So here it is, my final Icelandic blog post! I cannot believe how time flies and that in less than 9 hours time il be on a plane (partially) making my way home! First of all I will tell you about my final day in this spectacular country!!
I woke fairly early, prepared to get as much into the day as I possibly could. My first job was to head to the post office and send off Sarah's present as its much cheaper to send it from here! then off to Kringla Mall again to get the final souvenirs and get my tax money back, plus a little take home pack of a few beers and the Icelandic spirit called Brenivine (or black death). I had my last lunch at an Icelandic burger place called Haborgarafabrikkan (i know its a mouthfull to even say). Funnily enough I had a mexican burger which was Scrum-diddly-umptious!! From here i headed about 20 minutes out of town to Viking World, a great museum with many stories and exhibits, showing how they lived, what gods they believed in and what they did, and also explained more about the raiding and pillaging that they used to do! The best exhibit in the museum was the life size Viking ship they had! This particular ship had actually done a crossing from Iceland to Newfoundland (Canada) to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the first voyage!
I woke fairly early, prepared to get as much into the day as I possibly could. My first job was to head to the post office and send off Sarah's present as its much cheaper to send it from here! then off to Kringla Mall again to get the final souvenirs and get my tax money back, plus a little take home pack of a few beers and the Icelandic spirit called Brenivine (or black death). I had my last lunch at an Icelandic burger place called Haborgarafabrikkan (i know its a mouthfull to even say). Funnily enough I had a mexican burger which was Scrum-diddly-umptious!! From here i headed about 20 minutes out of town to Viking World, a great museum with many stories and exhibits, showing how they lived, what gods they believed in and what they did, and also explained more about the raiding and pillaging that they used to do! The best exhibit in the museum was the life size Viking ship they had! This particular ship had actually done a crossing from Iceland to Newfoundland (Canada) to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the first voyage!
From here I travelled on to Keflavik, I had now officially made it the whole way around Iceland. I had a little "Self Praise" moment for actually managing to do it and still be in one piece! I dropped my things off at the Guesthouse, meeting the owners, Yuki (from Japan) and Andi (from Switzerland) who were very accomodating and lovely people to talk to! Unfortunately i didn't have time to hang around and talk as I had my booking (finally) at the blue lagoon, Icelands biggest attraction. Upon arrival i was pretty struck by how big this place actually was, and how busy!! I stayed in the lagoon for about an hour, enjoyed my face mask, free blueberry smoothie, and even got a "waterfall massage" which was great. As it got later in the evening it started to get very busy and I decided I'd had enough, I think this lagoon was probably a bit busy for my liking, I much preferred the quieter places where is was a bit easier to have your own space and get some quiet relax time, but great to see the amazing design and facilities!!
The hardest decision I made today was what to have for Dinner, I had about 45 minutes before the Ice Hockey started so drove back into Reykjavik and had a look in my guide book. I decided Fish and Chips down by the Harbour would be a nice way to finish off what has been somewhat crazy, but a great Icelandic food experience. I chose to have Cod with a spelt batter and crispy potatoes on the side.. What a way to finish my dinners, the fish was absolutely delicious!!!
My final activity in Iceland was meant to be super exciting and great, but unfortunately the Mighty Roo's got flogged by Iceland in the Ice Hockey 6-1. It was still a great game, tempers were high and there was a few blues and a lot of penalties. This game had a lot bigger attendance (obviously) than the others I had seen, which made the night a great way to finish off my holiday!!
So, as I sit here on my final night in Iceland I can honestly say how proud I am of myself to have successfully completed the amazing journey. It has been a complete life changer for me. For me it was my comfort zone that needed to be broken, and after a hard few days of adjusting and finding my feet I now feel I have a new comfort zone that outreaches anything I have had before!! I had days where I just wanted to give up and fly home, these were a learning curve, but with a positive mind (and a bit of support from family & my best friend) I managed to go onwards and upwards. This country has so many beautiful places to see and so many fun and adventurous things to do, I have well and truly fallen in love with Iceland (maybe not during winter), and have discovered a new confidence in myself. I now believe after this that anything is possible and the only thing holding you back is yourself. I say bring on Copenhagen tomorrow and then il be planning the next adventure!!
From my amazing final hotel room in Keflavik, Goodnight! :) xxxx
From my amazing final hotel room in Keflavik, Goodnight! :) xxxx