The Icelandic Donut

Judging by their decorations, buildings and shops Icelandic people like to keep things simple.

Undecorated, this tasty yeast dough treat with a unique shape, does have a familiar donut hole.

Christ the King Cathedral

Mass was in Icelandic and Latin, with the Communion hymn in English for good measure.  If we had gone to the earlier Mass it was in Polish.

We were seated when a priest brought us a 'guide' to Mass in Icelandic, Latin, English and Polish with readings for the day in English. While we did not understand the Icelandic Homily, we were happy to interpret the priest's gestures in our own way.

After Mass we were invited by a priest to stay for coffee. How's that for hospitality?

What's in a Name?

To preserve its culture all names of Icelandic people must be vetted through a government office to ensure that they meet Icelandic naming standards.

All names must conform to age old rules.

Fans of compound names, the Icelandic people take their father's name and add the suffix 'son' or 'dottir' to create a last name. For example, Peter would be Peter Peterson and Brenda would be Brenda Romandottir.

Fire and Ice

The natural beauty of Iceland is beyond words. 

From volcanic mountains

To lava fields next to the ocean

This land of fire and ice is home to scenery that is out of this world. In fact, NASA is looking to train its astronauts here.

The Iceland Horse

Not a pony, it's a horse. Small in stature but broad in the shoulders these compact horses are found throughout the country.

A Little Golf?

One of 65 golf courses in Iceland.

Built over a field of lava, beside the harbour...anyone want to play?

Joined the 5%

It is estimaged the only 5% of the world's population has ever seen the Aurora Borealis. 

On the last night of our time in Iceland, braving freezing winds, rain and drizzle, we caught our first glimpse of the northern nights. 

After two hours on a boat the cloud opened and at last, there they were.

Thankfully we were well dressed northerns who could cope with the cold. 

In a Field of Lava

Follow the path through the lava...

to reach the Blue Lagoon.

Heated by hot springs, this unexpected delight treats the visit to hot/warm mineral rich water. The lagoon, featuring a poolside bar and many relaxing areas, is large and can accomodate many people.

The Land of Craft

Many Icelands suppliment their incomes by making crafts, while others make a  living creating craft beers. This is one a many found in Iceland only craft beers. 

In a Land with many Sheep

What do you do in a land with many sheep?

You find their oldest and best known wool company, Alafoss.

With a history dating to 1896, this company is known world wide for its wool and wool products. The wool used in Icelandic sweaters comes from here. 

After a bus trip to the country to check out the store, you stop for lamb soup.

Chock full of meat, this tasty soup is a must for anyone coming to Iceland. 

Saegreifinn

What does a fisherman do when he retires? He opens a seafood restaurant.

Guests choose their fish or sides from this fridge and the restaurants grills it. 

The lobster bisque was wonderful as were our scallop and salmon skewers.

A great way to cap this day!

Great Rift Valley

Each year Iceland becomes a little bigger.  The North American and European tectonic plates continue to separate and Iceland's volcanic rock break apart creating fissures or rifts.

The Pingvellir National Park ('p' is promounced 'th') is home to these natural formations. 

With Pingvellir lake in the background, the highwinds and occassional rain added to the mystique of this place.

This area is historically significant to Icelanders as the first parliament was held in this area. 

Icy Way

A few weeks ago Iceland had a major winter storm. 

Paths, sidewalks and even some roads remain ice-covered.

Sparkling in the sunlight the ice looks beautiful, but walking can be treacherous. 

Gullfoss Falls

Fed by glacial run off, the Hvita River carved through the volcanic rock to create this beautiful two step, 32 meter high waterfall. Sedment in the water looks golden in the sunlight, hence the name Gullfoss, whcih translates to 'golden falls'.

When plans for a hydro electric plant threatened the falls Sigriour Tomasdottir fought to save it. Her efforts saved the falls and paved the way for other conservation efforts.

Geiser

Adjacent to the highway is a field of geyers. The word geyser is derived from a Norse wording meaning 'to gush'. Water in these geysers is 100C and signs in this area warn people not to touch the water.  Liti Geiser bubbles and boils constantly.

While Strokkur geyser sends a burst of steam 30 metres into the air every 5 - 15 minutes.

Water in the pond bubbles, expands and contracts. A large bubble forms and...

steams shoots high in the air. 

The water settles down a little and then the whole show begins again. 

Faxi Falls

The locals call it Vatnsleysufoss, but it is easier to say Faxi.

These falls are found on the Tungufljot River.

Kerio

Iceland is home to many active volcanos. The Kerio volcanic crater holds a table water lake.

Formed about 3000 years ago as a volcano sputtered out, the Kerio crater has steep circular slopes that resemble an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Concerts have been held in this venue featuring the performers on an raft. Today, the ice covered lake better resembles an arena. 

Heat for a Nation

So how do you heat a volcanic island?

With geothermal heat of course. Iceland is one of the greenest energy efficient countries in the world.

Hot water from under ground is cooled with water found closer to the earth's surface and steam turns turbines creating clean energy.

The power plant is a brilliant blend of phyics and chemistry. The circular object in the top image is a section of  pipe used to bring energy to the city. 

Sunset

Just 7 hours after it appeared on the horizon, the ever-low arctic winter sun set, returning Reykjavik to darkness. 

The sky lit up with purples, pinks and mauves for only a few minutes before the light show faded to dark. 

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is perched at the highest point in Reykjavik.

Contruction on this Lutheran church began in 1945, but the chuch was not completed until 1986. The tower is 73 metres high.

From the top of the tower the 360 degree view of Reykjavik is inspiring. It is well worth the climb.

Are You Missing a Glove?

Great advertising technique and the perfect use for single gloves. 

We Did Not Eat Here

Interesting Icelandic menu options, but we are not that adventurous. 

Reykjavik Harbour

Reykjavik is a coastal city. On the southern side of the harbour lays the city, while the northern side is bordered by snowy mountains. 

Daylight

This view of the day beginning to dawn from our hotel room was taken at 9:30 a.m. Nights are long and days are very short here. 

First Glimpse of Reykjavik

By the time we reached Reykjavik at 8:30 in the morning, rush hour was in full force. 

The long line of red tail lights against the dark arctic morning welcomed us to our destination.

Destination:Iceland

A fast five hours from Toronto, Iceland is an Island in the North Atlantic Ocean and our destination for a few days.