October 19th, 2015
This is the perfect post on this chilly evening in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Visiting Iceland at the beginning of September was quite an experience. The weather can be tricky. You better take your raincoat. It did rain the whole time we were there but we managed to do most everything, including a most visited attraction, the Blue Lagoon.
Please note that the Blue Lagoon will be temporarily close for renovation from January 5th through the 21st. They are also expanding…a new luxury hotel will be opening in 2017.
There are plenty of tour operators that will be able to assist you in your tour to this pretty amazing place. We used the Gray Line http://www.grayline.is.
The water is not really blue. What happens is that the waters are rich in minerals; silica, sulphur and algae. The water is supposed to help some people suffering from skin diseases.
It was raining but we were determined. My photos might show some of the drops on the lense. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 98.6 degrees F to 102.2 degrees F.
The Blue Lagoon is fed by the water output from the nearby Swartsengi Geothermal Power Plant and is completely renewed every 2 days in a natural way.
There is a restaurant inside and also a shop selling skin care products.
The Spa is used by many….massages right on the lagoon.
There are plenty of different packages available. We purchased the Standard package and were there for a few hours. For more info., please visit http://www.bluelagoon.is
The age of the lava field surrounding Blue Lagoon is 800 years.
Then it was time to go to the next adventure.
September 22nd, 2015
Discovering Reykjavik was a highlight of this summer of 2015. Was not even in my bucket list. That was even better. So surprising to find myself on my way to Iceland. Make sure you take a waterproof jacket because the Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
The capital city of Reykjavik is so easy to maneuver. You will learn it in not time. You can bike, jog, or stroll. Some years ago Iceland was in financial trouble. They have been recuperating quickly and there is plenty of new buildings going up in this quite modern city.
The Sun Voyayer is a sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula close to the Reykjavik center. It symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun.
The Harpa is at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It is Iceland’s biggest concert hall. It is also used for other cultural events, as well. It opened in 2011. If you get a chance please visit and view the 360 degree Cinematic Experience. That stranger on my photo…no idea who he was.
The Old Harbor. It is the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. You can find shops and galleries on the eastern pier. Whale watching tours will be leaving for this harbor, as well.
The Einar Jonsson Museum located at Eiriksgata and Freyjugata. Website? http://www.lej.is
Einar Jonsson was Iceland’s first sculptor. His home is part of the museum and is preserved in its original condition. No photos inside were allowed. The museum has about 300 art works spanning a 60 year career. The garden outdoors has about 26 bronze casts. This location is the highest point in Reykjavik.
He drew inspiration from the Icelandic folklore heritage for “Outlaws”. He also used mythological and religious motifs.
I have more to tell you but for now I think this is enough. Maybe some Fish & Chips on the next post from Iceland.
NOTE: From September 24th until October 4th the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) will be taking place. It will be showing a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries and is becomming bigger and bigger every year. Please visit http://www.iceland.is.
Talk to you later…Have a good one.
September 15th, 2015
Generating electricity with geothermal energy has increased significantly in recent years in Iceland. For space heating, Iceland is a pioneer in the use of geothermal energy. Geothermal power facilities currently generate 25% of the country’s total electricity production.
Iceland went from what was one of Europe’s poorest countries during the course of the 20th century. They were dependent upon peat and imported coal for its energy. It is now a country with a high standard of living where practically all stationary energy is derived from renewable resources. In 2014, roughly 85% of primary energy use in Iceland came from indigenous renewable resources. Thereof 66% was from geothermal.
Traveling with the Gray Line to see the Geyser….this was the Golden Circle Tour. This part of Iceland is the southwest and it is the warmest part of the island. The most important horse breeders are also in this area, as well.
The Geysir geothermal area is the home of the Geysir, after which all geysers are named. Water blasts out every 4 to 8 minutes. Also there are signs warning visitors not to touch the water. It is 176 degrees to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is called Iceland but in reality it is one of the hottest places on the planet. Volcanic activity still continues to feed hot thermal springs and spray gushing steam from the geysers. You can really smell the sulfur. This smell is due to the minerals that the water brings to the surface as it is heated.
The ultimate goal is to see the explosion…
This Little Geyser does not explode; it just keep bubbling up.
This is a must see when visiting Iceland.
Note: Information for this post was taken from chiff.com, and from nea.is.
September 13th, 2015
In Reykjavik, Iceland, the Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most iconic buildings in town. It is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Arriving in the city it was a good way to first stop and check this beautiful church that was designed in 1937. The construction began in 1945 and ended in 1986. It was designed to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape.
In front of the Church is the statue of Leifur Eriksson, the first European to discover America. Records indicate that he landed on the shores of the New World in the year 1,000 a.d. That’s 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
Churches are places of worship. I always like to stop and give thanks and pray for my family and friends. Churches have heard the cries of those afflicted and the many thanks of those who have received graces.
At the end of this street you can see the church. This whole street in the center of Reykjavik is in rainbow colors for the capital’s annual Pride Festival. Iceland is one of the most progressive countries for LGBTI rights, and voted in the world’s first openly gay head of state. The rainbow will be there until the end of summer.
The church is very modern inside, and it did not exude warmth. The huge pipe organ was designed and constructed by the German organ builder, Johannes Klais of Bonn.
The following painting took me by surprise. Did not see any information about it, but plenty of people were having their photos taken next to it. It was one of those moments when you scratch you head and say “what the heck?”
September 12th, 2015
Arriving in Reykjavik so early in the morning, and, a bit comatosed. All I could think of was when will I be able to hit the pillow. I had the whole day ahead. My son said “Mom, you look tired”. You think? First a little sustenance to keep us going….Did I tell you I met my youngest son there? Yes, I would be in good company for sure. So out from the Alda Hotel we went, stopping at this little comfortable eatery in town.
My son had salmon with rice, sweet potatoes, veggies, salad and sauce.
I decided on the fish stew, which was different from what you would consider a stew to be. So good!! It also came with sweet potatoes, veggies and fruit salad. This is exactly what I needed, more so since we were going on a 6 1/2 hour tour.
Pingvellir National Park is the most important site in Iceland in terms of history, culture, and geology. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is home of Iceland’s largest natural lake and the place where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia split and drift apart.
The property includes Pingvellir Church and adjacent farm.
It is also where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Two weeks a year to set laws, seen as a covenant between free men, and settle disputes.
A small hill marked by the Icelandic flag seems to be the location where these meetings took place. A rock outcropping called the Law Rock, or Logberg. The law speaker recited the laws. Public speeches and announcements were also made here.
The rock cliff behind the speaker directed his voice, allowing him to be heard. Laws and legal procedures varied from one Norse land to another. They changed and evolved throughout the Norse period. We know more about law in Iceland during this period than other lands because more was written about it.
Iceland is probably the only place in the world where the effects of two major tectonic plates drifting apart can easily be observed above sea level. The tectonic plates which formed Iceland, are the Eurasian tectonic plate and the North Amrican tectonic plate. We were on the North American tectonic plate and after walking we drove with our tour guide and Gray Line to the other side.
Please note that as the plates move apart, excessive eruptions of lava constructed volcanoes and filled rift valleys. Iceland is the largest island on the ridge because of the additonal volcanism caused by the hot spot beneath the country, which slowly moves towards the northwest. As we were driving back and the end of the evening, we saw orange lights and the guide told us that those were small eruptions which happen all the time.
This national park shows evidence of the way the landscape was over 1,000 years.
Next stop? The Geyser
Note: Information for this post was taken from UNESCO and Icelandic on the Web.
Traveling to Iceland? Do not forget your outerwear. Talk to you later.
September 11th, 2015
If you had told me at the beginning of the summer that I would be going to Iceland on Labor Day, I would have thought you were crazy. It really was not on my bucket list, even though for many it is. Going to Iceland has gotten more popular than ever. It is a destination, whether you are just staying there to enjoy what this beautiful island has to offer or if you decide that on your way to Europe you might want to make a stop-over.
Trying to fly the most direct route was easy. From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, our choices for airports are BWI or Philadelphia. I decided to go on WOW from BWI, a direct flight of about 6 hours, to Keflavik which is the main airport in Iceland. From there I booked my transfer to the hotel through the Gray Line, http://www.grayline.is, to the capital city of Reykjavik.
I had no idea what WOW Air was. This is an Icelandic low-cost airline that flies to Iceland from a number of European cities and started to fly from the U.S. this year. They fly from Baltimore, BWI, and from Boston. They told me that they are adding more cities. It has become very popular because of the low fares. You can buy extra room so you are more comfortable. The airplanes are new, the staff is beautifully attired and very friendly. You can either bring food onboard or you may also buy prepared sandwiches and other treats. Everything you have to buy, including a bottle of water. They have iPads for rent, as well.
This particular plane was the one I was about to board. Its name was Freiya…Nordic Godess of Love. A good start, I think.
We were suddenly awaken so that we could see the Northern Lights from the plane. Sorry, not able to get photos.
I arrived at 5:30 a.m. their time. To exchange US dollars to the Icelandic Krona you can do so by using the ATM, when you arrive, while waiting for the luggage. Also, there are more ATM machines right before you exit the building. There is a bank with no commission taken which might be easier if you do not want to use the ATM.
Rainy, cloudy, windy…..that was the weather the whole week there. But we managed to do the most important things. Iceland is one of those places that you need to do all the outdoor activities. You will also have plenty of time for shopping, dining, and dancing.
Alda Hotel has a large lobby, it is very colorful and modern. A retro look. It is located in Downtown Reykjavik.
Alda Hotel is located at Laugavegur 66-68 in Reykjavik. It is only one year old. Owned by a local tax lawyer who also has other businesses in town. Alda Hotel is vey modern. It only has 4 floors and 65 rooms. Website? http://www.aldahotel.is.
There is the Barber Bar. And the Chocolate Bar.
Laugavegur street is a main street in Reykjavik. Shops, restaurants and bars are located on this street. Alda Hotel is located in the quietest part of the street. Very convenient because all you have to do is walk out of the hotel and you are just ready to explore Reykjavik which by the way, it is very walkable. You will not get lost.
Alda Hotel has a Barber. It is unisex and very busy.
I was totally surprised when after checking in they gave me a Smart Phone for my personal use while in town.
My room was on the 4th floor. The rooms on this floor have balconies with a panoramic view. Between clouds and rain, here is one photo of the view from my balcony.
Here are some of the photos of my room. Very comfortable with a large modern bath.
Alda Hotel offers breakfast. I like to get out and about and try all the local restaurants but on my last day I did try it….the music was playing from the old fashioned record player.
The dining room was comfortable with plenty of light and breakfast for everyone.
Weather in Iceland is unpredictable. Make sure you take a raincoat because it does rain a lot. Some of the locals mentioned that at times you can get different weather events in one single day. While visiting during the first week in September it rained almost every day. I suggest you book your tours as soon as you can. I used the Gray Line above mentioned and they were great.
More posts from Iceland coming up….Have a good one…start planning your trip. Iceland is the hottest place to visit now. The staff at Alda Hotel was very helpful and friendly.
The Northern Lights are back at this time of the year. The Reykjavik International Film Festival is at the end of September through the beginning of October.
September 4th, 2015
Looking forward to cooler temperatures this Labor Day Week-End as I embark on this very exciting trip to Iceland. Reykjavik is the capital city. It is a mystical destination to a far away land. This capital city is a combination of metropolis zeal and village innocence.
It has a buzzing music scene and enthusiastic nightlife. Some even say that it can give Europe’s party capital, Ibiza, a run for its money.
Reykjavik is small compared to other European cities. It has umpredictable weather, as well.
I will talk to you when I come back….Have a great week-end at the Delaware Beaches!!
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