The Land of Ice

Last Saturday, we took a class trip north of Reykjavik. Below are just a few of many beautiful pics from a really enjoyable day.

Shot near Þingvellir (Parliament Plains)
The Alþing general assembly was established here around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. All major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir. Today Þingvellir is a national park of the Icelandic nation. This was definitely an amazing stop on the trip, however, I could not help but feel a bit disconnected in some way with the history that took place there. In other words, I simply could not phathom the combination of the time period, events, and nature all located in this one spot.

Just taking a jog on a glacier

Waterfalls at Barnafoss (Children's Falls).
Two young children died at these waterfalls. They disapeared leaving only a trail of footsteps to the stone arch over the river. Their mother had the arch later destroyed and later these falls were named after the two small children.

Our teacher noted that the view of the glacier was terrible because of the fog. I thought the fog made the whole experience really mystical. That was my favorite stop of the day.

I ate a hot dog!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that hot dogs are not my food of choice. All I have heard since I have been here is that I have to try a 'pylsa' also known as an Icelandic hot dog. The hot dogs are made with lamb meat. My guide book and a few Icelanders told me to get one with everything (mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade). Believe it or not Mom, I ate the whole thing and loved it. Bill Clinton also ate at this particular hot dog stand. I even think they named a hot dog after him.

Sexy vegetarian roommate

Too cool

Just when I thought this week could not get any better, I had another dream day. Following a wonderful dinner party at Vala's, I went to the KiraKira show tonight. It took no time at all to recognize one of the most intriguing singers that I have ever heard...yes, all you Sigur Rós fans...Jónsi! It was difficult for me to contain myself in the same room with him for hours - I'm just not as cool as the Icelanders here. All I want to do is scream and take pictures and for the Icelanders it is simply normal. Besides being completely preoccupied with fame in the room, I really enjoyed the bands tonight. The experimental music only intensified my surreal feelings already attached to this city. Later I could only laugh to realize that KiraKira also sat next to me at a coffee shop the night before. Could this place get any cooler?

Stan - It was a confirmed lazy eye.


KiraKira show

Dinner at Vala's before she left for Minneapolis

Star Struck!

After being here only a few days, I already saw a famous person! Today I saw the star of one of my favorite Icelandic films, Nói albínói, not just once but twice! I was definitely thrilled and was glad that my roommate Eliza was there with me to share the exciting moment. His name is Tómas Lemarquis - his piercing eyes and bald head were not too difficult to spot in tiny Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon

After class yesterday, Vala, Gauti, and I took a trip to the Blue Lagoon, which is located about 45 minutes away. We soaked in the blue geothermal salt water for a few hours in the sun. Life doesn´t really get any better. The seawater's active ingredients are minerals, silica and algae which, believe it or not, did wonders for my skin. We left feeling completely refreshed. I came home, ate dinner, and went running - pretty difficult schedule. Combining school and travel has never been so relaxing!

Getting hitched!

Newlyweds! Just kidding...Megan got married the night before I left. Congrats Meg!

One happy family!

Halló Iceland!

There are no words to describe the last 48 hours. I feel like the luckiest person in the world right now. So far, this has been the most relaxing trip I have ever experienced. I arrived with no problems and felt like I was actually landing on Mars. The landscape is unlike anything I have seen before. The air is fresh and the atmosphere calming.

I am staying with a writer at the National Theater in downtown Reykjavik in an adorable 1950s apartment with a view. Yesterday I travelled for hours through the countryside to Landmannalaugur with Icelandic friends from Minneapolis Vala and Gauti. At Landmannalaugur we enjoyed a picnic in sunny weather and then went to the hot springs I have always heard so much about. Gauti and Vala continued to spoil me the whole day as we made our way to his parents´ cabin. His family and I enjoyed a typical Icelandic Sunday dinner which consists of lamb and potatoes. Yummy! I was in disbelief the entire day.

Today I started class and it was so great to be back in the classroom. The other students seem really nice and I am looking forward to getting to know them. My teacher rocks too!


Typical landscape here



Vala and I during our picnic

The living room where I am staying



Lighthouse west of Reykjavik


Vala and Gauti after the picnic


Preserved viking settlement





Hot spring at Landmannalaugur