Words by Erica

So, there were limited photos from this day, but check out this pink footed goose that we spotted on the walk to class. 

Remember going to school for the first time back in elementary school? …Walking hand in hand with Mom or Dad; thoughts about who you’ll eat your lunch with; who your best friend will be. Today was our first day of school. Though we may have not shared exactly the same thoughts as a kindergartener, as third-, fourth-, and graduate students, our thoughts were centered more around the speakers presenting and topics surrounding sustainability and topics of Iceland. Today’s catch: Social aspects of energy and fuel use in 20^th century Iceland, Geology of Iceland, Economics, and Draft policy on sustainability.

And after a hard day’s work, what better way to wind down than to relax in a geothermally-heated pool bordered by – *ahem* – sand imported from Morocco.  And the best part?…Maybe getting a slight brain-freeze from taking a dip in the ocean.

Enjoying the finer things in Icelandic life. 

Iceland is a magical place eh?

“Golden Circle” tour day (Geology, hydrology, geothermal energy)

Today we embarked on the Golden Circle EXTREME tour adventure. After we strapped on our fanny packs, grabbed our cameras and zinced our noses we were officially ready for the ultimate Iceland tourist day. While I was fully prepared to slog through the countryside, boulder basalt columns, and scale the alpine peaks, I think several of my fellow classmates were happy to endure a bumpy bus ride after a night of wild Reykavik tavern exploring. Matt helped pass the time between stops by singing cheerful tunes in the back a capella style with Jason and Tony. It sure was a delight to hear!

Throughout the journey we encountered four incredible natural Icelandic wonders:

1. Þingvellir (“Thingvellir”) – a rift valley at the crest of the mid-Atlantic ridge, and site of historical, geological and cultural importance
2. Gullfoss – “Golden Falls,” a spectacular waterfall significant as the foucs of a major environmental debate in the late 20^th century
3. Geysir – the first geyser known to modern Europeans
4. Kerið – volcanic crater

B. Þingvellir (Thingvellir)-a rift valley at the crest of the mid-Atlantic ridge, and site of historical, geological and cultural importance
C. Gullfoss-a spectacular waterfall significant as the foucs of a major environmental debate in the late 20^th century
D. Geysir-the first geyser known to modern Europeans
E. Kerið (volcanic crater)
F. Reykjavik

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…

While the Golden Circle didn’t involve any epic mountain climbs, or crazy river crossings it was a fantastic experience that will be engraved in our memories forever.

Boomdeadda! Whohoo finally alive and ready to articulate! After a seven hour flight over Canada, the Atlantic Ocean and parts of Greenland we arrived in Reykjavik to find we had all transformed into zombies. However with a belly full of authentic Icelandic food and a good night’s rest most of us have returned to our “normal” state.

We started the day with a crash course on Icelandic language and culture. Caitlin (our Icelandic hostess) and Kristi (Icelandic Linguist) guided use through basic Icelandic survival necessities. We learned that all hot water in Reykjavik is heated by geothermal energy, but smells like eggs because of the sulfur additive, not the naturally occurring smell that you get at the “hot pots” (geothermal swimming pools”). Caitlin told us that beer didn’t become legal until 1989, which is why Icelanders are making up for lost times and rampage the city on the weekends. We were told to buy an Icelandic sweater so we could blend in better (see photo below)…

By the end of our Icelandic language lesson (taught by Kristi) we were all fluent and ready to take on the town. What better way to take on the town than an epic scavenger hunt to the death (Hunger Games Part II)? JOKES, but in reality this scavenger hunt was know laughing matter it was only a race for Trojan 6 packs, cheetah sprints, wolf howls and unwavering concentration.

The Start: KEX Hostel 1:00PM
The Finish: KEX Hostel 3:30PM
The Course: 13 “Hot Spots” around Reykjavik

Check out the photos shot during the HUNT:

Race Summary: 
3, 2, 1…and they’re off.  Immediately Team Purple Hair took the lead (Gary, Maddie and Piper) and started sprinting toward the renowned glass Opera House. While the other groups meandered around town eating hot dogs and swimming with the ducks Team Purple Hair sloshed through the rain (it was really raining), and managed to get all 13 photos! It was a tight race until the end and Team Purple Hair almost lost it to The Big Group of Girls, but managed to slide through the hostel doors just in time. WINNING.

Team Purple Hair hopes that everyone will join them for a game of “RAMS” (the prize: the Ramming Card Game) in the upcoming days. 

6:15 AM. My body is moving, but my mind is somewhere else. Where are we? Oh yeah…we’re in Iceland…

8:30 AM. KEX Hostel. I am a zombie. Jet Lag.

 9:45 AM. DO NOT FALL ASLEEP. Just keep walking…just keep walking. I feel like Dory in Finding Nemo “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

 11:30 AM. Kids in sombreros. Kids who are dressed like leggos. Giant pink bunnies. Where am I? Am I hallucinating?

1:00 PM. Giant Church. Weird spaceship inside. Are there aliens here?

2:00 PM. Crazy Windows, mirrored ceiling, classic music. What kind of opera house is this?

 4:00 PM. Still zombified. Colors and paint everywhere. Confusion.

6:00 PM. Meet other zombies. Eat real Icelandic food.

9:00 PM. Sleep. Will return to normalcy tomorrow.