Tonight was the night I landed in the Land of Fire & Ice. The plane landed at 11:40 and I was really excited because I had fulfilled another one of my dreams. I’ve now visited 5 countries outside the U.S. (Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Fiji, and Iceland). I intend to visit many more! After getting off the plane, I went through security after I landed which was surprising, then got another passport stamp, and browsed the duty-free shop with Ísak and Þorbjörg. I didn’t buy anything, but I tasted some wine at the shop. We all waited for our bags, but they didn’t show up. I’m so mad! On one hand, this trip has been a great experience, but on the other hand it has been a complete disaster. I swear I’ll never fly on Delta again. The three of us filed a claim and they said our luggage would be delivered to where we would like in Reykjavik. It puts a serious dent in my plans because I wanted to go cheap by camping. One of Ísak’s family members, a man named Þorvaldur, picked us up at the airport. I remember being so surprised at how tiny the airport is; there is only one terminal. It’s also very modern. As we began driving I noticed that the landscape is very rocky! We then passed the road that goes to the Blue Lagoon (Blaá Lonið) and then passed through Hafnarfjörður and a couple of other towns that have merged with Reykjavik. Þorbjörg told me that I probably could stay at her place, but later found out I couldn’t because her family was home. She did let me borrow a sleeping bag so I could sleep cheaper at the hostels. They’ve really been nice to me, and I’ve noticed that Icelanders are just as warm and welcoming as Australians. Ísak, Þorvaldur, and I drove through downtown Reykjavik and I wanted to stay at the Salvation Army. On the way we passed Hallgrímskirkja, which is the tallest church in Iceland. However, I could barely keep my eyes open (opið) I was so exhausted. I booked a sleeping bag bed at the Salvation Army Guesthouse and it was 2,500 kronur; far more (U.S. $44) than I wanted to pay. I said goodnight to my new friends and Ísak gave me his phone number, so we could go get our baggage together. The desk attendant said “sleep well my friend” and I went to my room. This guesthouse is really cute and has that small, friendly feeling. My mother stayed here like 35 years ago and now I’m here! I’m not sure what I’m doing tomorrow. I might just walk around Reykjavik and soak up this amazing city. I’ve now been to the world’s northernmost AND southernmost capitals; Reykjavik and Wellington, respectively. I’m laying here and it’s 2:00 AM and there is light. It’s so cool though! But, I’m going to sleep now so I can be refreshed tomorrow. Good Night.
