GAPP in Iceland

I had a lovely post all written out yesterday only for it to delete right as I published it.  So I apologize about the delay!  I have also been trying to post pictures, but the internet here is just too slow.  So those will come tomorrow.  I have taken a lot because I want you to see how much fun we are having!

So we had a pretty smooth journey across the pond.  Students used the airport to get to know each other better, and our flight over was as uneventful as a 7 hour flight can be.  We were impressed with Iceland Air, and most of us got at least some rest.  We did have a malfunctioning card and a lost phone, but all our luggage arrived safely.  We had breakfast in the airport, then stood in the chilly wind to catch our bus to the Blue Lagoon.  After safely locking up our luggage, we headed into the lagoon.  Here students (and teachers) enjoyed a good soak in the geothermal pools, stood under the waterfall, went into the sauna and the steam room, relaxed in the cave, and even took advantage of the free mud masks.  The goopy mud was super fun to apply and has amazing properties for the skin.  The teachers even splurged on an algae mask, which kids didn't need since they don't have wrinkles.  A few of us also took advantage of the swim-up bar (non-alcoholic, of course) and tried a blue slushy called Krap.  Payton particularly enjoyed his blue Krap.

After warm showers, we reclaimed our luggage and took the bus into Reykjavik.  After checking into our hostel, the temptation was to nap.  We solved that by walking to the grocery store--and getting slightly lost and taking the scenic route.  Shopping in another country is always an experience--what is this mystery lunch meat? (turkey)  Is blueberry jam really called Blaberja?  (it is) Where can I find peanut butter?  Do we need spinach for our pasta sauce?  After finding a more direct route back, we walked through the park, past the keg high tossing competition, past a mini-amusement park, and back to our hostel.  Then it was time to cook an early dinner.  I encouraged students to stay awake long enough to watch Germany vs. Poland in the hostel commons room, but only Lucas and I hung on to the bitter end (a 0-0 draw didn't help).  Isabella gave it a valiant effort and lasted most of the game.

After 12-15 hours of sleep, we got up at 10 am yesterday feeling much better.  We purchased day passes for the city, then headed to the ferry to Videy Island.  Here we got a bit of nature in the city as we saw the Yoko Ono Peace Tower, lots of bird species (one made a sound like a video game!), and amazing views.  We then took a bus into the city (except Isabella, Maija, and Lucas, who caught a later ferry directly to the wharf).  We spent the day walking around the shopping district, the festival areas, the waterfront, and more (and looking for a bathroom apparently!).  Andrea C, Natalie, Leah, and John B ("Norman") went to the National Museum.  The rest of us went up to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja (church) and then to Cafe Loki, where we ordered Hakarl, the fermented shark.  Isabella, Payton, Mia, John M, Rayna, Andrea S, Lucas, and even our two vegetarians Isaac and Maija all tried a bite (with mixed opinions).  Even those who didn't like it enjoyed the experience, and we all had a lot of laughs.  The other group also visited the top of the church and rejoined us later.

We moved about in various groups, meeting up from time to time as we continued to explore the city.  A few folks headed down to a music festival, while another group wound up at the public viewing venue for the Euro.  We ended up at a table with Necdet from Turkey, who was very nice and had us all cheering for Turkey over Spain (well, most of us).  The fact that he was good looking may have influenced a few of our group . . . .

After an evening of soccer, explorations, and a full day of fun, it was time to head back to the hostel.  We did all struggle to sleep as it doesn't actually ever get dark here--just a bit twilighty (is that a word?) after about midnight.  But sleep we did.  This morning a few people went to the nearby pool for a swim (yes, Andrea C. found the pool) before we headed out for our excursion.  We started with lovely sunshine in Reykjavik.  At Thingvellir National Park, which is where the Eurasian and North American plates are pulling apart, it was breezy and a bit chilly.  At Geysir, it was slightly overcast and fairly warm.  The geyser, which erupts every few minutes (though not predictably), is quite high.  Our group was smart, staying upwind--until the wind shifted as the geyser erupted, drenching Isabella, Maija, and Andrea C.  Good times!  Our final stop was Gullfoss, the golden waterfall.  Here we encountered wind that made the Oregon coast seem still.  That meant for a lot of laughter!

We learned a lot about Iceland's trees (all planted in an effort to reforest the country), geothermal processes (all the hot water comes directly from underground pools, which is why the smell of sulphur is pretty pervasive), and the animals.  We learned about the unique horse breed (Icelandic horses have their own gaits and are known for their variety in color as well as their hardiness) and saw a roundup.  We also heard the story of Beti the troll and saw a statue of him (sorry, didn't get a picture).

We arrived back at the hostel at halftime of the Iceland-Hungary game, and students are currently out and about--at the local market getting food, at the pool for another swim, relaxing in their rooms, packing, showering . . . .

So I have to add a quick note on how much fun it has been with this group.  They have followed every rule and expectation to the letter, have been on time to everything, have included each other and looked out for each other, and they have just been pleasant to be around.  They are polite, kind, generous, helpful, and in great spirits.  They have really bonded in the last few days, and that bodes well for our stay in Germany.  You all have wonderful young adults, and I thank you for the privilege of spending this time with them.  Their energy, laughter, and curiosity are contagious and uplifting.

Rest assured we are having a blast.  We get picked up at 4am (though thankfully not in the dark) to get back to the airport for our flight to Germany.  We can't wait to see our friends!