My trip to Iceland begins!

July 10, 2021 Got the the airport, no issues. Was put into a bit of shock when almost didn’t get approved to go on the flight at checkin - was guilty conscience on my part as was sure I had forgotten something. Checkin lady said there was an issue because I had been to Austria, which I hadn’t. I didn’t need a PCR test and I was sure I was wrong, so was feeling guilty. Turned out it was the pre-approval form and I had filled it out.

I fly to Iceland to begin a month trip around the island. I forgot to turn around to say goodbye to Chris and that is a bad omen.... I spend time in the BA lounge and have champagne, champagne, champagne.

Then I wasted time because I didn’t have my passport out at boarding. I’m sure that the checkin lady said I didn’t need it. Then the guy in the aisle seat wasn’t too pleased getting up to let me out to the bathroom. Then the steward didn’t collect my tray. All minor.

The clouds coming over the island are amazing!

I got in the slow line at passport control. Suitcases took about 10 minutes to come off and realised I hadn’t locked one of them - for some reason I thought that Chris did. Then there was some good stuff - Covid review went really quickly and efficiently. And I had all the proper documents in order!

The bus to the hotel took me to a transfer point which I hadn’t anticipated. The person sitting next to me (no social distancing or masks needed here any more - very strange)This woman from Georgia was really rather strange and disorganised. No money, phone didn’t work, didn’t know her itinerary. Along the way to the hotel (about 45 minutes) we saw the volcano steam which was pretty cool. Then we had to change busses and people were really annoying and selfish and there's a rush to move luggage. Along the way you see the vents from the active volcano and the rust colored steam that reflects the eruption.

The hotel, supposedly the best in town, is rather run down and retro/art nouveau - like. I feel very odd not wearing a mask…. It's like traveling pre-COVID.

Lunch at Messinn was amazing - I'm amazed that all Icelandic people don't weigh a million pounds. Then a walking tour of Reykjavik - walking over to the Perlan Museum where they have an ice cave (in sandals) and a star show. Best part was something that would only be out of a bad tourist stereotype: I ask - what is this ice cream? Kokido. Can you please say that in English? That was English…. I gathered my embarrassment and ice cream and walked to another part of the museum. Then ended up over by the cathedral and Leif Ericsson statue. For dinner I tried crepes which were great. Also, ice cream and coffee. If I continue to eat like this, I'll surely gain weight:).

Am exhausted, so off to bed. Am glad to be here in one piece! I hope I can get to sleep because It doesn't get dark at night!