So I have been a bit neglectful of the blog lately, but I've been busy being in Iceland. I hope you understand. To make up for it, a super image heavy post!!
Saturday, I was lucky enough to meet up with Kent. He's been living in Iceland for almost 10 years now, but is originally from Gimli. He had some cousins from Seattle (Maryann and Brian) coming out, and was taking them on a tour, and invited me to come along. It turns out they're my cousins as well! It's a very very small world. I didn't even know these people existed, yet I find them in Iceland. Kent's friend Karen, who is here teaching for a year, also came out. Here's the group.
Left to Right: Kent, Maryann, Brian and Karen
Here is a random guy who jumped in the photo. He's awesome.
Now don't be fooled by the nice weather in that shot. That was Sunday. We toured the Golden Circle Saturday, when the weather wasn't nearly as nice. In a country where you can expect the weather to change every 15 minutes, it rained consistently all day. We had expected it to clear up, because that's just what it does here. Despite the wind, the rain, and the cold, touring the circle was amazing. The scenery is fantastic. I haven't been outside the metro area much, so it was a new sight for me.
Our first stop was Þingvettlir, the first Parliament in Iceland. There is a huge, impressive cliff, as well as scenic destinations like the Drowning Pool, where unfaithful wives were executed after Christian law came into effect. After that, we drove to Gullfoss, an amazing waterfall. I can't wait to go back in the summer when there is a trail where you can walk right down to the falls. We also had some great kjottsaupa, or lamb soup at the cafe there. I haven't had much lamb since I've been here, which is a bit disappointing.
Rocks. Lots of rocks.
The Drowning Pool
The drowning pool now has a life preserver.
You can scuba dive here!
Because I haven't had any pictures of me yet.
Gullfoss
Very wet.
After lunch, we braved the rain again to see Geysir and Strokkur, the geysers. Geysir does not actually erupt anymore, which is too bad, because it is apparently the more impressive of the two. I didn't get a picture of the eruption, because it was cold and rainy, and I just didn't have the patience for it. I will be back before my trip ends for sure though.
Colourful mountains.
So wet! So cold!
The last stop was the church at Skálholt, where the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland (and his two sons) were executed after refusing to convert to Lutheranism. In the church, a singer and organist were practicing, and the acoustics are amazing. It was a very eerie but great moment to hear this beautiful music in an empty church, while a storm raged outside. In the basement there is a museum dedicated to tombstones. I was happy.
I was soaked by the end of the day, but I'm glad I got to see the circle in the winter season. At home, I had a nap, and then headed out to a club in Reykjavik called Sodoma, where I saw this show. A classical pianist named Vika, and the drummer Brian from Dresden Doll, playing heavy metal. It was amazing.
Again, I apologize for any photo weirdness, I'm not doing much work to them anymore, because this monitor is so out of whack. I will have so much editing to do when I get home.
Saturday, I was lucky enough to meet up with Kent. He's been living in Iceland for almost 10 years now, but is originally from Gimli. He had some cousins from Seattle (Maryann and Brian) coming out, and was taking them on a tour, and invited me to come along. It turns out they're my cousins as well! It's a very very small world. I didn't even know these people existed, yet I find them in Iceland. Kent's friend Karen, who is here teaching for a year, also came out. Here's the group.
Now don't be fooled by the nice weather in that shot. That was Sunday. We toured the Golden Circle Saturday, when the weather wasn't nearly as nice. In a country where you can expect the weather to change every 15 minutes, it rained consistently all day. We had expected it to clear up, because that's just what it does here. Despite the wind, the rain, and the cold, touring the circle was amazing. The scenery is fantastic. I haven't been outside the metro area much, so it was a new sight for me.
Our first stop was Þingvettlir, the first Parliament in Iceland. There is a huge, impressive cliff, as well as scenic destinations like the Drowning Pool, where unfaithful wives were executed after Christian law came into effect. After that, we drove to Gullfoss, an amazing waterfall. I can't wait to go back in the summer when there is a trail where you can walk right down to the falls. We also had some great kjottsaupa, or lamb soup at the cafe there. I haven't had much lamb since I've been here, which is a bit disappointing.
After lunch, we braved the rain again to see Geysir and Strokkur, the geysers. Geysir does not actually erupt anymore, which is too bad, because it is apparently the more impressive of the two. I didn't get a picture of the eruption, because it was cold and rainy, and I just didn't have the patience for it. I will be back before my trip ends for sure though.
The last stop was the church at Skálholt, where the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland (and his two sons) were executed after refusing to convert to Lutheranism. In the church, a singer and organist were practicing, and the acoustics are amazing. It was a very eerie but great moment to hear this beautiful music in an empty church, while a storm raged outside. In the basement there is a museum dedicated to tombstones. I was happy.
I was soaked by the end of the day, but I'm glad I got to see the circle in the winter season. At home, I had a nap, and then headed out to a club in Reykjavik called Sodoma, where I saw this show. A classical pianist named Vika, and the drummer Brian from Dresden Doll, playing heavy metal. It was amazing.
Again, I apologize for any photo weirdness, I'm not doing much work to them anymore, because this monitor is so out of whack. I will have so much editing to do when I get home.
Enjoyed seeing the Golden Circle again. It was snowing when we did the tour. We didn't see the church at Skaholt-maybe next time. Looking forward to the next update. Mom
ReplyDelete