Iceland, Day 10

Reykjavik suburbs

Today I must be grateful for better weather. There is blue sky and clouds, a light cool wind. We are in Reykjavik, and it is our last full day in Iceland (we leave tomorrow evening).


Driving through Reykjavik in better weather, it is easier to appreciate this little city of 200,000 inhabitants. There is very little interesting architecture. Buildings must be built to survive frequent earthquakes, and the materials available for import are limited. Concrete over metal framing, as well as corrugated iron, are the main materials for
building. No brick or tile, because not only are they less safe in earthquakes, they require sediment material not found in Iceland. The concrete materials are imported.

On our way to the Blue Lagoon, which is out on the peninsula where Kevlavik airport, we
pass through the same lavafields that were a first impression when arriving 9 days ago. 
And it is time to learn about elves.

Elves in Iceland are known as the "hidden people", they can hide and live in little houses
in the lava fields. Icelander children can see and play with the hidden people, but they
are only in the dreams of older people. These hidden people came to be during the time of
Adam and Eve. Eve had several children. One day she was in the process of bathing them,
when God came to visit. She was embarassed for the children not yet bathed, so hid them
away, and presented just her clean children to greet God. He asked her if they were her
only children? Eve replied yes, so God declared that any hidden children would remain
forever hidden. Eve never saw her hidden children again. The Hidden People, elves, are very
cunning, they can grant Icelanders good wishes, or bad fortune. Basically...blame them for
anything that goes right or wrong!  And just in case you are paying attention, elves are
not the same as trolls, who are the giant dummies that also exist in the lava fields.

Geo-thermal plant in distance,
ocean behind the mountain

The Blue Lagoon is actually a "by-product" of a geo-thermal power plant.  In the 1970s, the power company was drilling in the area about 6000 feet down, and got steam at 450 degrees
temperature, rich in salts and minerals. The heated steam comes from seawater, we are very close to the ocean here, that has seeped into the bedrock.  This was not efficient for direct geothermal hot water, so the plant must seperate steam pressure for electricity, and
heat fresh water for hot water uses.  As the steam is used and cools down, it becomes water, salty and mineral-rich water, that has become The Blue Lagoon. It is blue like the sky, frosty white on the edges from the minerals.

In the 1980s, people saw the beautiful "by-product" pool, and enjoyed swimming in the still warm water.  In 2000, the facilities were upgraded and a new pool was formed with a smooth silty bottom. Only 4 feet deep.

Fellow OAT travelers, Snorri & BK driver

Entering Blue Lagoon through the
lava field

So this is where we go, stopping first for a group photo. Seriously, bad timing when we have no makeup on, it's super windy and cold!

But now we enjoy an amazing relaxing experience I've been so looking forward to! Floating was easy in the salty water, completely submerged except my nose and effortless. There are jets that blow hot and cold spots as you move around the large lagoon. Ooh cold, ooh hot and yummy over here!

Blue Lagoon modern facilities

Blue Lagoon

Several stations offer a white mineral paste to put on your face, worrying Jim that it might make him "too" beautiful. A bar offers refreshments like beer and beverages. A waterfall pounds a massage onto your shoulders.

Lava fields around us, mountains
with ocean behind them

Blue Lagoon, geothermal plant
in the background

Blue Lagoon

Bar at Blue Lagoon

This was a special place, never to be forgotten. Like an oasis in the middle of a barren and rugged lava field. Actually, hard to forget for several days as our hair was coated with the minerals.  It took several washings to get them out, felt matted and stiff until then.

Blue Lagoon hot spot

So, back in the bus, and we get another fun story.  This is about the holidays in Iceland. During Christmas, Icelanders get visited by the 13 Santa Clauses, or "Yule Lads".  One by one, they arrive the 13 days before Christmas, and leave one by one for the 13 days after. They have colorful names like Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer, Sausage-Swiper. So look out who's
visiting and causing trouble! 

The Pearl in Reykjavik

Now for New Year's, our guide and driver really get happy thinking about this tradition. Fireworks can be purchased from December 27th to January 6th. Anyone over 18 can fire them off. On New Year's Eve, there is a tradition of watching some television show, that "everyone talks about the next day". Then at 11pm, everyone goes outside to shoot off their fireworks. In Reykjavik, the sky lights up for 2 hours from all over the city! And then the partying begins through dawn.

Reykjavik

Back in Reykjavik, Jim and I spend time walking in the "old" town center.

Jim at THE Hot Dog Stand

Still a little spit of rain and cold, but not bad. FIRST STOP, is the FAMOUS HOT DOG STAND. Jim insists on getting his picture taken here!  The dogs are good, there are even special stands for them
on the few wooden tables by the tiny stand. And there is always a line of people!  Jim even was amazed at ordering our "seconds", because the guy making the dogs knew exactly what we wanted on them.

Hot dog holder

Reykjavik old city center

The old town area is much more interesting with a variety of architecture, built before the blossoming outer areas.  We see the Music Hall/Opera House, a contemporary angular glass structure that catches the sunlight in colors.  We see public sculptures in many places.

Reykjavik public art

Reykjavik city street

Reykjavik

 

Looking up at the Lutheran
Church from old city center

Jim in Reykjavik, perfect under the
Icelandic Design sign

Wheels of Lopi wool yarn

We see lots of shops with tourist souvenirs, and a bit of handmade sweaters. I did spot one shop that had some yarn, including the intriguing wheels of Lopi wool, that you must twist and create your own plied strands. Love the colors!

Soft butter on lava rock with bread

Tonight we have our last Iceland dinner with our fellow travelers. An interesting way to
present their soft whipped butter...on a lava rock!  This soft butter we used every day on
the trip, slapped onto the MOST WONDERFUL breads. Iceland bakes bread with soft fluffy
centers and hard crusts, full of flavor, I will miss that.

So...one final partial day to go...