Sue's Travels: Iceland - 13 July 2011

I had to get up early to make the bus departing on the tour. It left at 8:00 AM. The first stop was at Godafoss Waterfall, which I really enjoyed seeing. Our next stop was at Dimmuborgir, where time had carved fanciful figures in the lava. We went to one section which is referred to as the “Palace” based upon the weird shapes of the lava around it. It is said that there is a troll hiding behind each rock. The next stop was at Namaskaro, which is a field of boiling mud. At one time the area was mined for sulfur and you can really smell the Hydrogen Sulfide. It is currently not in production. The last stop was across the Fjord from where the ship was anchored to give us a chance to take pictures.

We had lunch on board ship and then there was shuttle bus to take us into the town. I had the bus drop me off at the botanical gardens which was the furthest away. I didn’t spend too much time there because I wanted to get into the town and do some shopping. I walked down from the botanical garden. On the way I stopped to take a picture of the church. I continued on into the town. I stopped at the first book store that I saw. A young man was very helpful in helping me find books suitable for my little Muffin. I also bought a book on Icelandic Sagas for me. From there I went to the knitting store where I bought yarn and a knitting pattern to make a “typical” Icelandic sweater. I rushed to return to the ship before I did anymore shipping.

There was a cocktail party for Columbia and Georgetown Alumni. I arrived too early, but it was pleasant anyway. I went down to dinner and sat with the people and had a pleasant evening.