The Blue Lagoon

Besides seeing the Northern Lights, Cody and I also wanted to take advantage of the thermal pools in Iceland. Because Iceland is a volcanic island, there are numerous "hot spots," or natural pools of hot water. If I ever find myself in Reykjavik again, I will try to spend some time at the pools within the city. You can pay a few bucks and spend all day in the warm water (along with a bunch of Icelandic kids according to the internet). One night towards the end of our trip Cody and I happened upon one of the public pools, which looked super nice. We ended up having an impromptu driving lesson (I don't know how to drive a standard) in the parking lot of the pool as we waited for the clock to strike midnight on New Year's Eve until we eventually attracted the attention of the security guard. Moral of the story...visit the pools if you're in Reykjavik and learn how to drive a standard when you have rented a car from a bunch of punks who deserve someone to treat their car like someone who doesn't know how to drive a standard. Take that SADcars. Moving on!

On our last night in Iceland after the craziest day of our trip (life?), Cody and I decided to visit the Blue Lagoon, which is the most famous thermal pool in Iceland. Before we left, we had read mixed reviews about the Blue Lagoon, which is actually the result of a power plant right next door. Visitors complained about the price and the tourist trap feel associated with the thermal pool. I kept wondering how safe it was to be swimming in water right next to a power plant. When in Rome, you know? Eventually, Cody and I had both let go of the romantic idea of jumping in holes filled with water strewn across the Icelandic countryside. You need towels and bathing suits and you can't see what's below you and it's a bit cold to be running back and forth from the car to the magical water-filled hole. In other words, sometimes tourist traps are worth the accessibility.

It was dark when we visited the Blue Lagoon which was a bit of a bummer. It was also freezing cold outside, which in Iceland means that the wind is blowing like crazy. The water was great, but the wind attacked your head and ears. Other than that, the Blue Lagoon was lovely! It was definitely a tourist attraction, but since we were there close to closing time, there were not too many people. There were waterfalls throughout the lagoon and swim-up bars. They gave you enormous robes to wear to and from the pool. There was a sauna and steam room. The facility was very nice, and I often thought to myself that if it were daylight and a little warmer, I could have been super into the Blue Lagoon. The wind was just a little too much for me.

Since we were swimming, it was difficult to get many pictures. Cody did use the GoPro to take a few pictures, as well as freak out every other person in the Blue Lagoon. I think they thought he was an American pervert trying to capture everyone in their bathing suits.

About our best picture from the experience. Yes, it sort of looks like we're swimming in skim milk. 

Either way, our time at the Blue Lagoon was really nice. It was definitely a welcome experience after the craziness of travelling. I will leave with a completely random video of Cody and me with the magical mud on our face at the Blue Lagoon.