Day 1 - The Journey, The Blue Lagoon and Yummies!

The Journey There - yikes!

So, perhaps I was in denial or still basking in the glow of Antarctica but this was one HECK of a journey!  We started in Chicago at 4:30 and made our way without problem to New York City.  The flight was easy and calm.  In less than 2 hours, we were in the Big Apple waiting for our flight to Iceland leaving at 10 o'clock. 

Not OUR airplane. But we were on Delta and is our plane for the trip!

Mr. S. felt like this!

After waiting and waiting, we finally were allowed to board our flight and off we were!  It was an overnight trip to Iceland.  I have to tell the truth.  Mr. S. was squished for the five hour flight the entire time.  Sleep did not happen at all.  We arrived in Keflavik, Iceland at 8 a.m. in the morning!  We arrived in Iceland hungry, VERY tired and honestly - cranky. 

Mr. S. had a bit of a problem.  He was tired, hungry, cranky.  AND, we had planned for my mom and I to take a bus straight from the airport to the famous Blue Lagoon.  The Blue Lagoon is known for being a geo-thermal place for people to go and bathe.  It is ACTUALLY blue!  We got there pretty quickly and were greeted by very friendly staff who walked us through the ropes.  My mom and I had paid for a premium package which meant we had a lovely fruit juice and lunch waiting for us!  We really had not had any food since the night before!  We made our way into the beautiful lagoon.  The waters were a crystal blue and you felt the immediate heat as your toes entered the water. This was in a complete contrast from the 50 degree temperature outside of the water so there was a mystical mist that rose over the waters. 

The Blue Lagoon with people bathing in the magical healing waters.

Up close look at the blue waters!

The Blue Lagoon - straight form the plane!

A Nap, Incredible Food and a Walk (troll sighting!)

Chef preparing our dinner.

Langoustine Fritters. Delish!

Whale! Baleen Whale for dinner! I did ask if it was on the endangered species list. It is NOT.

A little atmosphere and love of all things beef!

So, Mr. S. and his mom became very, very hungry!  It was almost unbearable. Luckily, we had a list of restaurants with many incredible suggestions. We decided to go to a restaurant by the name, "Steak House."  I had a terrible taste for beef - not just any beef but a hamburger made with premium grade Angus beef, topped with truffle oil and bone marrow.  Quite the delight.  However, it didn't begin there!  Mr. S. had WHALE.  Seriously, whale!  Baleen Whale was on the menu and while I had serious reservations, it was highly recommended by the waitress.  I thought it would taste like fish - wrong!  It was more "beefy" in texture and taste than anything else.  It had a Chipoltle jelly and Japanese fine crackers placed on top of it.  Mr. S.'s mom opted to have the Langoustine Fritters - those are balls of delicately fried dough around Icelandic lobster.  All of that was sitting above a bed of cream green, ginger, pesto sauce.  YUM!

Some Reykjavik Sights

After our delicious dinner, it was time to walk home.  We were amazed at the wonderful colors of this beautiful city bringing to life the culture of Iceland.  We have only just begun.  One of my favorite pictures was of a huge mural on the side of a building, reflecting itself giving its views a second glimpse of its beauty. 

I can't wait to see these little creatures!

Click on this image to see the incredible art. The water reflection really brings it to life.

A beautiful line of red benches. I saw the shot!

Mr. S. then happened upon a polar bear sitting in the street and HAD to get a picture. Well, it wasn't a REAL polar bear.  While I do think they must come our Iceland, I don't think it is Polar Bear season!

And our FIRST troll sighting!  I didn't get to talk to him, but I cannot wait!  I can imagine how bad he must smell!  I hear that trolls can be very, very smelly, cranky and not nice.  Then, there are the nice ones!  Which one do you think he is?