ICELAND 2022
 

Number 2 on my Bucket List has always been the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.  I guess I 

wanted to see Mother Nature showing off - and don't we all need to show our beauty and be admired?  

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While I had planned on going in October with a friend, she changed her mind since she was against the COVID Vaccine.  Me? I'm not one to argue - I just want to travel.  So, I rolled up my sleeves, received all required vaccines and booster.  My trip was pushed back to late January and once again, I'm going SOLO!

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On my way to the Orlando Airport, I stopped for lunch and noticed a group of military personnel also having lunch.  I decided to add a little sparkle to their day and ordered a variety of milkshakes to be sent to their table.  The treat was from "A Friend and a Supporter".  They were surprised and I enjoy doing small things for other people.  Spread your Sparkle!

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I parked my car at a major hotel chain (their parking rates are about 1/2 of what other places charge) and took their free shuttle to the airport (another savings). 

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Checking in at Orlando Airport was a breeze and Icelandic Air was fantastic.  Clean, comfortable with excellent service.  I love non-stop flights and what was supposed to be a 7-hour flight was only 6 due to tailwinds. When I fly back to Ireland, I think I'll take Icelandic Air.

 

Upon landing, collecting my bags and going through customs was so easy.  I pulled out my hooded down jacket and warm gloves.  It was cold, but not overly.  In fact, it was so dry that I couldn't make a snowball - it kept falling apart.

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I waited with several other travelers for the bus.  We rode the airport transport to a large terminal full of buses in different phases of arrivals and departures.  Complete controlled chaos!  Everything was pretty calm and well thought out.  The motto in Iceland is "It's okay.  You're safe.  You're in Iceland." I heard that over and over during my trip.  And they were right.

 

I located the bus to take me into Reykjavik and to the Hotel Center Klopp.  I settled back to enjoy the ride and became excited with the lights blazing in the distance.

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Eventually the bus stopped, and the driver announced, "HOTEL KLOPP".  I hastily grabbed my bags, stepped of the bus, looked around, and said "WHERE?"  He pointed to the hill behind me and said, 'Two blocks up'.  Closes the door and drives away. WAIT A MINUTE!

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TWO BLOCKS UP!  Are you kidding me?  First of all, it's pitch black - it must be 2AM, secondly "UP"? "UP?" Here I am dragging the beast of a suitcase (I hate this thing) and a smaller carry-on (now I hate it, too).  I'm praying that I don't have a flashing neon sign over my head declaring "VICTIM" with an arrow pointing to me.  The noisy wheels on my suitcases on the uneven bricks would wake the dead.  Oh, Oh, here comes a man in a hoodie.  He's looking down...... (deep sigh) he walks on by.  No interest.  No flashing neon sign.  My prayers are working.  

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Oh, sweet relief, I see the hotel and scurry up the stairs.  Oops, the door opens out and I can't fully open it and keep my suitcases from rolling down the hill.  I tug on the door and squeakily say "HELP".  Two wonderful men jump to my aid and help me into the hotel.  

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As they check me in, I notice people in the lounge drinking coffee (most of been one heck of a party - I'd be up all night).  The clerk offers to help me with my bags and suggested that I get some rest.  I'm excited but tired.  Thinking a hot shower to relax and a few hours of sleep, I ask for a wake-up call for 8:00.  He laughs, 'Tonight?  It's already 8:30 AM'.