Houston, We Have Touch Down.

We have arrived, and it literally seems like we are on another planet.

View from landing.

A view from the bus ride to Reykjavik

We are certainly not in Kansas anymore Toto. There are almost no trees here, and the ones that do stand look strangely sad compared to our lush Niagara forests. I will eventually be employing an in depth investigation of the two airports, and so far they are incredibly similar, except for you know the size difference. There seems to be a distinct color choice for all airports and that color is a very dull grey. Though, the airport in Iceland did have more natural wood, and a bit more artistic flair I guess one could say.

Everyone here is friendly so far, and language hasn't really become an issue, but we have been taught how to pronounce the exploding volcano's name, but alas, I have completely forgotten!

There is a distinct mix of the modern and history here. Today on a walking tour we went through some of the old streets, and just the names themselves point to a rich past, one section was named after all the sagas. There are also many monuments, one being of Leif Eriksson himself, which was donated by the States. There are also many modern touches such as the architecture. Many of the churches here are relatively new, and the building materials are very modern compared to the stone churches in Europe or North America, where they use concrete and corrugated metal for many of their buildings. And for a country with roots so far back in history, most of the buildings are really new, majority of them being built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Church.

There is a strange beauty that I never expected, especially in the landscape. We have a magnificent view from our hotel room to the coast. The city also uses interesting sculptures as road mediums like piled up volcanic rock. Definitely visually interesting.

And finally I would like to make an introduction. I have a sheep, his name is Harold. He follows me everywhere. He will be in most of my pictures. My goal is have him photographed around the world. So while in Iceland, you will have the privilege of following Harold on his adventures. Enjoy!

This is Harold.

Harold at Leif Eriksson statue and Church.

Until next time! Eitt tungumál er aldrei nóg!

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane

Don't know when I'll be back again...

So the day has come. It's here! I am slowly going crazy with panic as I try and make sure I have everything, and make sure I don't leave my room in a complete mess. My bag is mostly packed, I need to weigh it before I go... just to make sure. I am a notorious over packer.

It seems I have caused a trend, and my fellow classmates and friends have started their own blogs! Erin's blog: Land of Fire and Ice and Danielle's blog: Exploring Iceland 2010 . I think between all of us it will be like you are acutally there!

I am off to finish my packing and wait anxiously. Pictures should be coming soon so until then : Svifnökkvinn minn er fullur af álum!

Two Days and Counting

The day of departure is nearing, and excitement levels rise. The checklist seems to only get longer rather than shorter. So many things to get done and the clock is ticking. Readings to get done, essays to write, tickets to pick up and the most important a bag to pack! As we go through more and more Icelandic history, it strikes me how unique this country really is. The idea that most of their history is written down in these sagas is fascinating, and often begs more questions then answers them.

So many last minute things to get done, today I get my Kronars! (Icelandic currency) But it has finally struck me, I am going to ICELAND! How many people go there let alone get to experience their manuscripts first hand. There are so many things to experience, and hopefully we get through atleast half of them. I definately have whale watching and Icelandic dinners on my list (though some of the food unnerves me), and I think an Icelandic pint is necessary. What better way to experience a culture but through its beer?

The lists are made, the bags are pulled up from the basement, the ticket is in hand, now its all just a waiting game...