing! I am oh so curious to see what the scene is like here.

It's cold here

Well, I've arrived safely in Iceland. The trip was relatively painless and uneventful, aside from the hassle of dragging my enormous luggage collection up two flights of hostel stairs. I had one of my bags taken by accident from the Flybus. Here's hoping I get it back! I'm not too worried yet, since people in Iceland don't seem to be sketchy, but it'll be a huge loss if I don't find it. It was one of my carry on bags (aka it had important stuff in it).

It's 9:20 am here, but 5:20 am in Ottawa. So even though I slept most of the way, I'm pretty tired. I want a nap so badly but I can't get into my room until 2. I think I'll go wandering soon and find myself some coffee.

Anyway, as expected, this is a pretty neat place. I've been taking pictures and will post some as soon as I can.

Land of Fire and Ice

Although I'm leaving for London on Friday, I won't be arriving there until the following Tuesday. In between, I'm making a little pit stop in Iceland. As you can imagine, I'm pretty excited about it.

It all started when I did a random search for flights and discovered that flying Icelandair was by far my cheapest option. Taxes in, my original flight cost $550. I wound up upgrading later to the equivalent of business class (they call it "economy comfort" but you get all the benefits of business class) for a total of $915, but the first time I checked, economy comfort seats were available for just $750. Sweet deal! Especially when you can get a whole extra vacation out of it.

I'm booked in at the Reyjkavik Backpackers hostel, which is right downtown on their main clubbing strip. Who knew Reykjavik has one of the hottest club scenes in the world? I'll be checking that out for sure.

Also on the menu:
- Swing dancing (yep, they have a swing scene!)
- A day at the Blue Lagoon (a natural outdoor spa)
- Shopping and sight seeing in Reyjkavik (including a free tour and trip to the oldest coffee house in Iceland)
- Maybe some hiking? I want to see volcanoes and geysers, but was told by a local that the Golden Circle tours are a waste of money
- Learning a bit about the Sagas
- Trying to learn some Icelandic (A scary endeavour -- their term for tourist office is "upplýsingaþjónustu fyrir ferđafólk." How very tourist friendly! Thank goodness they all speak English)
- Taking lots of pictures! I just wish I had a better camera

Has anyone ever been to Iceland? Have any tips?