Day 3 – Glacier cave hike

A two day trip to the southern region of Iceland to hike to the Jokulsararlon Glacier Lagoon. The ice is blue and our guide explained how glaciers are formed and how you can tell how old they are. We tasted glacier water and was delicious. We went to Diamond Beach. It’s magical and cold. We drove through the town of Vik and finally arrived to a cute little hotel in the middl of nowhere for a delicious dinner of baked cod and vegetables. We tried to see the Northern Lights but not as clear as we were hoping.

tattoo

Sophia wants us to get matching tattoos when she comes to town. It’s not as spontaneous as it sounds. She’s been subtly pushing for this ever since I put the carrot out there that I’d do it if she stayed sober a year. Well…she’s lived up to her end of the bargain. I guess it’s high time I overcome over my own fears and get my ink on so to speak. The good thing is we already know what we’re going to get. Ever since she was young, Sophia has held on to sweet memories of me reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull to her. The simple but poignant story of a less than aerodynamic bird taking flight to his full potential. It’s full of symbolism and resonates at any age. Captured within are a number of beautiful black and white photographs of gull silhouettes streaking across the sky. That’s the image we’re going for.

I’m still nervous about it. No idea where I’d even put the thing. But I found a reputable place and we can decide more when she gets here.

Day 2 – Food Tour

Iceland is 5 hours ahead of Atlanta. Started the day (Sunday) with a trip to the city indoor flea market. I found a pretty navy felt hat – Italian made. I wore it inside the flea market and the quickly realized when we left the building I needed my warm toboggan. We went on a food tour and walked through the city learning about Icelandic history. I had zero idea Iceland was owned by Denmark and beer wasn’t legalized until 1989. Icelanders eat a lot of fish and lamb. We had smoked and fried charr. I also tried lamb and pickles shark. I am not a fan. Even their hotdogs have lamb.

We arrived – Iceland

After a 5 hour overnight flight from Boston, we arrived in Iceland at 6:30am. We are a group of ten celebrating Robin’s 60th birthday. First stop is the Blue Lagoon. Words can’t begin to describe this magical place. We soaked in the 100 degrees outdoor lagoon for 5 hours. I had a water massage and 3 facial masks Three hours after we left, the place was evacuated because of the volcano and hot lava.

off she goes

well…just like the start of Chapter 1 of this blog, I find myself once again back at home while Steph goes on a big adventure. I’m not jealous per-se. It’s a girls trip and Iceland sounds very far away. It is super volcanic and fresh lava is flowing even as I write. Sounds frigid and austere but if they time it right, they should see the northern lights and puffins.

but just like her last big trip, she looked super cute in her parka and new snow boots. She just got her haircut yesterday, her digits also looking good and freshly manicured. I played a little Bjork in her honor on the way to the airport.

Steph says she’ll post along the way but I’m not holding my breath….she said that before in Italy and we all know how that went.

Iceland

It’s 8am and raining. Jason driving me to the airport trying to teach me how to post here. I am rusty. I am distracting his driving. But here we are driving down 400 headed to the airport. Iceland seems far away. Looking forward to celebrating Robin. But always hard to leave my family. ❄️♥️

tennis

Julian has been asking me to play tennis a bunch lately. Better late than never and for a kid who has seldom picked up a racquet, he is getting darn good if I do say so myself. He’s even started taking lessons again and says he wants to try out for Varsity tennis next year. I better start working on my own game if I’m going to have a chance of keeping up with him!