We spent another amazing Thanksgiving experiencing a new country. Iceland. It was cold, but beautiful. Our trip was a perfect mix of relaxation, family time and tours. We had scheduled a cruise to see the Northern Lights on Thanksgiving Day, hours after we arrived, but sadly, it was cancelled due to snow and wind. We wandered around the hotel a bit, found a delicious hamburger joint and filled our tummies. Afterwards, we checked into the hotel took a much needed nap and gathered our thoughts as to where to dine for dinner. We decided to keep the evening low key and ate in the restaurant inside the Fosshotel, Rejkavik where we were staying. We had a delicious meal--duck, fish, and soup. It was yummy. Definitely the most elegant meal our children have enjoyed! They were critiquing the plating and food as if they were judges on their favorite show--Masterchef Junior. It was cute.
Friday was a day where we hit the ground running! We left around 10 to the Blue Lagoon or paradise as we liked to think of it. The water was crystal blue and so clear. It was perfect! We enjoyed a healthy shake while we swam around the hot spring. People frequently looked at our small children--I think more because who can afford to travel to Scandinavia with children than anything. None the less, they were perfect and oh so happy. Gavin was in heaven swimming around the warm pool. He giggled with delight. Getting out into the 7* Celsius air probably was the low point of the day. We caught our bus back to the hotel then set out again to shop. The area we stayed was the business center, so I wasn't sure how much opportunity there would be to shop. Boy was I surprised. There was a quaint little street lined with shops. Just what I love! It was snowing lightly with Christmas lights lit up all around us. It definitely put us in the mood for the season! We made our way back to the hotel in time for another try to see the Northern Lights. Sadly, three hours later we had made our way around the coastline with no success. We enjoyed a cozy bus ride and the kids all enjoyed a nap, but we were all disappointed!
Our final day in Rejkavik was spent on a small group bus tour of the Golden Circle. It was lovely seeing amazing waterfalls, geysers, beautiful sunrise and sunset, followed up with another dip in a secret lagoon. This lagoon wasn't quite up to the standards of the Blue Lagoon, but was warm and much needed after a long day of sightseeing.
The cost of travel and stay in Iceland wasn't cheap but it wasn't incredibly expensive either. We spent an average of 40 Euro per meal. The tours were easy to book--all on viator.com. We paid a bit more for small group vs. a huge bus but it was SOOO worth it. The tours picked us up from our hotel each day and brought us back too. It made sightseeing very convenient and stressfree. Everyone spoke fluent English and were very kind. We thought it interesting that they put cream cheese on their pizzas, they can bake bread in bowls or cook eggs beneath the ground of the hot springs, childcare is very reasonable--something like 200 Euro per month, and there is paid maternity/paternity leave for an entire year. Iceland was beautiful.
Our children were PERFECT on this trip. Gavin napped alot, just chilling in his seat or in my arms. The girls were engaged with the scenery and captivated by the amazing sites! It was such a great time. A memory I know we will all hold dear to our hearts. We have so much for which to be Thankful. Our family is pretty spectacular!
Our final day in Rejkavik was spent on a small group bus tour of the Golden Circle. It was lovely seeing amazing waterfalls, geysers, beautiful sunrise and sunset, followed up with another dip in a secret lagoon. This lagoon wasn't quite up to the standards of the Blue Lagoon, but was warm and much needed after a long day of sightseeing.
The cost of travel and stay in Iceland wasn't cheap but it wasn't incredibly expensive either. We spent an average of 40 Euro per meal. The tours were easy to book--all on viator.com. We paid a bit more for small group vs. a huge bus but it was SOOO worth it. The tours picked us up from our hotel each day and brought us back too. It made sightseeing very convenient and stressfree. Everyone spoke fluent English and were very kind. We thought it interesting that they put cream cheese on their pizzas, they can bake bread in bowls or cook eggs beneath the ground of the hot springs, childcare is very reasonable--something like 200 Euro per month, and there is paid maternity/paternity leave for an entire year. Iceland was beautiful.
Our children were PERFECT on this trip. Gavin napped alot, just chilling in his seat or in my arms. The girls were engaged with the scenery and captivated by the amazing sites! It was such a great time. A memory I know we will all hold dear to our hearts. We have so much for which to be Thankful. Our family is pretty spectacular!
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