Day 4

Well we struck out again for the northern lights last night. Another 4 hours with a no show - very frustrating but that's why they call them a natural phenomenon I suppose - no guarantees.

So today was the Golden Circle tour - geysers, waterfalls, tectonic plates, and Icelandic culture.

Vikings first came by Iceland around the 800's picking up a few slaves from Ireland on the way. By 930 they had established their own Parliament - the Althing - one of the oldest in the world. It was effectively part of Norway and then Denmark in the 1500's. It was only in 1944 it severed its ties with Denmark and became an independent nation. 

This is where the parliament was 

You'll have take my word for it

Iceland didn't have any TV till 1966 and then not on Thursday.

Here's the waterfall

They like to compare it with Niagra Falls - not too sure about that but it is spectacular in the snow.

Ws moved on to the Geyser - they were sort of invented in Iceland- this one pops every 5 min

Iceland harvests all this energy - there are many  geothermal power plants that tap into the superheated water and send hot water to the towns so everyone heats their house and showers with it.

This is one of those places

They drill down around 2 kilometers to get it out the ground.

The weather took a turn - white outs, sunshine, snow like needles in your face but as they say here there'll be some more weather  along shortly. 

These are Icelandic horses - don't call them ponies - the locals don't like it - even if they do come in at around 145cm....

Theres about 80000 of these. It's the only breed allowed here and if any leave the country they're not allowed back in. They are hardy chaps - they never use any shelters they stay outside right through winter.

Our last night here so we are just contemplating dinner - might give this one a miss though

Day 3

Late breakfast and we didn’t leave the apartment till mid morning. A day around Reykjavík today - weather keeps flipping from snow to bright sunshine so we hop on a bus to here - Perlan

It’s an attraction that tells the history of Iceland. Even has its own ice cave

We stop for some fish and chips - Icelandic style! 

That means it’s the best fish you’ve had but you’ve paid £40 (inc 2 drinks) - you better get used to it if you visit.

Visited Hallgrimskirkja church - an amazing building - opened for business in mid 80’s

And some nice views from the tower

We’re going to have another go at the northern lights tonight - another 4 hours freezing your do da’s off and no toilet facilities - wish us luck.... 

Northern Lights

Went out last night chasing northern lights. 4 hours later we were back in Reykjavík......... without any sight of the pesky things!
Some random pics of the night time sky and some fish heads curing in God’s freezer

We’re spending today around the city - visiting the sights and checking out a few nice eateries I hope.

We’re having another go at the Northern Lights tonight - hopefully with more success.

Day 2

Southern coast tour today

An early start but sun doesn’t appear until 10.30 - good for sleepy heads who like to get up at the crack of dawn.
First stop - waterfall. There’s loads of them here.

Then on to the next waterfall

  

It’s about -5c at the moment

Half the group are going off for a 3 hour hike on a glacier - we passed on that one. 

Went to black sand beach instead - def not deckchair weather

We went past the volcano that erupted in 2010 causing all the disruption with flights for about two weeks. I was stranded in Hong Kong for another 6 days - I shook my fist at it as we passed by .... 

Got into our apartment in Reykjavík at 19.00 so out for an early dinner - soup in a bap.....

Then a wander down to the Phallological Museum (!!!!! Yes I know but Coral insisted on visiting)

Then back through the snow to our bed

We are out all day tomorrow on a tour down to the south coast and then Northern Lights (hopefully) in the evening.