Day One: Big Sky Vistas & The GoldenCircle
Our first full day in Iceland found us heading towards the famous Golden Circle. On our way there we were greeted with sweeping vistas that made our jaws drop and our heads swivel. We tried in vain to take in the scenery. After 20 minutes of "Ooo's" and "Ahhh's" we succumbed to our impulses to stop the car in the middle of the road and snapped our first photo. Here we were in the middle of nowhere, with the blue sky stretching out in front of us, what a great start to the trip.
Thingvellir
Thingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland's first parliament. Established in 930AD this has become a protected and revered site for all Icelanders. Located a 35 minute drive from the capital Reykjavik, this breathtaking landscape is also the center where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart. If you're the adventurous sort you can even snorkel and dive between these two plates.
We decided to keep our feet on dry land for now and went to explore the park.
While meandering through tourists, we understood why the Icelanders chose this place for their first parliament. The scenery alone conjures up images of early men hashing out laws and having squabbles between rival clansmen. However, the cathedral high walls and the occasional earth tremor served as a reminder that they still were the under control of mother nature and no man-made law will govern her.
We decided to keep our feet on dry land for now and went to explore the park.
While meandering through tourists, we understood why the Icelanders chose this place for their first parliament. The scenery alone conjures up images of early men hashing out laws and having squabbles between rival clansmen. However, the cathedral high walls and the occasional earth tremor served as a reminder that they still were the under control of mother nature and no man-made law will govern her.
Geyser
After leaving Thingvellir, we followed the lines of tour buses and ended up at our second stop, Geyser.
We both didn't have many expectations for Geyser. I was unsure that we would see any eruptions and judging by the large and glossy welcome center, I wondered if this was going to be an oversell of a very small hot tub.
After making a detour through the gift-shop and fighting the urge to get an iconic Icelandic wool sweater we entered the park.
We both didn't have many expectations for Geyser. I was unsure that we would see any eruptions and judging by the large and glossy welcome center, I wondered if this was going to be an oversell of a very small hot tub.
After making a detour through the gift-shop and fighting the urge to get an iconic Icelandic wool sweater we entered the park.
We made our way passed ankle high roped off pools and signs conveying the temperatures of the bubbling pools. It did not take us long to find the star of the show- Stokkur Geysir, The geysir erupts every 4-8 minutes and shoots hot water up into the air, with a resounding applause from the admiring spectators.
As it is a sulfur hot spring, the smell of rotten eggs is never far away. Note to self, standing downwind of the steam is never a smart idea.
With camera poised and breathes held in anticipation of an imminent eruption, we watched as the water churned in a teasing manner. It's hard not to get mesmerized by this. The turquoise water mimicking the inhales and exhales of unknown, underground monster. We were almost about to turn away when the sleeping monster gushed to life. It was sight to behold and Im glad we waited for it.
As it is a sulfur hot spring, the smell of rotten eggs is never far away. Note to self, standing downwind of the steam is never a smart idea.
With camera poised and breathes held in anticipation of an imminent eruption, we watched as the water churned in a teasing manner. It's hard not to get mesmerized by this. The turquoise water mimicking the inhales and exhales of unknown, underground monster. We were almost about to turn away when the sleeping monster gushed to life. It was sight to behold and Im glad we waited for it.
Gullfoss
We arrived at our last stop in our tour to grey clouds and slight drizzle. Its a saying in Iceland that if you don't like the weather now, just wait 5 minutes. It's a positive way of looking at things when you're thinking your day might be a bust.
Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall. We descended down the stairs and although it was not a bright day it was still an awesome sight.
Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall. We descended down the stairs and although it was not a bright day it was still an awesome sight.
As we got closer its evident to see how powerful the water rushing past us really is. The water falling into the deep crevice below and the spray shooting up to meet us did a good job in refreshing us after our car journey.
Gullfoss gave us a great introduction to what we would expect from Iceland's waterfalls and it was safe to say we were pretty happy with our journey so far. Just check out our smiling faces!