The Full Monty

Monday 2 April 2012

Our last full day in Iceland was to be full of adventures and new experiences. I was navigated by Ella to a nearby bakery where we acquired three chocolate donuts and a latte (aka The Usual).  We were packing up our things when Jonas the owner came by to meet us, say hello, and collect our credit card number, which we hadn't had to provide before since this was Iceland. We really enjoyed staying at this place, and I will most certainly miss the heated floors and towel bars.

Siggi soon was by to collect us and take us to one of the many local geothermally  heated swimming pools. We had read up on Icelandic swimming pool etiquette, so were ready for the procedure of preparing to enter the pool, well at least as much as any American who is used to showering alone can be. I did have to tell Alex to put the kibosh on his go-to exclamation of "Nuts!"  At least the water wasn't cold. Ahem.

Once we were in our trunks we really enjoyed the pools, even though the air was just 35 degrees F. Besides the Olympic sized lap pool and three water slides, there were also a series of "hot pots" (aka hot tubs) heated to various degrees of boiling. The 40-42 degrees C was a bit too hot for me, but the 38-40 degrees C was just right.  Before long however it was time to go through the swim suit -> street clothes process. Soon enough I was trying to forget that part as we headed back to their house for lunch.

After lunch we stopped by the mall for a 7D movie. I was never clear on what all the D's were, but we got to shoot stuff so that was fun. Also I totally won, not that this matters and no, I am not too competitive.

After this, things took a turn for the bizarre.

Siggi, Jon, and Hannah took us to Hot Springs Land. Even after several days of seeing stuff like this, this place really stood out and not just because of the three Icelandic women dressed like Japanese Geishas vouging and doing crane kicks. I could not wait to hear Siggi's explanation for what part of Icelandic culture this represented, but he could just shrug his shoulder's and shake his head. I figure this was probably something they don't talk about and outsiders are not supposed to witness.

We pondered that mystery while driving to the famous Blue Lagoon. First let me assure you that The Creature From the Blue Lagoon is just a myth, and it is not at all a scary place other than the group showering. Anyway - at its simplest it is a hot spring with blue mineral water in which you can soak away your cares and ills. There are also vats of white mud that you cover your various parts with that cleans your skin. It is much more than that however. It is a place from a dream in which where you came before and where you are going next do not matter. All that matters is that moment and being in the now. Just as the warm steam filled my lungs, a zen-like appreciation for being able to share this moment with my family filled and rejuvenated my soul.

Bergiland joined us for one final dinner with our Icelandic friends. It was here that Siggi mentioned in an off-hand way that in Iceland they have thirteen different Santa Clauses!!

Tip: If I am visiting your country and you have some fantastically crazy holiday situation going on, do not wait until the very end to mention this to me

I've done some research since then and discovered that these Santas are also called Yule Lads. Each Lad has his own quirk, and traditionally they ranged from mere pranksters to homicidal monsters who eat children. According to Wikipedia it gets even better: "the Yule Lads are often depicted with the Yuletide Cat, a beast that, according to folklore, eats children that don't receive new clothes in time for Christmas." That's got to ruin your holiday: 

"Sorry Jimmy, but we were not able to make it to the store in time to get you those new sneakers you wanted. Also expect a cat beast to come by later and eat you." 

Now days the Lads (and presumably their cat) have gotten friendlier and just put a potato in your shoe if you are bad. I don't know where they put it if you are good. I'll be looking into this, believe you me!

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, dinner. It was a great way to end a very eventful day. It was so nice to be able to spend a bit more time with our friends over a good meal. We cannot thank Berglind, Siggi, and their family enough for being such wonderful hosts and making us feel so welcome in their country. The Lads will definitely not be eating you this Christmas!