A Magical Mystery Tour

On Thursday morning, we were picked up by “Hershey” (he knew we wouldn’t be able to pronounce his Icelandic name so he, taking pity on us poor Americans, gave us a name we could remember), who took us on a mystery tour – around the University of Iceland, by Perlan, or the Pearl (a mirrored spherical dome that sits on top of a circle of six large - 4 million liters each - geothermal water containers, all situated on top of a hill so you can see it from everywhere – and revolving restaurant we’ll have to visit next time), to the house along the water where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986…

…past the president’s house (which has no security, by the way)...

...through lava fields, and to the light house and cliffs of Reykjanes.

What a view!  If that wind had reversed itself, Hershey and I would have been just a greasy slick on the rocks far below.  Kathie, of course, stood well back from the edge of the cliff – probably nibbling on her fingernails ‘til we removed ourselves to a safer location.

Wherever we went in Iceland, I was struck by how close the sky seemed.  Surely this was an optical illusion, perhaps due to the fact that there are very few trees and it seems like you can see forever.  Phenomenal.

Hershey dropped us at the Blue Lagoon, where we soaked/floated about for an hour in the geothermal seawater with a couple hundred of our closest friends. 

Along the edge of the pool, there are spots where you can scoop up some white silica mud to paint on your face.  When you wash it off, your skin is ultra soft.  Honest, everyone does it – not just the kids.  There is even a psoriasis treatment place next door.  Cool place.  (Kath, I read in the guidebook that the best time to visit is on a winter night when you can watch the Northern Lights while icicles form in your hair.  Let’s try it, ok?)

On the way back home that afternoon, our driver (not Hershey) dropped us off at Geysir for dinner.  It was so good, and the wait staff were very nice.  Highly recommend, Joan!