Spot the whales
Tjornin lake
see all photos » On that note I must admit that the vast majority of Irish, and indeed English people should really be ashamed when it comes to other languages. Too often we 'expect' people to speak to us in English and make no effort to attempt their language. I hate that! BUT, hats off to all the people I've met and dealt with on my travels - your ability to switch over and converse in English truly amazes me. It was most evident to me after our walking tour, when we stopped for a bite to eat on one of the local squares where a group of young boys (aged 8-14) were skateboarding and hanging out. They would be talking together and without any hestiation, they would switch to English and hold a perfectly fluent conversation with us. I'd love to see Irish kids try that in reverse!!!!
Hello... Mr. Whale... are you there?
see all photos » Anyhow, back to the days activities...
After lunch, we headed for the docks and took a Whale-watching tour which went out into Faxafloi Bay. Now, I've done a few whale-watching trips before, so I knew what signs I was looking for. Not long into our trip, we encountered some dolphins and got some great views of the puffins (Boy, do they flap their wings!). Then, the smell came...stinking! There is nothing worse than the smell of whale breath- you'd think there was something dead and rotten around. Anyhow, we were blessed to see a pair of Minkes, which is quite unusual, as they tend to be solitary more often than not. On our return journey, things seemed to be quiet, the whales were nowhere to be found when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a whale breach the water. I couldn't believe it as no one around me saw it. THEN, amazingly, it breached a further 4 times!!! Funny thing was, the guide didn't spot it at all, so the majority of the people on the boat, didn't see it either. I think I should become a whale watcher, I'd be good at it!!!
Landed in Keflavic airport where the bus was waiting to transport us to the capital, about 40mins away. It was raining lightly when we arrived adn we were told to expect it at some stage each day.
Checked in to Apartment K and were taken aback by the extremely high standards that were evident in every room, which was to be our home for the next 8 nights. We would have been happy being locked into it for the week, it was that nice! I would recommend these Apartments to anyone thinking of staying here. Apparently, some have even availed of them as Honeymoon suites, they're that good - better than a 4* hotel and not far off a 5* one, in my opinion.
First thoughts
Main Street, Reykjavik
see all photos » After unpacking, we decided to take a stroll and locate the Pizza Company, which came highly recommended by the owner of the apartment. On leaving the building, I was a little taken aback... we were staying on the main street of the city, but it didn't look like any of the main streets of any of the capital cities I've been in before. Nope, this was more like a side street. One-way, one lane traffic and small, yet quaint, boutiques and jewellery shops aligning it. There were no big department stores, no traffic lights, no crowds! A strange sight to behold in a capital city. Yet, it grew on me very quickly and it will be a main street I won't easily forget.
View from Apartment
see all photos » After having a tasty, yet expensive, pizza, we took a short walk further along the street, window shopping and getting our bearings before returning to the luxurious Apartment K to relax and prepare for day 2
OK, so we're in Iceland and the first port of call for anyone travelling here is usually a visit to the Blue Lagoon and we're no different!
Because we had no car hired, we decided to travel to/from the Lagoon with Iceland Excursions, who provide the transport, reduced entry tickets, collect you from your hotel/apartment and drop you back, while the driver gives you that little extra info on the journey.
What's that mud on your face!
The famous mud
see all photos » The Blue Lagoon is about 40mins out of the city, not too far from the airport and is set in the midst of an expansive lava field. The facilities are top class and you can't help but relax while bathing in the geothermal seawater surrounded by lava rocks adn fresh air.
On entering the lagoon you have a little giggle at all the people covered in a white thick mud, but then this white mud (silica & algae) is world famous for it's positive effects on the skin, so you just join the club and laugh a yourself too! Other treatments are available, some for a further price, but worth it if you really need to relax. The temperature of the water varies from spot to spot, so it's easy to find the place that suits you best.
Entrance through lava field
see all photos » It really is a relaxing experience sitting out in the open air in warm water and treating your skin. What an experience it must be when the place is covered in snow!
After a few hours chilling, we caught the bus back home, cooked up a nice dinner, went for a little stroll around the city and took an early night.
Iceland - Geysir: blue waters
Settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway, then Denmark, achieving full independence in 1944.
Iceland experiences a rather mild climate for a country on such a northern latitude, yet weather patterns are known to be volatile, conditions changing frequently. During the summer months, Iceland never reaches full darkness, and in northern areas a Midnight Sun can be seen. Iceland's stunning landscape provides areas of geothermal activity, mountains, waterfalls and glaciers. It's cities although small, provide both a taste of traditional culture and the chance to experience the Icelandic way of life
Iceland on dirtbikes
http://www.visiticeland.com/
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