Going home.
We all got up pretty early. Julie ran over to the pool for one last soak. The rest of us started packing.
When Julie returned, I was all done. She found me out on the back porch, having a smoke, and playing with Zorro.
He disappeared into the bushes, and came back with a bird, which he presented to Jules, as a going away gift.
Julie and I realized that we still had time for one more adventure, since Sally and Ashley weren't going to be ready for a while.
To save time, we took a cab, to the Volcano House.
They had a nice little coffee shop in front.
A cool museum...
And a theater, where they showed a documentary about the volcanos on the island.
The largest part of the film was about the Westman Islands, which I already told you about.
The images were beautiful and frightening.
We really learned a lot there, and had a very excited conversation during our walk back to the city center.
We also realized we were a bit hungry. Knowing it was going to be a while before we would get another chance to eat, we opted for some Danish Smørrebrød.
It was very handy to be standing in front of Jómfrúin when we chose our snack. It just happens to be a top rated Danish restaurant, specializing in Smørrebrød.
We got them to go, and beat feet for the taxi stand.
Back at the hostel, we all enjoyed our pre-flight meal. Perfect size, and timing. Just as we finished, it was time to catch the bus.
On our way to the airport, Sally kinda panicked. She thought about what a great adventure this had been, and knew it was ending. So, she stood up on the bus, and started taking pictures out of the windows. It was hilarious. With a death grip on the seat back, leaning across other passengers, going "oh, I need a picture of that!" Everyone was really cool about it, we all understood her feelings.
As a bonus, she got some pretty good shots...
Julie was taking pics too, seated, without all the commentary.
Sally's first shot.
We feared they would all be like this.
We were wrong. (Is it still alliteration with the silent w?)
Look, a fire truck!
Grr, the gas station that couldn't take foreign credit cards.
"Goodbye aluminum smelting plant, I'll never forget you." Okay, I made that up. But it really is an aluminum smelting plant, the number 2 industry in Iceland.
I don't know who's photo is who's, but this is just charming as all get out.
Yep, I'd live there.
There is something calming, and reassuring about old barns. As if they are saying, "I've stood here for many generations, this is a safe place to be." That makes them majestic somehow.
Indeed, I'd live there too.
Huldufólk?
I know, rooftops. Look again, at the mountain across the bay.
Meira Huldufólk?
Local businesses are not fans of joining the EU. Who can blame them? They're doing fine on their own.
Here we are, Keflavik International Airport.
In the words of Ron Burgundy, "Nobody knows what it is, but it's provocative."
We checked our bags, gave Ashley the little bit of Icelandic money we had left, and said goodbye.
I have to admit, I was pretty jealous of her. At the same time, I was thrilled she would get to see Sweden for the first time.
I know I go on and on about how wonderful my bride is, and I'm not sorry! Julie took the time, and spent the money, to give Ashley this extra week. All the while, acting like it was no big deal. Well, it's a huge deal. Julie is an angel on earth, and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
Finally on board.
Our gorgeous team leader, travel planner, chief photographer, and fixer.
The pillows on Icelandair always have cool things printed on them.
We also realized we were a bit hungry. Knowing it was going to be a while before we would get another chance to eat, we opted for some Danish Smørrebrød.
We got them to go, and beat feet for the taxi stand.
Back at the hostel, we all enjoyed our pre-flight meal. Perfect size, and timing. Just as we finished, it was time to catch the bus.
On our way to the airport, Sally kinda panicked. She thought about what a great adventure this had been, and knew it was ending. So, she stood up on the bus, and started taking pictures out of the windows. It was hilarious. With a death grip on the seat back, leaning across other passengers, going "oh, I need a picture of that!" Everyone was really cool about it, we all understood her feelings.
As a bonus, she got some pretty good shots...
I have to admit, I was pretty jealous of her. At the same time, I was thrilled she would get to see Sweden for the first time.
I know I go on and on about how wonderful my bride is, and I'm not sorry! Julie took the time, and spent the money, to give Ashley this extra week. All the while, acting like it was no big deal. Well, it's a huge deal. Julie is an angel on earth, and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.
We mentioned to Sally, she might want to take pictures of the island as we take off. It took all of 15 seconds for her to talk the young man at the window into changing seats with her.
Below are the shots Julie and Sally got over Iceland.
Below are some shots Julie got over Greenland.
Fun fact: When flying into Seattle from abroad, you need to give yourself more than 1 hour 40 minutes to get through customs, recheck your bags, and make your connecting flight.
Yeah, we didn't make our connection.
Our house/pet sitter couldn't stay the extra night, she had a sick dog at home to take care of. Our friend, who had said she could be a back up couldn't do it either. Thank God for good neighbors. Our teenage neighbor went straight over to our house, took care of the dogs and cat, stayed the night with them, and even took them for a walk in the morning. Great kid.
The nice thing about taking the morning flight? We got to see some more sights from the air.
We made it home to happy pets, and jobs waiting. Till our next trip, thanks for reading.
