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The bus ride from Reykjavik was pretty bland but it had been getting better since then... This country has incorporated ickle bits from all of my entire trip. New language, huge mountains and waterfalls, geothermal junk, new people from far off lands and old places, HockQuests, meeting people who know people from other places, Germans, trying some new form of fish, long drives, funny accents, entertaining place names, allergies flaring up, new extreme sports, (almost) sunsets, rain, nice hostel staff, travel cash card issues and fond farewells.
When I arrived I saw a comedian perform 'How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes". It was very funny and a great introduction to the country. I am struggling, however, to remember all 15 lessons to becoming Icelandic. I am currently half and half. But I have a certificate!
- Last night I ride a horse for the first time since a fair in primary school. It was very easy bit I think I have to give credit to the horse and trainers. Clara was very kind but very hungry so when the guide let me have a go at tolting at the end I think she had a stitch.
- Yesterday day I bus toured around the lake Mytvn area which was some of the best Iceland had to offer for my time scale. It was neat an me, Erin, Chris and Meg had fun in the pool. It is supposed to make you look 10 years younger. For my part I just acted 10 years younger.
- And the day before I got battered by a river whilst white water rafting. I take the same approach to WWR as I do to skiing and climbing. No fun if you don't fall once in a while! It wasn't as good as River Valley but it was a damn close second and the scenery was intense. *
-The day before I met the 2 friendly Slovenians on the bus to the bus to Akyueri and it felt like the good old days of SE Asia. We have caught up each evening, the have been wildlife watching compared to my scenic adventures.
I feel like I could do a completely different trip in Iceland if I had less kit. It is the perfect place for camping, hiking and hitch hiking. I didn't find the time for hiking before I mashed my thigh in the water though I could have done it anytime if day because it is always light. Even after sunset!!!
Food: The best I have found Iceland to offer is waffles with jam and whipped cream, Skyr - a kind of funky yoghurt with less fat more protein and in dire need of sugar to taste. According to Bjork who brought me home from WWR it scouts be eaten whilst yellow with rye bread and poured cream.
I tried charr (fish, ironically smoked) on rye bread. I enjoyed the bread. It was buttered. (Not to say I didn't finish the fish, I paid for all those omega 3s!)
The lamb was also tender and tasty when I had it in a curry.
*Chris (weird accent - turned out to be Canadian (French) with Irish parents. Grew up with Derek. Can you remember where we met Derek? River valley! So I think he quietly knew it wasn't going to be as good since he has been there and we edged around the subject.
Bjork (means help) told me about he elves and her friends. It is taken quite seriously by the sounds of it. And a little folk-law and story of a vicar and his stalker.
I head towards Reykjavik today. I go home tomorrow. Not sure what to say about that apart from I am trying to go big AND go home. Lovely people on Facebook and twitter make it feel even welcoming. Apart from this heatwave...
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