Best day ever. No joke!
4X4 Super Jeeps, Glaicers, Geysers, Snowmobiling, Scavenger hunt, Mountains, Rivers, Cliffs, Ravines, Icelandic Strongest Man, Waterfalls, and Winning!
Friday, May 4, 2012
DAY 4 ICELAND Amazing Pictures
Super Jeep Adventures.
Best day ever. No joke!
4X4 Super Jeeps, Glaicers, Geysers, Snowmobiling, Scavenger hunt, Mountains, Rivers, Cliffs, Ravines, Icelandic Strongest Man, Waterfalls, and Winning!
Best day ever. No joke!
4X4 Super Jeeps, Glaicers, Geysers, Snowmobiling, Scavenger hunt, Mountains, Rivers, Cliffs, Ravines, Icelandic Strongest Man, Waterfalls, and Winning!
ICELAND DAY 3 EVENING
Whaling and Puffin watching was a blast! I highly recommend this event for anyone traveling to Iceland. It came out to be about $60 us dollars and well worth the cost.
A large sea worthy vessel departed the harbor in Rekjavik and took us quickly out to sea. The tour guide suggested all wear the the complete wet gear because the waves will crash over the bow of the boat. Jessica and I had other plans though...we wanted to test out our new waterproof jackets from REI. They worked well, but some people who were not prepared should have heeded her advice. We bravely stood on the bow deck and took the water in the face as we attempted to hold on. This vessel was flying through the water at over 30 knots.
Once out at sea we followed the birds who were fishing for the same fish the Whales like to snack on. It was surreal to witness countless birds dive bomb the water to catch their prey. Some birds even swim down about 10 meters to make the catch. The whales were difficult to spot but not impossible. We saw about three different Minkie??? Whales. Stinky Minkies we nicknamed them because their blow holes enmities a foul smelling odor of dying fish. I did manage to take some great photos with our Sony DSLR camera. Pictures to come soon... I need to get my hands on a card reader.
Dinner was amazing at the Grill Market restaurant in Rekjavik. There was a 10 course meal that rivaled almost any meal I have ever consumed. Vegetable Tempura, Menke whale, Rib-eye, salads, and other stuff I may not be able to pronounce. The wine was excellent too.
A large sea worthy vessel departed the harbor in Rekjavik and took us quickly out to sea. The tour guide suggested all wear the the complete wet gear because the waves will crash over the bow of the boat. Jessica and I had other plans though...we wanted to test out our new waterproof jackets from REI. They worked well, but some people who were not prepared should have heeded her advice. We bravely stood on the bow deck and took the water in the face as we attempted to hold on. This vessel was flying through the water at over 30 knots.
Once out at sea we followed the birds who were fishing for the same fish the Whales like to snack on. It was surreal to witness countless birds dive bomb the water to catch their prey. Some birds even swim down about 10 meters to make the catch. The whales were difficult to spot but not impossible. We saw about three different Minkie??? Whales. Stinky Minkies we nicknamed them because their blow holes enmities a foul smelling odor of dying fish. I did manage to take some great photos with our Sony DSLR camera. Pictures to come soon... I need to get my hands on a card reader.
Dinner was amazing at the Grill Market restaurant in Rekjavik. There was a 10 course meal that rivaled almost any meal I have ever consumed. Vegetable Tempura, Menke whale, Rib-eye, salads, and other stuff I may not be able to pronounce. The wine was excellent too.
DAY 3 ICELAND
Jessica has to go to a MINI meeting to in Nautholl which is about a 5 min drive from Rekjavik. I ended up walking around town with new friends and exploring the city. We exchanged some Dollars for Kronur. I got many $5000 bills and immediately felt good.
In addition, I got so see some local art around town and some ceramic stores. Very gifted artists here too. A group of us were interested in going Whale and Puffin watching after the group lunch in Nautholl. Of course, I somehow was the spearhead in organizing this event for a small group of about 10 of us. Luckily, the MINI representative called and spoke some Icelandic words to secure a reservation and call us a cab.
Lunch was excellent as usual and we parted early once our cabs arrived to head into the sea.
In addition, I got so see some local art around town and some ceramic stores. Very gifted artists here too. A group of us were interested in going Whale and Puffin watching after the group lunch in Nautholl. Of course, I somehow was the spearhead in organizing this event for a small group of about 10 of us. Luckily, the MINI representative called and spoke some Icelandic words to secure a reservation and call us a cab.
Lunch was excellent as usual and we parted early once our cabs arrived to head into the sea.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 2 ICELAND EVENING
After our walking tour it was time for a well deserved dinner at Vigingakrain. This is a Viking themed tavern in the heart of Reykjavik with locally brewed beer and some unique Icelandic improv and entertainment. The host viking who's name I shall not try to pronounce was a formidable woman with an Axe. She gave a us some history lessons including the Viking son of Erik who really discovered North America about 400 years before Columbus even thought about sailing Across the Atlantic.
In addition we learned that Iceland is growing about 1 inch per year due to the seperation of the American plates and the Eurasian plates seperating. This seperation is called the mid-atlantic ridge and it runs right through the center of Iceland. Moreover, Iceland is the largest volcanic island in the world.
We feasted on Salmon and White fish and drank beer and wine to our hearts content, while listening to the tales of Iceland and Erik the Red.
In addition we learned that Iceland is growing about 1 inch per year due to the seperation of the American plates and the Eurasian plates seperating. This seperation is called the mid-atlantic ridge and it runs right through the center of Iceland. Moreover, Iceland is the largest volcanic island in the world.
We feasted on Salmon and White fish and drank beer and wine to our hearts content, while listening to the tales of Iceland and Erik the Red.
DAY 2 ICELAND
The hotel here in Reykjavik is clever and sleek. Some of the architecture here in Reykjavik seems modern with a twist. Peter did say during our walking tour that people can paint their homes and buildings whatever colors they choose. WOW! This country truly is independent. Also crime is very very low and I have not seen a police vehicle or person since we arrived. Icelandic is the official language spoken here but nearly everyone speaks English as well. The Icelandic words and language are very difficult for me to pronounce and understand.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Washington
Rewind just a bit.
We arrived in Washington via Delta. Nice quick flight and watched The Office on the way so we had a few good laughs. (lesson learned, don't plank in odd places, especially with Dwight around).
Washington Dulles airport was easy to navigate and nice and clean to boot. We had 2 hour layover, so we got some fish and onion rings to pass the time and fill our bellies. Jessica charged her iPhone at a charging station about 50 feet away and no one touched it! Nice folks in WA.
We arrived in Washington via Delta. Nice quick flight and watched The Office on the way so we had a few good laughs. (lesson learned, don't plank in odd places, especially with Dwight around).
Washington Dulles airport was easy to navigate and nice and clean to boot. We had 2 hour layover, so we got some fish and onion rings to pass the time and fill our bellies. Jessica charged her iPhone at a charging station about 50 feet away and no one touched it! Nice folks in WA.
Arriving in Iceland!
Cold, Wet, and Different. Landed and immediately felt the colder temperatures nipping at my nose. The airport was streamlined and we got our baggage in a matter of minutes. The man holding up the MINI sign directed us onto a bus after cruising through customs. It was about 7:00am Icelandic time.
Tired and weary-eyed we sat and waited for the rest of the MINI folks to jump on board. Everyone else was tired too, but there was excitement in the air for the unknown and Iceland's landscape was awaiting us.
The flight aboard Icelandair was better accommodations than Delta, but 6 hours was pretty tough. I was sandwhiched between Jessica and a very nice Asian man who somehow reminded me of Chow from the "Hangover". He had better manners but slept like a baby with a big sleeping mask that resembled Chow's sunglasses. At one point he even laid his head on my shoulder. Sould've had my iPhone handy... Perfect shot...but you can use your imagination.
Hoping the rain passes quickly and can't wait to get some real sleep in a horizontal position.
-crayonman
Tired and weary-eyed we sat and waited for the rest of the MINI folks to jump on board. Everyone else was tired too, but there was excitement in the air for the unknown and Iceland's landscape was awaiting us.
The flight aboard Icelandair was better accommodations than Delta, but 6 hours was pretty tough. I was sandwhiched between Jessica and a very nice Asian man who somehow reminded me of Chow from the "Hangover". He had better manners but slept like a baby with a big sleeping mask that resembled Chow's sunglasses. At one point he even laid his head on my shoulder. Sould've had my iPhone handy... Perfect shot...but you can use your imagination.
Hoping the rain passes quickly and can't wait to get some real sleep in a horizontal position.
-crayonman
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Iceland Bound
Sitting, waiting, anticipating, aboard Iceland Air flight #644. The sun is setting here in Washington as we ponder the near future and hope for a restful flight. The plane is full, but quiet and nice. A soft melody plays over the speakers and interesting facts about Iceland's people scroll across our screens. I like that half the population believes in Elves. No joke! I'll ask to confirm as soon as we land.
It's currently 8:30 eastern time and I wonder what happened at school today. I don't think much could top Eric's brave speech yesterday, but I'm proud of him and what he said.
My goal with this blog is to keep you up to date on our journey and post my feelings, thoughts, and photographs. Taxing out...see you soon.
-crayonman
It's currently 8:30 eastern time and I wonder what happened at school today. I don't think much could top Eric's brave speech yesterday, but I'm proud of him and what he said.
My goal with this blog is to keep you up to date on our journey and post my feelings, thoughts, and photographs. Taxing out...see you soon.
-crayonman
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