Day One:
Experience 1: Going North for Summer PEOPLE
Yohoo! I have arrived in Iceland - the farthest north I have ever traveled. The journey to arrive here would have proved to be perilous even for the Vikings (but in a much more real sense... probably not). The adventure began where they all have all begun the past three years - Plyler Hall. We met in the science building on Tuesday May 10th around 5pm. Of course, Phoebe, my partner in geologic crime, and I briskly strolled in closer to 6 as seniorhood slowness has taken firm root in our matured age. After a gathering over food and final details (plus a hug from the department mom Ms. Nina) we camped out in various classrooms in preparation for a 3:30 am wake up and full day of Nordic travel. We took sail in the sky by flying from Greenville to New York JKF, where a 10 hour layover granted us bountiful freedom for airport frolics. Finally after the terminal marathon, we boarded the plane and I began to get that tingly feeling that hits me when airplane dinner and seat back movies await me.
One five-ish hour flight later we soared through crispy air and landed in Iceland. Our group of 21 was easily spotted by our signature "yohoos" and fascination with the type of mineral used in the airport walls. For future guidance on spotting these scientists in the wild: Geologists are easily recognizable by their signature hiking boots, hand lens, faint resemblance to their favorite rock, and tendency to constantly be in search of the local draft beer. We were off to a great start.
Outside the airport, a medium-sized 90s themed bus waited to transport us into Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. *I will refer to this bus as the Golden Egg. Please see picture for reference*. On this bus was the Gandalf of Iceland otherwise known as Thorleifur Fridriksson. Thorleifur is a retired professor, historian, and our main contact in Iceland. He graciously provided breakfast in his home and gave us the inside scoop on our first Icelandic experience. HANG IN THERE READERS. ITS GETTING GOOD.
The Golden Egg
Experience 2: Naked and Afraid
A very unique facet of Icelandic culture is their frequent visitation to swimming pools. Apparently, different towns each have their own swimming pools, which contain such elements as a regular lap pool, sauna, and various hot tubs. Thorleifur informed the group that Icelanders are not shy about their bodies. They are also a clean people. What do these two factors equal?? COMMUNITY SHOWERS of EXPOSURE. Before entering the pool we were required to shower off without our bathing suits. The geologic ladies of the group shuffled our way into the women's locker room to be greeted by an array of exposed females - of all ages. Thus began our first bonding activity. To the blogosphere I must declare that it was pretty humorous and I secretly don't mind running around wild n free. I'm not saying to go to your local YMCA and naked party it up, but in the right context it just makes sense. (Don't we all secretly want to experience a nudist colony just to check it out off the lists??).
Dr. Suresh navigating the city
Day 2:
Experience 3: Bring the Heat to the Ice
After over 25 hours of travel and community shower experiences, we all slept soundly in our hostel. The next morning we refueled on breakfast before taking a small trip outside the city to visit Reykjavik's geothermal and electric power plant. In my continued yet frequently failed effort to be posh, I classily had English breakfast tea and biscuits along with traditional Icelandic bread and cheese. The Golden Egg was back to carry us to the Orka Nakturunnar power plant, established in 2006. This facility is one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world, and the largest in Iceland. Although it only began in 2006, geothermal drilling in Reykjavik began in 1928. The process uses hot water from the earth to create a sustainable electricity and hot water source for the city of Reykjavik. Hot water travels through this pipe by gravitational force, as the plant is located at a higher elevation as opposed to the city. Nearby glaciers supply the groundwater necessary to this process, so climate change poses a threat to the long-term sustainability of the system. This entire process makes Iceland a model example of clean energy production.
The Geothermal Plant
Experience 4: "Smile at them and see if they smile back"
The rest of the day consisted of more great food and company. The Golden Egg brought us back into the city, where we had burger and fries on the bay and toured Iceland's National Museum. After these experiences, we departed the Golden Egg, adorned our geologist gear once again, and traveled through the city to find Hallgrinskrkja Church, a church I found beautiful in its simplicity. Phoebe, Kristina, and I led a charge to the topmost tower of the church, which contained a 360 degree view of the city. The remainder of the evening consisted of adventures downtown and a very fun, false fire alarm at 3:00 am. Fun fact: it does not get dark in this country. So at 3:00 am the darkness level is maybe equal to early evening. Aka I'm glad everyone got a full illumination of the delicate creature that is 3 am bitter and sleepy Elly.
Quote of the day: "smile at them and see if they smile back"- my professor on how I can make friends with males my age.
The National Museum
Day 3
Experience 5: A Different Perspective
Day 3 was kick started by more English tea and the Golden Egg. We went on a day trip outside of Reykjavik to circle the southwest peninsula. This small trip was extremely picturesque Iceland. It was the first time here that I have been truly blown away by the landscape, both literally and figuratively. At times the entire landscape seems to rest amongst the clouds. Heavy fog descends and retreats rapidly, giving the land a foreboding quality yet adding a dimension of serene beauty. Every time the fog retreats, a new structure is revealed. It is almost as if Iceland is inviting one to come explore but not too closely. There is no word really that summarizes the essence of the land. Perhaps volcanic. However, the island's volcanic composition does anything but provide uniformity. Reversely, the land is a patchwork of meadows, hot springs, lakes, rolling mountains, and ancient lava flows, all in constant transition under a dynamic system.
Field notebooks ready to go!
Phoebe pondering geology
Experience 6: Naked and Afraid - All-Stars competition
We ended the day by visiting a popular destination for tourists but still a pretty freaking cool stop - Blue Lagoon Iceland. This lagoon uses thermal ground water pumped in to create basically a giant hot tub. It's uniqueness derives from the bright blue murky coloring of the water. Additionally, the naturally occurring silica makes a great face mask for those looking for exploitation (I covered myself to the point where I resembled a beluga whale breaching the surface). Before we could paddle around this fountain of youth, we once again visited the community showers. At this point we are basically old Icelandic pros at the shower game. Discovery channel please accept this as my official application to Naked and Afraid.
This very eloquent posts about wraps up the highlights from the first three days. Hopefully I have not written anything that fatally taints my reputation quite yet. However, there is still have half a month left so give me time. Thanks for reading these ramblings people. Cheers!
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