Snow snow go away!
Well here it is. May 3, 2014 and it looks like Christmas. It makes me chuckle because it was sunny and warm when we got back from Iceland. I wore shorts and sandals on Thursday!
We spent 4 days in Iceland - Joe found a good deal on the net for a 4 day excursion. It was only $200 more to fly to Iceland, have 3 nights in a hotel and a day long sightseeing tour, than to fly to Ottawa to visit our granddaughter! How could we resist?
Iceland is a fascinating place. It was chilly as it is almost always windy, and the wind comes off the North Atlantic and glaciers. It is a country of contrasts. Mountains, flat areas, geysers, glaciers and fjords (we didn't get to the fjords as they are in the North - maybe next time). We saved money getting there and staying there but it was expensive otherwise. Food is pricey as much of it is imported and Iceland is in the middle of the ocean. Even fish is expensive as they export most of it. We didn't buy many gifts either. I planned to get my granddaughter an Icelandic sweater but even short sleeved ones were well over $100. So we got her a pair of Icelandic wool socks for $24.
The geysers reminded me a little of Yellowstone. There are areas where the water is bubbling out of the ground. There is one geyser that is not as high as Old Faithful but it erupts with more frequency. The upside is that they use thermal energy for everything. On our trip we passed aluminum factories which are totally run by it. Hot water is not a problem there. Farmers take advantage of the thermal energy - they have it on their property. You can see steam rising out of the fields.
We visited a couple of thermal pools. They smell a bit of sulphur but are very relaxing. They are reputed to have healing properties. The blue lagoon is huge. You could spend a whole day there as they have restaurants, saunas, massage etc. They even have an area where you can give yourself a silica sand facial! It was fun seeing everyone swimming around with white faces.
Since Iceland is a lava island, a lot of the terrain is very rugged. In fact it was quite dismal on the way from the airport in to Reykjavik. No vegetation except moss on the lava rock.
Lisa was in Iceland with us. Noisy birds - we were stopped to see the farm that was shown around the world in 2008 when there was a huge volcano. The farm was covered in 6 inches of ash. In fact flights were grounded in Europe because of the ash. Some birds were across the road. They chirped and chirped. I couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from. They were on the ground. Joe took photos of them. Apparently they are called oyster catchers. Lisa has a way of attracting attention!
So that was my week. We got back home on Thursday and I had a meeting that night. Yesterday, I felt sick from jet lag and being overtired. This week promises to be busy again. We are supposed to do a spring clean up on our hill tomorrow. I truly hope it is postponed - with all the snow right now, we won't be able to find the rubbish!
I hope all are having a great weekend.
Lisa, Thanks for showing up in Iceland. You know I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
We spent 4 days in Iceland - Joe found a good deal on the net for a 4 day excursion. It was only $200 more to fly to Iceland, have 3 nights in a hotel and a day long sightseeing tour, than to fly to Ottawa to visit our granddaughter! How could we resist?
Iceland is a fascinating place. It was chilly as it is almost always windy, and the wind comes off the North Atlantic and glaciers. It is a country of contrasts. Mountains, flat areas, geysers, glaciers and fjords (we didn't get to the fjords as they are in the North - maybe next time). We saved money getting there and staying there but it was expensive otherwise. Food is pricey as much of it is imported and Iceland is in the middle of the ocean. Even fish is expensive as they export most of it. We didn't buy many gifts either. I planned to get my granddaughter an Icelandic sweater but even short sleeved ones were well over $100. So we got her a pair of Icelandic wool socks for $24.
The geysers reminded me a little of Yellowstone. There are areas where the water is bubbling out of the ground. There is one geyser that is not as high as Old Faithful but it erupts with more frequency. The upside is that they use thermal energy for everything. On our trip we passed aluminum factories which are totally run by it. Hot water is not a problem there. Farmers take advantage of the thermal energy - they have it on their property. You can see steam rising out of the fields.
We visited a couple of thermal pools. They smell a bit of sulphur but are very relaxing. They are reputed to have healing properties. The blue lagoon is huge. You could spend a whole day there as they have restaurants, saunas, massage etc. They even have an area where you can give yourself a silica sand facial! It was fun seeing everyone swimming around with white faces.
Since Iceland is a lava island, a lot of the terrain is very rugged. In fact it was quite dismal on the way from the airport in to Reykjavik. No vegetation except moss on the lava rock.
Lisa was in Iceland with us. Noisy birds - we were stopped to see the farm that was shown around the world in 2008 when there was a huge volcano. The farm was covered in 6 inches of ash. In fact flights were grounded in Europe because of the ash. Some birds were across the road. They chirped and chirped. I couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from. They were on the ground. Joe took photos of them. Apparently they are called oyster catchers. Lisa has a way of attracting attention!
So that was my week. We got back home on Thursday and I had a meeting that night. Yesterday, I felt sick from jet lag and being overtired. This week promises to be busy again. We are supposed to do a spring clean up on our hill tomorrow. I truly hope it is postponed - with all the snow right now, we won't be able to find the rubbish!
I hope all are having a great weekend.
Lisa, Thanks for showing up in Iceland. You know I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
Replies
Glad you had fun & it sounds like a great trip!!! My son & d-i-l have been wanting to go there. Since she works for Delta they can fly for free!
Wow - that sounds like a fabulous trip. Very interesting - I wouldn\'t have guessed they exported most of their fish. I remember the volcano and you\'re right, Europe was at a standstill - they shut down all airports in the UK. I had forgotten all that.
Glad you had a good time with Lisa poking her head in ~ Joanna x
our memories are very short about things that don\'t affect us. And so long about our own lives. How we studied our babie\'s faces when they were born. How I miss my Jacob lately, strong, painful waves pass over me, hurt and sadness, guilt and pain.
I am thinking about Lake Tahoe and healing some more, meeting you and other soth I write to all the time. The only understanding I call us. Love, Abby
I just learned a great deal about Iceland that I didnt know, thanks to your very enjoyable journal. Cant believe you are still having a surprise snowfall in May. But, then again, our weather has been very unpredictable also. I know what you mean about high prices when you travel to other countries. Several years ago, we went to Japan and almost fainted when we saw the prices in the restaurant. Dont know how the year-round residents in these foreign countries ever afford to go out to eat. So glad Lisa joined you on this trip. It makes it all the more wonderful. Love, Katrina
what an adventure!!
A very interesting venture you went on! I would have never guessed that their exporting of fish would raise the cost to themselves to eat it! Or is that just in the restaurants where travelers go? I\'m sure that was a big disappointment for you about the Icelandic sweaters but the socks would be so nice too. Glad Lisa decided to show her presence. What a nice trip. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, and welcome home! The snow has been a downer. It will leave soon. Rose
Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all.
Busy traveler, glad you had fun!!!! Peace, Kathy
Iceland!! That is not a vacation destination that I would have ever thought of!! It sounds so interesting!! Is the scenery pretty?? I am so glad you had a \"get away\". I could use one of those myself, lol...
((((HUGS))))....Julia
I love to read about your travels ,, because I will never get there....!! glad you had fun love ya!
I loved reading about Iceland and the travels you experience. Thanks for sharing! Vicki
Wow How Exciting Marlene!!XOXO
Lisa is HERE as there are many noisy birds everywhere. Roosters begin crowing at 4 AM. I may have to have a little talk with that daughter of yours. LOL!
Wow, what a trip you had to Iceland and I too learned a lot as you are the first person I know to visit there. I know how you adore to travel so I always look forward to where you are headed to next.
Gentle care my friend and hope springtime is yours soon. Nuff with the snow!
Lots of love,
XO Joanie
Glad you enjoyed your wonderful sounding vacation!!