Where to Begin?

Hello loved ones.

Reykjavik

I have been in Iceland for about four days now, and I am in love already.

Hallgrímskirkja

 Hallgrímskirkja

If you were to mix the landscapes of Ireland and the big island of Hawaii you would get the landscape here. The countryside is desolate yet thriving with life. You can see character in the rock faces and can sense the lurking of elves and trolls hidden in the brush.

                                                                               Hallgrímskirkja // Reykjavik Bay (Reykjavik means smoky bay)

I haven't had too many experiences with the Icelanders so far, but I am attributing that to the fact that they are similar to Seattleites with the initial social freeze. I can attest to this being a real thing because I do it myself sometimes. Letting people in can be scary. Later on I will be working with Icelandic students so I know I will make at least a few connections while here.

Larsen pride!

So far I've explored Reykjavik with my group and two days ago we went outside of the city to see some natural wonders. We first went to Þingvellir, pronounced Thingvellir. It is the location of Iceland's first parliament. There is a natural amphitheater flowing from the land. Beginning in 930, tribes from around Iceland would gather once a year to make decisions. One of the first democracies. Also interesting is that they held witch trials there. Located behind the amphitheater is a waterfall that were the drowning pools for people accused of being a witch. Apparently if the person sunk they weren't a witch, and if they floated they were a witch. Its a Catch-22 if you ask me.

Þingvellir

 Þingvellir

 Þingvellir// Church and President's Summer House

 Þingvellir

Þingvellir// Drowning Pool

Next we ventured to Gullfoss. It is a giant waterfall which makes sense considering Gullfoss means 'golden falls.' This is the largest waterfall I have ever seen, and I was amazed. It cuts through a golden valley and radiates with a sort of energy. Unfortunately camera lens' and moisture do not get along so many of my photos turned out foggy. Bummer.

 Gulfoss

 Gulfoss

Me and the ol' Gulfoss

We finished the day by going to Geysir which means geyser. Crazy, I know. They are apparently less impressive than Old Faithful, but I had never seen a geyser so I thought they were good enough. I found the geothermic pools the best though because they were bright blue. Love me some color.

 Blue geothermal pool// Icelandic countryside

Geothermal Pool

I ended the day with class readings and paper writing. I am a student, remember? I forget sometimes too.

I also went to a Maritime museum and took some cool photos. Oh, and I learned about the Cod Wars which were a real thing and not just a video game.

 Reykjavik Marina

Canon on the retired coast guard ship. Used during the Cod wars.

Marina life.

Iceland is a dream land, and I could not be happier to have the next two months to explore it and share it with whoever cares to read.

Until inspiration strikes,

Stacie Marie