Saturday: Akureyri Awaits!
An early start! Bags packed, Rachel, Ben, and I jumped into the car, leaving Peterborough at 2 AM for Gatwick Airport. Thankfully, the roads were clear, making the 2-hour drive smooth. After parking for the week (£60!), we met Becky and Jonathan, who'd arrived by train from Leeds and stayed in a fancy hotel. Check-in was a breeze, even with our hefty carry-on bags and checked luggage. Our 3-hour easyJet flight from Gatwick to Akureyri, Iceland, the land of fire and ice, was pleasant. We entertained ourselves with music, audiobooks, and cloud-watching at 38,000 ft. Duty-free tempted us, and we couldn't resist a litter bottle of gin and Jack Daniels for a combined £32. Rachel, jealous of my Lidl headphones, caved and bought some Bluetooth ones. Passport control was swift, and after declaring our 7-day stay, we eagerly awaited Audrey and Andy's car. Finding it, we loaded our suitcases and embarked on our first Icelandic drive, me nervously navigating the snow and opposite sides of the road. Fortunately, it was a short trip to the house. Stepping inside, we were greeted by warmth and the friendly resident cat "Nott". After settling in and planning our adventures, we braved the snow for groceries at the local supermarket. The prices were a shock, but we managed. Off to the liquor store we went (since supermarkets don't sell alcohol), where a single beer cost about £3! Jonathon, our resident foodie, whipped up a delicious chili con carne carne with Icelandic bread for dinner. After drinks and relaxation, we hit the hay, excited for the next day.
Sunday: Godafoss & Board Game Bonanza
Icelandic mornings were freezing! Today, we braved the icy roads to reach the awe-inspiring Godafoss Waterfall. The drive was a whirlwind of white-knuckled terror (at least for me in the back seat!). Rachel, ever composed, witnessed my grip tighten as we navigated snow-covered roads and plunged through the 7-kilometer tunnel, the only respite from the winter wonderland. Despite the biting cold, the scenery was breath-taking, a panorama painted in shades of snow and ice. In the visitor centre, I nearly succumbed to the allure of a pricey Icelandic jumper. My wool-dazed mind craved its warmth, but logic held firm. On the return journey, Jonathan took the wheel again, and I squeezed my eyes shut, seeking solace from the winding roads. Back at the cosy home, board games and laughter chased away the chill of the day, as we dreamt up our next Icelandic adventure.
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Monday: Akureyri Exploration & Free Bus Adventures
Sunrise at 10 AM made for short days, so we set out to explore Akureyri on the free bus. Again, navigating snowy corners in a large bus was nerve-wracking, but it reassured me driving was possible. After hopping off, we visited a clean and tidy shopping centre, followed by a riverside walk and snowball fight. The local architecture, especially the houses, fascinated us.
Back home, Rachel went to met someone from a previous conference at the local university. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner of hot dogs, chips, salad, and various drinks, followed by laughter-filled board game battles. Just as the day was ending, a magical surprise emerged: the enchanting Northern Lights danced at the end of our street, leaving us in awe. |
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Tuesday: Whales, Games, and Hiccups
Setting sail on a whale-watching adventure today, with the majestic Toblerone mountains as our backdrop. Sharing with my daughter how these peaks might have inspired the ancient Egyptians. Imagine them returning from their voyages, filled with awe and wonder, and translating those grand visions into sketches. These sketches, then entrusted to local builders, who brought to life the incredible pyramids we see today. Just a historical theory, but perhaps closer to the truth than we realize. Our day was a whale of a time! on the boat tour, getting an up-close glimpse of these magnificent creatures. After exploring the fjords and enjoying a fun boat ride (fuelled by onboard hot chocolate!), we chatted with a newlywed couple from the USA who found my accent reminiscent of a Harry Potter character! Back on land, delicious burgers from DJ Grill with endless drink refills awaited. A walk led us to a backpackers' inn for drinks and games of chess before heading home for an evening of card games, laughter, and a tasty Chinese meal. Unfortunately, a recurring issue with my Metro bank card caused some stress, but luckily, another card saved the day. Despite the hiccup, the day ended on a high note, leaving only a good night's sleep and the sight of a snowplough clearing the carpark to greet us in the morning.
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Wednesday: Sleigh Rides and Geothermal Delights!
Sleighing became the theme of the day! A long walk led us to a winter sports outlet, where we purchased sledges and headed to a forest filled with slopes and zip wires. Laughter echoed as we slid down the hills, learning about Iceland's unique geothermal heating system and affordable electricity bills. We missed the bus back, but a taxi (and a brisk walk for Ben) brought us home for pizza and pasta. Meanwhile, Jonathan and Becky treated themselves to a seven-course feast at a local restaurant, sharing exciting stories and pictures upon their return.
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Thursday: Infinity Pool Bliss & Historical Exploration
Pure relaxation! Our day began at the forest hot lagoon, soaking in the warm infinity pool, sweating it out in the saunas, and bracing ourselves in the cold plunges. A fantastic brunch fuelled my exploration of the old dock area, a fascinating blend of history and modern life. Although I missed the Motorcycle Museum thanks to a detour, the day ended perfectly with a chill evening and a delicious meal whipped up by Jonathan.
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Friday: Tour Day Delights & Geological Wonders
Our tour day began with amusing conversations with fellow passengers, including the mysterious phrase "blowing off some horses" (windy horseback riding, as we later discovered!). The tunnel tolls, Icelandic humour, and insights from our guide made the journey even more enjoyable. We revisited the stunning waterfalls, marvelled at the lunar-like landscapes, and even saw the Game of Thrones filming locations! The sulphur mountains and craters offered incredible views, although the smell wasn't for everyone (sorry, Rachel!). We finished the day at the Jardbodin swimming pool and enjoyed a farewell drive back with our brilliant tour guides Rachel and Graham.
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Saturday: Farewell Iceland!
Packing chores couldn't dampen our spirits as we enjoyed our last home-cooked breakfast before heading to the airport. Saying goodbye to Andy and Audrey marked the end of our Icelandic adventure. As we landed back in the UK, reflecting on the amazing experiences, my mind already wandered to my next Lidl's trip (yes, you read that right!).
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Until we meet again, Iceland!
With a heart full of gratitude, I reflect on our incredible adventure in Iceland. The scenery was nothing short of breath-taking, leaving me in awe with every turn. We explored vibrant geothermal pools, thrilling rides that sent shivers down our spines, and countless captivating locations. A special thank you to Andy and Audrey for providing such a haven in their warm and beautifully designed home. It served as the perfect sanctuary to rest and recharge after each day's exploration. More than just a break, it was an experience etched in my memory as one of the most remarkable journeys I've ever embarked on. Iceland, the land of fire and ice, truly captivated me. The thought of returning and rediscovering its magic already sparks immense excitement. I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your bucket list – it's an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. Until we meet again, Iceland!
Warm regards, Peter Rachel Ben Becky & Jonathan
Warm regards, Peter Rachel Ben Becky & Jonathan