Iceland

Just back from an enjoyable vacation to Iceland.  So many travelers flying to Europe from North America take connecting flights through Iceland but don't venture outside the airport.  They are missing out on a country filled with friendly and welcoming people in the city and natural beauty in the sparsely populated rural areas.

Just outside the city the snow covered mountains rise into the distance.  City windows were filled with glowing advent stars which are a traditional Scandinavian decoration during the holidays.  The decorations were plentiful as the days are short this time of year, and the holiday decorations create a warm feeling in the darkness.

Outside the city there are lava fields, black sand beaches, volcanos, geysers and hot springs.  The country has a great deal of geothermal activity and pure water for drinking as glacial water melts and flows over waterfalls.

In recent years the capital of Reykjavik has also become a foodie destination with many restaurants serving local lamb and fish dishes along with carefully crafted cocktails. 

I did bring along some gifts, and instead of posting about them before leaving them for finders, this time I am posting after leaving them along with photos of the gifts waiting for their finders.

A pair of white gloves were left in the lobby area of the Hilton Nordica Hotel....

vaseline lip balm left on a table at the Hallgrimskirkja church...

hand sanitizing wipes at the 871 +/- 2 Museum...

 

and a bookcover at the Whales of Iceland Museum

Cold Winds of Change

One result of the clocks falling back an hour last weekend is that the darkness and cold rolls in earlier in the evening.  Most people leave work into the dark, and children wait to be picked up from practice as the leaves blow down the street and across the fields. 

In many front yards there are vibrant colored mum plants littered with leaves and pumpkins and gourds displayed to represent the last of the fall turning into winter.  With the passing of Halloween, the next holiday stop is Thanksgiving, and the snow is soon to fly.

I always try to wear my fall jackets for as long as I can with them protecting me less and less from the cold weather every day.  I occasionally break down and wear my heavy winter coat when the morning temperatures prove too cold.  There are so many times I reach into my jacket pockets and hope for a pair of gloves to help me keep my hands warm only to be disappointed when I realize they are all in my winter coats.  I have a few pairs of gloves for some lucky finders as I cannot be the only person who could use an extra pair or two.