Up just after 5.30 to be checked and waiting for the airport coach at 6.40. Once we arrived at terminal 4 and easily went through bag drop and Immigration we headed to a restaurant for a light breakfast. Captn D and I shared crumpets and Foggy had toast on white bread - how very English of us.
Time to board and I sheepishly head to Business Class where I find my lovely little pod at 18 A. It is a window seat and as I look around, see that none of the middle 2 seats are filled. The 6 1/2 hour flight is extra comfortable and I am treated exceptionally well by all staff. I’m such a relative newbie at the absolute delights of Business Class that I still feel like I should be pinching myself to make sure it is really me in the right seat! There is even a lounge bar that I ended up making my way to mid flight so that I could gather up a cheeky little Chilean Sav Blanc to take back to my pod. I could have had my drink brought to me but I wanted to check out the lounge. Managed to watch ‘Instant Family’ which I enjoyed, the ‘Ladies in Black’ andgit most of the way through a third movie I can’t remember the name of asi dozed through quite a bit of it until it was time to get ready fir landing. Food was really good and way too much of it. Having arrived safely at Doha it was then a very quick hi and goodbye to my dearest travel buddies as their flight to Sydney was starting to board. We’ve had a brilliant holiday and it is only when I later look back over my blog and photosthat I will really be able to appreciate how much we have fitted in over the last three and a half weeks. My flight to Adelaide will be boarding soon and I am hopeful of some quality sleep during the 16 plus hours flight. Qatar airlines are brilliant and I’d love the opportunity to fly with them again, Business Class ofcourse...
Hope you’ve enjoyed coming on this trip with me and once I’ve had time to do the laundry, pay some bills and catch my breath, I will need to start considering my next adventure.
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Heathrow , London
It was nice to have a lie in and the leisurely breakfast. Weather is perfect with clear blue skies and about 0 degrees.just as well we are leaving today as bad weather due over the next few days. That Arctic wind chills you to the core. I got very good st covering almost every inch of my body in thermal layers. God bless whoever came up with hand warmers!
Back in the room for final packing and time to catch up on some more Janet Evanonich novels. I’m up to book 12 and still enjoying them. We don’t have to check out until midday and the three remaining amigos had agreed not to try and fit more sight seeing in this morning so that we would not be in any rush. So there is time to sit around in the lobby and chat with Nichole until our coach arrives. While I was packing my bag I realized that friends in NSW were on Messenger, so we were able to video chat in the lobby. Lots of laughs and much poking fun at each other.
Our coach was supposed to pick us up from 1 pm but didn’t arrive until just after 20 past 1. We then went back to the terminal which was only a few minutes away where we had to gather our luggage again and get onto a big coach to take us to the airport. It was packed so was pretty saueezywithhand luggage to manage as well.
45 minutes later we arrived at the airport where everyth8ng is sutomated. Thankfully we had checked in and downloaded boarding passes the night before, but we still were in a bit of a muddle to get baggage tags printed up and then through customs. However we managed and by then headed straight to a coffee bar for much needed coffee and light lunch. Our flight was fairly heavily booked but was a comfortable enough 3 and a bit hour flight.
I wasn’t looking forward to Heathrow airport, and my concerns were well founded. We seemed to walk miles before we got to security screening at immigration. Makes me bloody mad that Australia is part of the blasted Commonwealth but we Aussies have to queue with the great unwashed to get through Immigration, but EU locals go through quick checks. Wonder what will happen if the UK ever gets out of the EU? Anyway, morning aside, it took almost 45 minutes to get through Immigration. Bah humbug...
Our suitcases looked like they had been abandoned by the time we got to the right carousel. We then made our way to an information desk to find out how to get to our hotel for the night, the zHilton Garden Inn. Unbeknownst to us, the airport hotels are bus or taxi drives away so we purchased our return bus tickets and thought we followed the woman’s instructions but found ourselves at the Underground and wrong terminal, so we retraced our steps and finally found the correct bus stop. About a 15 minute wait fir the bus and then a 10 minute drive to the hotel. Easy book in and glad to get to our room. We started joking that it took us longer to get from the plane landing to our hotel than it did in actual flying time!
Back downstairs to checkin for the morning’s flights and print up boarding passes. That took ages as the computer kept playing up and not allowing the screens to progress. However a very determinedFoggy finally had success ( I had given up long before) and with that we duly dragged our tired butts into the bar for a much needed drink! Back in the room and straight to bed as it was well after 11.30 pm and we have an early start in the morning.
No photos taken today but there are likely to be more added when I get home and have time to pick out the highlights of our holiday.
Back in the room for final packing and time to catch up on some more Janet Evanonich novels. I’m up to book 12 and still enjoying them. We don’t have to check out until midday and the three remaining amigos had agreed not to try and fit more sight seeing in this morning so that we would not be in any rush. So there is time to sit around in the lobby and chat with Nichole until our coach arrives. While I was packing my bag I realized that friends in NSW were on Messenger, so we were able to video chat in the lobby. Lots of laughs and much poking fun at each other.
Our coach was supposed to pick us up from 1 pm but didn’t arrive until just after 20 past 1. We then went back to the terminal which was only a few minutes away where we had to gather our luggage again and get onto a big coach to take us to the airport. It was packed so was pretty saueezywithhand luggage to manage as well.
45 minutes later we arrived at the airport where everyth8ng is sutomated. Thankfully we had checked in and downloaded boarding passes the night before, but we still were in a bit of a muddle to get baggage tags printed up and then through customs. However we managed and by then headed straight to a coffee bar for much needed coffee and light lunch. Our flight was fairly heavily booked but was a comfortable enough 3 and a bit hour flight.
I wasn’t looking forward to Heathrow airport, and my concerns were well founded. We seemed to walk miles before we got to security screening at immigration. Makes me bloody mad that Australia is part of the blasted Commonwealth but we Aussies have to queue with the great unwashed to get through Immigration, but EU locals go through quick checks. Wonder what will happen if the UK ever gets out of the EU? Anyway, morning aside, it took almost 45 minutes to get through Immigration. Bah humbug...
Our suitcases looked like they had been abandoned by the time we got to the right carousel. We then made our way to an information desk to find out how to get to our hotel for the night, the zHilton Garden Inn. Unbeknownst to us, the airport hotels are bus or taxi drives away so we purchased our return bus tickets and thought we followed the woman’s instructions but found ourselves at the Underground and wrong terminal, so we retraced our steps and finally found the correct bus stop. About a 15 minute wait fir the bus and then a 10 minute drive to the hotel. Easy book in and glad to get to our room. We started joking that it took us longer to get from the plane landing to our hotel than it did in actual flying time!
Back downstairs to checkin for the morning’s flights and print up boarding passes. That took ages as the computer kept playing up and not allowing the screens to progress. However a very determinedFoggy finally had success ( I had given up long before) and with that we duly dragged our tired butts into the bar for a much needed drink! Back in the room and straight to bed as it was well after 11.30 pm and we have an early start in the morning.
No photos taken today but there are likely to be more added when I get home and have time to pick out the highlights of our holiday.
Sunday, 10 February 2019
Blue Lagoon
Thought I would try again with some of my photos from last night.
Breakfast and check out of hotel to be on the road again by 8 am. We only have a very brief stop at the farm which was rebuilt in the same spot after Ejjafjallajokull volcano erupted about 30 years ago.
We then head to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. During warmer months you can actually walk behind the waterfall, but much of it is now iced over. Still a spectacular sight.
Next stop is the new Lava Centre where we watched a film on recent volcano eruptions in ziceland. A couple of the more volatile volcanos are overdue an eruption based on previous experience of them!
We had lunch here too. Loved this sign on the bar.
We then head for the Reykjanes peninsula where we stop at the famous Blue Lagoon where we all go for a dip in the warm/hot mineral rich waters that are in the middle of a black lava field. Amazing!
We also had a silica face mask while we were in the lagoon, plus paddled up to the bar and had a strawberry sparkling wine while floating about. Very civilised and something I would love to get accustomed to.
But sadly all good things must come to an end. Back into the change rooms for another shower (we had to have one before getting in) and then trying to keep some form of decorum in the open space women’s change rooms. Back on the coach and everyone is suitably ‘spa’d happy from our spa experience. We then arrive back in Reykjavik at Hotel Natura where our tour started from at about 5.30. Book into our rooms, farewell Louisa and Simon (who Captn D said looked like a lurch and never smiled the whole trip!). Up into my room to take absolutely everything out of my suitcase plus the carry on bag I had left stored at the hotel Thank goodness someone told me the marvels of rolling clothes to pack them as everything fits easily, without having to expand the zipper area, plus I have very little carry on so that means I may have room for some duty free shopping!
Met D and G in the lobby where we opted out of the hotel’s buffet dinner which is about $60 per person and the only option available for a meal of any sort. Instead we bought a pre packaged sandwich and ate it in the lounge area near reception. Sadly our day has come to an end and it is time to head back to my room to finish packing, update the blog, hot shower and time for bed. We start our long trek home tomorrow afternoon.
Saturday, 9 February 2019
Eyjkafjallajokull volcano and more
Much better sighting of the Northern Lights last night than on the ship. Hardest thing to get my head around was that the Lights yo my naked eye appear whitish, but on the camera cone out green. Those with much better cameras than mine have better images, but we all saw the same thing.
By the time we got in last night I was totally ready for my bed so forewent the hot chocolate thateas to be offered later and headed to my room. I can now be really satisfied that I have seen an amazing spectacle of the Northern Lights.
So, today after breakfast we headed to a very close by volcano museum to watch a video on the 18th century volcano. If the same event happened today, of the same magnitude, the whole world would be affected, primarily due to the ash. We then head to a viewing point of the he snow covered lava fields. As the sun was rising atthesametime, it was a magnificent view point, but icy winds meant we weren’t wanting to stay out of the buc for long.
Next stop is the Skogar museum. SBand I visited here last time, but in the rain, so it was nice to wander about the outside buildings (including the miniature elves homes) in clear but icy wind. Very interesting and well presented. Especially liked the Sid houses.
By the time we got in last night I was totally ready for my bed so forewent the hot chocolate thateas to be offered later and headed to my room. I can now be really satisfied that I have seen an amazing spectacle of the Northern Lights.
So, today after breakfast we headed to a very close by volcano museum to watch a video on the 18th century volcano. If the same event happened today, of the same magnitude, the whole world would be affected, primarily due to the ash. We then head to a viewing point of the he snow covered lava fields. As the sun was rising atthesametime, it was a magnificent view point, but icy winds meant we weren’t wanting to stay out of the buc for long.
Next stop is the Skogar museum. SBand I visited here last time, but in the rain, so it was nice to wander about the outside buildings (including the miniature elves homes) in clear but icy wind. Very interesting and well presented. Especially liked the Sid houses.
blockquote
There was also a very well presented transportation museum and telecommunications equipment museum. Icelanders were relatively early to utilise electronic communications. The fist wireless radio signals were received in Reykjavik in 1905. We then headed to VIK for a lunch break. Had a lovely big bowl of tomato soup, then wandered around the shop and ended up with yet a couple more ‘must have’ souvenir gifts. Back on the coach for a very short trip to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall. It was really, really strong winds and icy path to get near to the waterfall, but worth the effort.
And now we are headed for the black sands of Reynisfjara beach. Heaps of people around but easy enough to keep out of my way! Still amazed at the amount of Asians and Chinese visitors.. the tine pebbles are black as black and you squish into the layers of these tiny, tiny pebbles and rocks. Another fantastic spot for changing coastline and ocean.
A short time later we have a photo opportunity to see the magnificent snow covered Eyjafjallajokull (phonetic pronunciation is something like Ay u flea at l yo colt) volcano. If you get to pronounce it accurately you can consider yourself more fluent thanShiny Bright kept insisting she was! Louisa told us that there are security people a5 the airport who check you know how to pronounce it correctly before they let you leave the country. I could be here for the foreseeable future!
We are then meant to be heading back to our hotel to arrive about 5 pm, which happens to coincide with happy hour in the bar, however a bus load of French people have had bus failure so we are all dropped back at VIK in order for Simon to go and collect the Frenchiesand bring them to VIK. I don’t really mind except that it is eating 8nto our happy hour as we don’t get back to the hotel until almost 6, and Captn D had lost one of her cramponsin the snow last night whilst searching for the Northern Lights last night and I had seen it as we headed out this morning so as soon as our coach finally arrived at the hotel I headed out straight away with Foggyto retrieverhe crzmpon, which we duly did. I’m wondering if Captn D was feeling a bit left out since Shiny Bright and Foggy’s Cinderella re-enactment in the glass igloo?
Anyway, still managed to fit in a couple of cheeky Sav Blancs before dinner, which was Arctic Char and very nice. Then back to the room to rug up yet again as we head off in search of the Northern Lifhtsone last time.
Well dear armchair readers it was well worth the effort as the Lights were amazing. At times they truly were dancing across the skies and at one stage it was very clear different colours of reds. Breathtaking and the sort of moment that leaves you at a loss for words to describe the magnificent spectacle. Well worth freezing my patootie for!!!
Friday, 8 February 2019
The Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park
Whoever the bum tie was who determined that white seersucker quilt covers and pillow cases for this hotel need to actually have t.o sleep with their face pressed against seer sucker all night! Whatever were they thinking? Anyway, after another slip and slide trip to breakfast with the assistance of crampons on shoes, breakfast is devoured and then time to check out of the hotel fir an 8 am departure. We have had to change our itinerary somewhat as the blustery strong winds due this afternoon mean that we are going to aim for the glacial lagoon first thing. As the sun doesn’t rise until about 9.45, we are driving in darkness.
Our first stop is at Vik where we have only enough time for a bathroom break and to buy something for our lunch to eat along the way. SB and I stayed here on our trip. The store and woollen factory area has practically been rebuilt as I almost didn’t recognise it. We are told that we will have a longer stop here tomorrow which will be good as there are a pair of wool slippers that may very likely have my name on them.
It’s difficult taking good photos out the bus window as although Simon is a very good driver in these ‘treacherous’ road conditions, he hasn’t cleaned the windows so they are covered in road grime. Hiwever I hope that some of the snaps are sufficient to convey the magical snowscape we see everywhere.
The next image is fizzy, but I’ve been waiting to see the pink or blue hay bales that Louisa had previously told us about. The normal plastic is black, white or green. However for a small cost extra the farmer can order pink or blue plastic whereby the extra cost goes towards cancer reasearch. Pink for breast cancer and blue for prostate cancer. Isn’t that a fabulous idea?
We are now in the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park which is named after Europe’s largest glacier. This park is also the largest one in Western Europe. Even though we are in a full sized bus, loaded with people and luggage, we are still being blown about across the road as we drive along vast ‘sand’ plains that were created by glacial outwashes.
An unexpected treasure of a stop is at Diamond Beach’ where we get to walk amongst the ice that has broken from the glacier and been carried through the lake to the ocean. Amazing!
Yes, that is me licking the ice. Shiny Bright wasn’t here, so someone had to do it
We then drive the short distance to the Jokulasarlon Glacial Lagoon. For those who followed my previous Iceland blog,you may recall that the duck boat ride on the lagoon amongst thousand year old icebergs was number two on my most memorable holiday
moments. As the ice was now so thick there was no opportunity to to actually be on the lagoon, but the sight was still totally breathtaking.
We then make our way back to our notes, but have a short stop at an area they have put a piece of the the previous bridge that was destroyed in the last volcano flow. The force of lava was such that solid iron structures were twisted like pretzels. (Their is no defending the bum ties that have graffitied it).
Time for one last stop before hitting our hotel at a waterfall that still has snow falling down it.
More of the sand plains as we reach our hotel for the next two nights.
Checked into hitelwhich is again basic but liveable, at least it doesn’t have stupid seersucker pillow cases.
Happy hour in the bar with D and G, to then be joined by Nicole from Tumut who is a young free spirit and very chatty. Dinner is good.
Lamb roast, and yes, the lamb tastes differently here, not as strong a taste. I then ordered dessert which was baked Skyr which is like yoghurt but apparently more correctly identified as a cheese. Very nice. Just enough time to work more on the blog and at 9pm we are all meeting to go out into the bloody cold to head away from the local lights, in actual search of the Northetn Lights. Hopefully we will have success but you won’t know until tomorrow’s blog as we won’t be back in the hotel until after 11! So here’s your lot for today.
Our first stop is at Vik where we have only enough time for a bathroom break and to buy something for our lunch to eat along the way. SB and I stayed here on our trip. The store and woollen factory area has practically been rebuilt as I almost didn’t recognise it. We are told that we will have a longer stop here tomorrow which will be good as there are a pair of wool slippers that may very likely have my name on them.
It’s difficult taking good photos out the bus window as although Simon is a very good driver in these ‘treacherous’ road conditions, he hasn’t cleaned the windows so they are covered in road grime. Hiwever I hope that some of the snaps are sufficient to convey the magical snowscape we see everywhere.
The next image is fizzy, but I’ve been waiting to see the pink or blue hay bales that Louisa had previously told us about. The normal plastic is black, white or green. However for a small cost extra the farmer can order pink or blue plastic whereby the extra cost goes towards cancer reasearch. Pink for breast cancer and blue for prostate cancer. Isn’t that a fabulous idea?
We are now in the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park which is named after Europe’s largest glacier. This park is also the largest one in Western Europe. Even though we are in a full sized bus, loaded with people and luggage, we are still being blown about across the road as we drive along vast ‘sand’ plains that were created by glacial outwashes.
An unexpected treasure of a stop is at Diamond Beach’ where we get to walk amongst the ice that has broken from the glacier and been carried through the lake to the ocean. Amazing!
Yes, that is me licking the ice. Shiny Bright wasn’t here, so someone had to do it
We then drive the short distance to the Jokulasarlon Glacial Lagoon. For those who followed my previous Iceland blog,you may recall that the duck boat ride on the lagoon amongst thousand year old icebergs was number two on my most memorable holiday
moments. As the ice was now so thick there was no opportunity to to actually be on the lagoon, but the sight was still totally breathtaking.
We then make our way back to our notes, but have a short stop at an area they have put a piece of the the previous bridge that was destroyed in the last volcano flow. The force of lava was such that solid iron structures were twisted like pretzels. (Their is no defending the bum ties that have graffitied it).
Time for one last stop before hitting our hotel at a waterfall that still has snow falling down it.
More of the sand plains as we reach our hotel for the next two nights.
Checked into hitelwhich is again basic but liveable, at least it doesn’t have stupid seersucker pillow cases.
Happy hour in the bar with D and G, to then be joined by Nicole from Tumut who is a young free spirit and very chatty. Dinner is good.
Lamb roast, and yes, the lamb tastes differently here, not as strong a taste. I then ordered dessert which was baked Skyr which is like yoghurt but apparently more correctly identified as a cheese. Very nice. Just enough time to work more on the blog and at 9pm we are all meeting to go out into the bloody cold to head away from the local lights, in actual search of the Northetn Lights. Hopefully we will have success but you won’t know until tomorrow’s blog as we won’t be back in the hotel until after 11! So here’s your lot for today.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)