tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66894603985459969432024-02-08T05:18:44.174+01:00Jdomb's TravelsWelcome to my blog about our travels!jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-41792878017092993992012-01-05T02:03:00.000+01:002012-01-05T02:03:13.783+01:00The Ancient Ritual of Panevin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFVUL5_rY-pNyjEv8ksugfZOezFwoHZLEUOnXUgdBlmI2INACMJJCma6eQTkV9dxLaQ87y4DIgSZcv5F0-bFEWGyQnpEFjZ-dzf8i8aSExDu6XPWwcchqx9ZmVD74EAnKdC-KvUaYGUY/s1600/406355_288897007824273_124396300941012_746128_830886337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFVUL5_rY-pNyjEv8ksugfZOezFwoHZLEUOnXUgdBlmI2INACMJJCma6eQTkV9dxLaQ87y4DIgSZcv5F0-bFEWGyQnpEFjZ-dzf8i8aSExDu6XPWwcchqx9ZmVD74EAnKdC-KvUaYGUY/s320/406355_288897007824273_124396300941012_746128_830886337_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On January 5th the ancient ritual of "panevin" (bread and wine) is still observed in many areas of Italy, particularly the Veneto and Friuli regions. <br />
<br />
Originally panevin celebrated the solstice with fire that, according to the Julian calendar, fell on December 25th. Because it also coincided with the birth of Jesus, the celebration was moved to twelve days later, on the eve of the Epiphany.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v9b5NRoTTtrQEA0thS2Jp2W7Dga7-pGOxDkDoyANS0FSARtuj6vY8Sw6YkYf7XjTN1PZsUfWxCwGq8Xix2atv7dBvdmHkrsjaROxPs1xMSrKbr1oGjGmneIvyq8RwGXV74o_j7I3N40/s1600/Bldg1+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v9b5NRoTTtrQEA0thS2Jp2W7Dga7-pGOxDkDoyANS0FSARtuj6vY8Sw6YkYf7XjTN1PZsUfWxCwGq8Xix2atv7dBvdmHkrsjaROxPs1xMSrKbr1oGjGmneIvyq8RwGXV74o_j7I3N40/s320/Bldg1+002.jpg" width="320" /></a>The panevin consists of a pile of dead branches, brush, wood and whatever else was once used but now destined to be burned. It is piled eight to ten meters high and a puppet, similar to an old lady (vecia) is often placed on top. This vecia is guilty of all of last year's calamities and so destined to be burnt.<br />
<br />
People gather around to eat pinza (local cake) and drink vin brulè (mulled wine) while watching the smoke and sparks carried by the wind. If the smoke and sparks go south or west, this year's crop will be plentiful. If they travel north or east, the harvest will be poor.<br />
<br />
After the bonfire, the children will anxiously await the arrival of La Befana. Christian legend had it that Befana was approached by the Three Wise Men a few days before the birth of the infant Jesus. They asked for directions to where the Son of God was, as they had seen his star in the sky, but she did not know. She provided them with shelter for a night, as she was considered the best housekeeper in the village, with the most pleasant home. The magi invited her to join them on the journey to find the baby Jesus, but she declined, stating she was too busy with her housework. Later, La Befana had a change of heart, and tried to search out the astrologers and Jesus. That night she was not able to find them, so to this day, La Befana is searching for the little baby. She leaves all the good children toys and candy (“caramelle”) or fruit, while the bad children get coal (“carbone”), onions or garlic.<span></span>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-5418661690625111002011-12-05T15:02:00.004+01:002012-01-12T14:43:01.884+01:00Discovering Finnish Lapland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0h28QLDO-WxZ0e8-UlWuTvSRiY9H9TcdKEcThXPjaMzTMCICzBl-KoQXvFnPafGpaq_FQ9sU4MsnW842zxFoSlAPP7f_dmqlGt8VoD_9epmtLESBOdY1op6IcM2Kfjt0QiIgzYq-PFs/s1600/ForWJohnnyJetLogo206x90.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0h28QLDO-WxZ0e8-UlWuTvSRiY9H9TcdKEcThXPjaMzTMCICzBl-KoQXvFnPafGpaq_FQ9sU4MsnW842zxFoSlAPP7f_dmqlGt8VoD_9epmtLESBOdY1op6IcM2Kfjt0QiIgzYq-PFs/s1600/ForWJohnnyJetLogo206x90.gif" /></a></div>I just returned from a week long trip to Finnish Lapland in the Arctic Circle sponsored by <a href="http://www.visitfinland.com/">Visit Finland</a>. I was there writing my very first story for <a href="http://johnnyjet.com/">JohnnyJet.com</a> and had an amazing experience discovering the culture of Rovaniemi and the Lappish people. Read all about it: <a href="http://www.johnnyjet.com/2011/12/rovaniemi-finland/">Where's Jennifer - Rovaniemi, Finland</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5jZTGJ4rgPNIM6UdVaIuBkkRtdybK9Lek2Ppy8UZ5Zcy5vf2iwfGwZEz7AEBXvI_tBiG2aRJD_CJPH6vMaUpevyS41neyFBcyoRW6Lu3YnKNtpbZoCLGmJf-pOf3DXy8hlvbGpJ4Yew/s1600/385038_2427703104221_1600865933_32411762_284987878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5jZTGJ4rgPNIM6UdVaIuBkkRtdybK9Lek2Ppy8UZ5Zcy5vf2iwfGwZEz7AEBXvI_tBiG2aRJD_CJPH6vMaUpevyS41neyFBcyoRW6Lu3YnKNtpbZoCLGmJf-pOf3DXy8hlvbGpJ4Yew/s320/385038_2427703104221_1600865933_32411762_284987878_n.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnnyjet.com%2F2011%2F12%2Frovaniemi-finland%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnnyjet.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F12%2FJennifer-Dombrowski-Lapland-2011-8-300x200.jpg&description=Santa%20Claus%E2%80%99%20Main%20Post%20Office%20at%20the%20Arctic%20Circle%2C%20Finland">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Rovaniemi, Finland66.5039647 25.72935840000002447.897461199999995 -34.036266599999976 85.1104682 85.494983400000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-49937776314524538262011-10-28T23:00:00.052+02:002012-01-12T13:25:49.982+01:00Tenerife's Loro Parque<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rClaSp203tYnGp3rVI2ZA9oRMqpGeKPlQNhZn2GBol6DHY9EOOqL7dQMDTxbnfaJvTqNgBVDFppuhPqY8fLoc7F4zHiKY6DrJEvXFE6dO57b3i8xONPoWC6-B1qTaHdLGEHyuQ7gKIo/s1600/Tenerife+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rClaSp203tYnGp3rVI2ZA9oRMqpGeKPlQNhZn2GBol6DHY9EOOqL7dQMDTxbnfaJvTqNgBVDFppuhPqY8fLoc7F4zHiKY6DrJEvXFE6dO57b3i8xONPoWC6-B1qTaHdLGEHyuQ7gKIo/s320/Tenerife+075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Incredible dolphins performed acrobatic stunts, mischievous sea lions show off their talents, a family of orca whales soared and dived and cheeky parrots had us laughing at Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz in the north of Tenerife. And that's not all. There are more than 300 species of birds, gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers, sloths, jaguars, meerkats, and giant tortoises - just to name a few.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkR66IO8Fav9BqPPg0nVPEFV5D7E_xdQjJwIoZGvb5peVtzkJBYwVlExWZm3waz0BqsGxIJmkwN-4P39A2E76jmwWY5u55pKrHu0JovvA_NzFk9fNiMUBpTxEMP57HJXwblZ0aMi140o/s1600/Tenerife+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkR66IO8Fav9BqPPg0nVPEFV5D7E_xdQjJwIoZGvb5peVtzkJBYwVlExWZm3waz0BqsGxIJmkwN-4P39A2E76jmwWY5u55pKrHu0JovvA_NzFk9fNiMUBpTxEMP57HJXwblZ0aMi140o/s320/Tenerife+155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Just a few days before our visit, Loro Parque also welcomed the Canary Islands' and Spain's first orca whale born in captivity. The baby weighed in at 150 kilos and measured 2 meters long. We were lucky to not only see a short video of his birth, but also got to meet Loro Parque's newest orca.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM14sOpzNZbzwcbR4sQj_FJsxVe7gEzNLrrLsB4dgOVPkbxF-aQm_bWC2Jgk5XAKeU8xnJ1WjO72zKwHNpuAwpwhClTvLgqVcGEHuF3UY24uQsyFLli5_aJR3Uqc3cvoJv6lPlGZWaYA/s1600/Tenerife+194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM14sOpzNZbzwcbR4sQj_FJsxVe7gEzNLrrLsB4dgOVPkbxF-aQm_bWC2Jgk5XAKeU8xnJ1WjO72zKwHNpuAwpwhClTvLgqVcGEHuF3UY24uQsyFLli5_aJR3Uqc3cvoJv6lPlGZWaYA/s320/Tenerife+194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Loro Show was quite cute with parrots showing off just how smart they are. One parrot loved riding his tricycle, another amazed us with his geography and yet another knew his car was out of gas. <br />
<br />
The largest replica of the Antarctic continent yet constructed is also located in Planet Penguin. There is ice and snow, courtesy of Loro Parque's machine that produces 12 tons of snow daily so that the penguins can feel perfectly at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCq8DYcvJhQRlGuiCfEvQul3IQthabOplVBWIxMiqseZjNcL6zLfM3tw1cEzCl-M9NRh_TrNYC8fMlU87ImT8LyUSYdEDLuk9TFB4T8nU9Sxo-wsvPMQtLvb0h2pI8J3UxwyCnw3sqEE/s1600/Tenerife+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCq8DYcvJhQRlGuiCfEvQul3IQthabOplVBWIxMiqseZjNcL6zLfM3tw1cEzCl-M9NRh_TrNYC8fMlU87ImT8LyUSYdEDLuk9TFB4T8nU9Sxo-wsvPMQtLvb0h2pI8J3UxwyCnw3sqEE/s320/Tenerife+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Loro Parque was a great way to spend a day on Tenerife!<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Ftenerifes-loro-parque.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-HU4mbaYgQPY%2FTwoji0KCigI%2FAAAAAAAABKA%2FnRo6HQVcMGc%2Fs320%2FTenerife%2B075.JPG">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> <br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Puerto de la Cruz, Spain28.4133926 -16.54515579999997528.3983001 -16.570661299999976 28.428485100000003 -16.519650299999974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-29978946894037013002011-10-27T22:59:00.067+02:002012-01-12T13:28:22.899+01:00Spain's Highest Mountain: Mount Teide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihggNYUrzMk1Y618b1hao8ryICPDYgXXwL30EJSsv61wINskDvfojf9EASO8p2bxwACjAYpKC_LvVk0qvmhLFYOiYLWjiL29-6Ul5WkeAWh8qmxuZ2FeajbfM3rAgifHDLDrqaYmKm7Cs/s1600/IMG_3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihggNYUrzMk1Y618b1hao8ryICPDYgXXwL30EJSsv61wINskDvfojf9EASO8p2bxwACjAYpKC_LvVk0qvmhLFYOiYLWjiL29-6Ul5WkeAWh8qmxuZ2FeajbfM3rAgifHDLDrqaYmKm7Cs/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Rising a staggering 12,200 feet above Tenerife in the Canary Islands, stands Spain's highest mountain and Europe's largest volcano: El Teide. The ascent to Mount Teide is like going to another world. As we left the beach and climbed, the landscape slowly began to change from black volcanic rock and cacti to an alpine forest and finally to a lunar-like landscape.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GVeGfBlKxNUwp_RYrCWv_AcXvMAuskUAqjR3AU6keoshg7Mc_cFgwo1O9zIx1jzx8szQkQAWuTdh2aygCyjGXESiAXdH3TryuL4AZjiFeO9-qo9HG1Ohbnh8VQ7zJzub0hOZku2wF3I/s1600/IMG_3340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GVeGfBlKxNUwp_RYrCWv_AcXvMAuskUAqjR3AU6keoshg7Mc_cFgwo1O9zIx1jzx8szQkQAWuTdh2aygCyjGXESiAXdH3TryuL4AZjiFeO9-qo9HG1Ohbnh8VQ7zJzub0hOZku2wF3I/s320/IMG_3340.JPG" width="320" /></a>The park itself lies at around 6,562 feet above sea level and is home to the rock formations of Los Roques de Garcia. Here, you can see the work of thousands and thousands of years worth of erosion, where the wind and grit sculpt eerie and strikingly beautiful shapes out of standing pillars of rock.<br />
<br />
The best way to reach the highest point of the peak is by the cable car, <span class="st">Teleférico del Teide. In just about 8 minutes, the cable car swooped us up to just</span> 200 meters from the summit.We were literally above the clouds and enjoyed breathtaking views of the islands of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRhPKQeiLZVWODLtIjMeTKJXVonQgGQrdkULZBd59c26w1-LQroH3g4unNUyA6EjdPCRvMR9wyucE93zK3zQ163bYt_YZ6MbPnjlw0i13QGG48wAULIeFgjWhyphenhyphenm0uXpOxrqiDj0ij7Ic/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRhPKQeiLZVWODLtIjMeTKJXVonQgGQrdkULZBd59c26w1-LQroH3g4unNUyA6EjdPCRvMR9wyucE93zK3zQ163bYt_YZ6MbPnjlw0i13QGG48wAULIeFgjWhyphenhyphenm0uXpOxrqiDj0ij7Ic/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKAeVuqQO4gcH2hGI1zjQw_hlKeUrQQw48rz08y13CJbQ3w2gmK2t1pFzHFdRPtNL1SkTJwdda0XKz_ym_HCmn_FAwsydJpjbj26BH-FVyZrCHKmQLVO4u1yjJYaA9jEBTZVr7fwlSX8/s1600/IMG_3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKAeVuqQO4gcH2hGI1zjQw_hlKeUrQQw48rz08y13CJbQ3w2gmK2t1pFzHFdRPtNL1SkTJwdda0XKz_ym_HCmn_FAwsydJpjbj26BH-FVyZrCHKmQLVO4u1yjJYaA9jEBTZVr7fwlSX8/s320/IMG_3346.JPG" width="320" /></a>With a pre-arranged permit, however, you can walk up to the very mouth of the dormant volcano itself. We learned, unfortunately too late, that to get the permit, you have to contact the Park Administration office in Santa Cruz and take your passport there to get the free permit. Limiting visitors in this way protects the extremely fragile ecosystem. <br />
<br />
Since we couldn't ascend, we hiked down to the Refugio de Altavista where we were hoping to locate the <span class="st">Cueva del Hielo, or ice cave, we'd read about. It too proved elusive; despite following the directions given to us at the Refugio, we never did locate the ice cave. None the less, the lunar landscape was beautiful and we both got quite the workout on our hike back up to the cable car station. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fspains-highest-moutain-mount-teide.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wLQPGgwutcI%2FTwjGnNWq_QI%2FAAAAAAAABJQ%2FTM9xCj6W4yM%2Fs320%2FIMG_3337.JPG">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> </span>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Teide, Parque Nacional del Teide, 38300 Orotava, Spain28.2727777 -16.642222199999992-8.3652133 -76.407847199999992 64.9107687 43.123402800000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-84836982456174246162011-10-26T18:29:00.024+02:002011-12-12T14:07:24.631+01:00An Adventure on Eden Catamaran in Tenerife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaGx6Ro2UjwfEzuOC0xunm66Vlc4KAFRP6kyoCCaM4jYIpTGJfQ_z95Di-dZo1gAaQh9kKIz41WFj2XrtmolToSS5nqbOGXkK7YmFNsahf6bYv8YMbDqAqJZGuV4U_2nSXN05NTQ8ZWM/s1600/IMG_3257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaGx6Ro2UjwfEzuOC0xunm66Vlc4KAFRP6kyoCCaM4jYIpTGJfQ_z95Di-dZo1gAaQh9kKIz41WFj2XrtmolToSS5nqbOGXkK7YmFNsahf6bYv8YMbDqAqJZGuV4U_2nSXN05NTQ8ZWM/s320/IMG_3257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The boat sails away from the busy Porto Colon harbor and we gaze back as El Teide<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.thetraveleditor.com/article/2017/Feature_Article_Experience_Visit_Tenerife_you_must_see_El_Teide_one_of_the_wonders_of_the_world.html" target="_blank"></a></span> mountain reveals itself, reaching into the clouds behind Tenerife’s popular coastal strip.<span class="st"> </span><br />
<span class="st"><br />
</span><br />
There are few sights more awe-inspiring than a whale or dolphin rising from the surface of the sea. <span class="st">The south-west coast of Tenerife is a privileged place for watching whales in the wild as there are permanent pods of dolphins and pilot whales living just three miles offshore. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVDrYTcfSlstoB_W_pZGbLyqEO2nTjFzxccfaITqQoVJ4k4vGffgmHyPPk0ICg0LO0PBopKLs4kz811-ikn7QRsSR2k09ZPNYMrQC_ks-IACArQ6kmTFxR4uZDKEVogh_yPirFL3Pgjw/s1600/IMG_3308+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVDrYTcfSlstoB_W_pZGbLyqEO2nTjFzxccfaITqQoVJ4k4vGffgmHyPPk0ICg0LO0PBopKLs4kz811-ikn7QRsSR2k09ZPNYMrQC_ks-IACArQ6kmTFxR4uZDKEVogh_yPirFL3Pgjw/s320/IMG_3308+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="st">The pilot whales did not disappoint! As we idled halfway between Tenerife and La Gomera a shout goes up: "Look! Whales!" Breaking the surface a few meters away is a big black-backed pilot whale. Then there's more, lazing in the water on the other side. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="st">Pilot whales are smaller whales that seem to have permanently smiling faces. They are highly social and can grow to around 6.5 meters in length. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="st">After some time watching the whales, we sailed on to a cove along the coast where Tim and I had the opportunity to swim with a family of giant sea turtles living in the cove. What a great adventure we had with Eden Catamaran! </span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2qaWTKuyYfhrCw-SbrunbtoWraIum-ou0xSs2tv72PZLdjSZTkuONGhqQFatXCQFjumt3NuILb5JCN2266N7nZ5jww1Y5LTy_NuB43Au6HgYODYK_OjzlcUbyv2qGWeAlPlaE0uO6jo/s1600/P1010016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2qaWTKuyYfhrCw-SbrunbtoWraIum-ou0xSs2tv72PZLdjSZTkuONGhqQFatXCQFjumt3NuILb5JCN2266N7nZ5jww1Y5LTy_NuB43Au6HgYODYK_OjzlcUbyv2qGWeAlPlaE0uO6jo/s320/P1010016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Los Cristianos, 38660 Arona, Spain28.050445 -16.717322700000068-8.6445570000000025 -76.482947700000068 64.745447 43.048302299999932tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-49111070668479171022011-10-24T22:08:00.008+02:002012-01-12T13:30:44.685+01:00Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBrFgNptVWAyN_QSkUZofg255LVbvQNgsnVtW7a4zH8ZrNh3z4zXSSSw47kDBDAVqIn4ivxZOXHFsN9Qdg4prFu6fMU2RZDNXr3WBnJ7lsvfiw4ifuJlRPrdUJs5ze3t1eOEDjHyJGHo/s1600/London+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBrFgNptVWAyN_QSkUZofg255LVbvQNgsnVtW7a4zH8ZrNh3z4zXSSSw47kDBDAVqIn4ivxZOXHFsN9Qdg4prFu6fMU2RZDNXr3WBnJ7lsvfiw4ifuJlRPrdUJs5ze3t1eOEDjHyJGHo/s320/London+093.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The men you will see in front of Buckingham Palace (and other locations like the Tower of London Jewel House) are not just ceremonial guards but also serving soldiers. While upholding the traditions of the past, they also perform duties throughout the world as professional soldiers and are known as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army. The soldiers are drawn from one of the five regiments of Foot Guards in the British Army: the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards. <br />
<br />
The Changing of the Guard is when a new guard exchanges duty with the old guard. The handover is accompanied by a Guards band. The music played ranges from traditional military marches to songs from films and musicals and even familiar pop songs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iv46njtbJ54g_6TAHJkPqGBTshqmVoXvF8Ki962rwWDtB_a8LpEauiPE_JzS7FG_8V4jlUTCrDrGa_MlS-Yz7vG1WEKDg5KldtQhJwZivBvwrtoIUaxdsA92fT0cjmYNJeWEGmgov7I/s1600/London+317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iv46njtbJ54g_6TAHJkPqGBTshqmVoXvF8Ki962rwWDtB_a8LpEauiPE_JzS7FG_8V4jlUTCrDrGa_MlS-Yz7vG1WEKDg5KldtQhJwZivBvwrtoIUaxdsA92fT0cjmYNJeWEGmgov7I/s320/London+317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg4ID6jCSxroVvwsAloWZcsEL3lkILj_tyBYFsvL2KMh6CGAbyf-V6a4eP6gVva52K5Km6HgS2CHzSBLyRd9yFsG5sDtFDe_9g6_c_OuhJtzX5sLUwlYfmkQjvOlZKpDOVAPB55Cjpns/s1600/London+321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIg4ID6jCSxroVvwsAloWZcsEL3lkILj_tyBYFsvL2KMh6CGAbyf-V6a4eP6gVva52K5Km6HgS2CHzSBLyRd9yFsG5sDtFDe_9g6_c_OuhJtzX5sLUwlYfmkQjvOlZKpDOVAPB55Cjpns/s320/London+321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The guards march out of one gate, around the Victoria Memorial, and back in to the other gate in front of the Palace. The Horse Guards parade down the Mall to the Admiralty Arch and back before exchanging duty. The whole process takes approximately 45 minutes. <br />
<br />
To get a good spot, you must arrive very early at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard takes place in front of the place at 11:30am daily from May through July and on alternating days the remainder of the year. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrPdTOfzItdBcgRItZroyffvARhtYxytPKenXEC4SXzLhNMd2kXAxqaUR5qaY6lpJpEwIt6fCtnQ6Nx8YXLOUCc_uWpDiRnz2M2EBeyAwK4ZOLqCiJHOjLF3o64vbZMVe9eUsaxUdhkM/s1600/London+279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrPdTOfzItdBcgRItZroyffvARhtYxytPKenXEC4SXzLhNMd2kXAxqaUR5qaY6lpJpEwIt6fCtnQ6Nx8YXLOUCc_uWpDiRnz2M2EBeyAwK4ZOLqCiJHOjLF3o64vbZMVe9eUsaxUdhkM/s320/London+279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fbuckingham-palace-changing-of-guard.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2P7S6Mj0Avk%2FTuXgffo4CjI%2FAAAAAAAABH8%2F0Tlckxca7_0%2Fs320%2FLondon%2B321.JPG">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Buckingham Palace, City of Westminster, London SW1A, UK51.500969100000013 -0.142650600000024523.771809100000013 -59.908275600000024 79.230129100000013 59.622974399999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-83910909037255033562011-10-23T23:13:00.003+02:002012-01-12T13:33:58.601+01:00NFL International Series Game 5: The Chicago Bears Take London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZMSJ9ot6xdHd8yLoolJLuVQO-0TYmYyou_OxnNCX9FPWo8LTuddqMz91UBvgEW8BU12eVDdbsAR1UJlFJr1kHPP5WWNQnTkwWYRVb_RMFDaauVAgc0rf4xVQ3mR20iVXH6HefCFYzLs/s1600/London+201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZMSJ9ot6xdHd8yLoolJLuVQO-0TYmYyou_OxnNCX9FPWo8LTuddqMz91UBvgEW8BU12eVDdbsAR1UJlFJr1kHPP5WWNQnTkwWYRVb_RMFDaauVAgc0rf4xVQ3mR20iVXH6HefCFYzLs/s320/London+201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tim's dad called one Saturday and said he heard the Bears would be playing in London. American football in London? No way! A quick Google search confirmed that the NFL does in fact play in London as part of the NFL International Series in which one game per year is played the last weekend in October overseas. I didn't even have to ask if Tim wanted to go; I knew the answer would be yes! We had been planning to visit the Canary Islands for eight days, but a little shifting of our plans, a multi destination plane ticket, and two lower level tickets to Wembley Stadium, we added a stop in London to our itinerary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoof8CVG-f8oqPMdYsWxv52z7UR__SpSA-NTOWPqIg4qdWJ2FX_slrHMtDhduQfG3kGCCf_prMnrJ6LDW3svx5APInkaT2kO6AzzfHhpsmmGElUYI4kBygJmfNNy7OVhj4_-LDySNQAj4/s1600/London+199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoof8CVG-f8oqPMdYsWxv52z7UR__SpSA-NTOWPqIg4qdWJ2FX_slrHMtDhduQfG3kGCCf_prMnrJ6LDW3svx5APInkaT2kO6AzzfHhpsmmGElUYI4kBygJmfNNy7OVhj4_-LDySNQAj4/s320/London+199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFonAp-nzBpd85aWe_Lf_Yb6P8zrlFeCaKV_TJ9GuVhuuTdTU4j3spEMq2Oxtj3I_URjb71e7b6yKvF7iAZs8Zy0cFk0dzNiAEcWcH_EXtg8iJCiJK6lAnaanrGk98QleQe_KdiAlhgAo/s1600/London+214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFonAp-nzBpd85aWe_Lf_Yb6P8zrlFeCaKV_TJ9GuVhuuTdTU4j3spEMq2Oxtj3I_URjb71e7b6yKvF7iAZs8Zy0cFk0dzNiAEcWcH_EXtg8iJCiJK6lAnaanrGk98QleQe_KdiAlhgAo/s320/London+214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On game day, Wembley Stadium was packed full of Americans and Brits alike all eager to cheer on the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off the party with a pre-game concert. In a show of American patriotism, each seat on the lower level had either a red, white, or blue card to be held up during the national anthem. On queue we all donned our cards and from overhead, the cards made up a Union Jack inside the stadium while those on the field became the American Flag. Both the American and British National Anthems were performed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88Gv1Zml4p0bIAPvZObqruZe1lpPkEo3RsaYSrp_F1R3CrXjesoBd5RBYIm_gKyyywvwIRZSRBJE5ZZpYe1_P7I-8KiNo6yvR6pnGdrtw2mb8OvvuMjEQHc78c8Go3veYVXV55bY-Dx0/s1600/London+232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88Gv1Zml4p0bIAPvZObqruZe1lpPkEo3RsaYSrp_F1R3CrXjesoBd5RBYIm_gKyyywvwIRZSRBJE5ZZpYe1_P7I-8KiNo6yvR6pnGdrtw2mb8OvvuMjEQHc78c8Go3veYVXV55bY-Dx0/s320/London+232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Bears led 21-5 going into the fourth quarter after touchdowns by Matt Forte, Roy Williams and Marion Barber. The momentum then switched to the Buccaneers with Kellen Winslow and Dez Briscoe both going over over in the space of five minutes. But a field goal and an interception made it safe for the Bears, who came back to win 24 - 18.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fnfl-international-series-game-5-chicago.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-USQ_BY9bzs0%2FTtJoHKWPJ8I%2FAAAAAAAABHM%2FBepkuNZxmDc%2Fs320%2FLondon%2B201.JPG&description=NFL%20International%20Series%20Game%205%3A%20The%20Chicago%20Bears%20Take%20London%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Brent, London HA9 0DH, UK51.5560842 -0.279070499999988951.5544502 -0.28191199999998889 51.557718200000004 -0.2762289999999889tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-43555440406704332952011-10-23T14:06:00.001+02:002012-01-12T13:35:47.922+01:00Tower of London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEZACG8jIt_Mxna_399gE9mHdyOMbAkyaRG4strdxv6M5chkTGcShoK4G2GaYR8-wfXDKIRa2xSogS6ZcDT5NMqm8vlmFZGiwxr6BSeCsH-lDFn5LSU_axolxnYOsKWbLfk1BUai1h4s/s1600/London+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEZACG8jIt_Mxna_399gE9mHdyOMbAkyaRG4strdxv6M5chkTGcShoK4G2GaYR8-wfXDKIRa2xSogS6ZcDT5NMqm8vlmFZGiwxr6BSeCsH-lDFn5LSU_axolxnYOsKWbLfk1BUai1h4s/s320/London+074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Tower of London, with its 900 years of history, has earned itself a multitude of spine tingling stories, mainly due to its infamous reputation as a place of execution. There are many stories of ghosts, poltergeists and other malevolent spirits connected to the Tower of London. Who hasn't heard the one about the headless apparition of Anne Boleyn stalking the Tower grounds at night or stories of the chained and headless Sir Walter Raliegh being seen on the ramparts close to where he was kept prisoner? One of the thirty-six Yeoman Warders that guard the Tower and live there may just take you on a tour and tell stories of the Tower's many famous prisoners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcrDivZni-FVm_eR0omzITQnNNcnFd4R8YVGMhq7M_lrzyFCIU6cjZ4lukYanSFvbXABsy-nkg_tL5vcWMvpJoXaoM0kaI7H7xkPcVAKeh3UkFIX9OUTw79X88kOXUzVtb1Y1Jn4asD4/s1600/220px-Yeoman.warder.toweroflondon.arp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcrDivZni-FVm_eR0omzITQnNNcnFd4R8YVGMhq7M_lrzyFCIU6cjZ4lukYanSFvbXABsy-nkg_tL5vcWMvpJoXaoM0kaI7H7xkPcVAKeh3UkFIX9OUTw79X88kOXUzVtb1Y1Jn4asD4/s1600/220px-Yeoman.warder.toweroflondon.arp.jpg" /></a></div>The Yeoman Warders are also popularly known as the Beefeaters most likely because the Warders' payment was in rations that included beef, mutton and veal, and various historical commentators have noted a preference for beef among the Warders and the Yeomen of the Guard.<br />
<br />
Another of the Yeoman Warders is the Ravenmaster, who takes care of the Tower's most celebrated residents: a colony of seven ravens. Legend has it that should the ravens ever leave the Tower of London the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoEg_G_lE5UsijhDJczsT41YIDRVq8pOTWxDh_sjgYoUeRzRU-evN4gV_A_t4wAWAoH-GXpvVurvmFNYOiAshs3WZEEVmtsykG9HM8yvxd2DHHpClpk5IK-LogXSiWgtYcdDDVKJoBiY/s1600/London+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoEg_G_lE5UsijhDJczsT41YIDRVq8pOTWxDh_sjgYoUeRzRU-evN4gV_A_t4wAWAoH-GXpvVurvmFNYOiAshs3WZEEVmtsykG9HM8yvxd2DHHpClpk5IK-LogXSiWgtYcdDDVKJoBiY/s320/London+090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ravens were not the only creatures to reside at the Tower. In 1235, King Henry III received three lions from Emperor Frederick II. The Emperor had just married Henry’s sister Isabella so this gift was a sign of their alliance and friendship.More exotic animals were to follow such as ‘a white bear’ (believed to be a Polar bear) from King Haakon of Norway in 1252 and a male African elephant from King Louis IX of France in 1255. Visiting the exotic animals at the Tower was a popular excursion and the only way that most people could see such creatures they would normally only have heard about in stories.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYgdwTf70YNQ5gWbHK0039Tis4prYNeGMfa9Kxci9AfEeXaXc2eubStHo3KSw3Me8mi-OwVWbgUVJ_7_-uZa94kivSzVAIWX3AhlZ7dBiyYUfyfDhbJ2mfkSi-b_tL7ue0JCiSx5KMVM/s1600/London+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYgdwTf70YNQ5gWbHK0039Tis4prYNeGMfa9Kxci9AfEeXaXc2eubStHo3KSw3Me8mi-OwVWbgUVJ_7_-uZa94kivSzVAIWX3AhlZ7dBiyYUfyfDhbJ2mfkSi-b_tL7ue0JCiSx5KMVM/s320/London+073.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="FR"><span lang="EN-GB"><b> </b></span></span><br />
Today the only live animals that remain are the ravens. Recreating the menagerie of various exotic animals in sculpture form, visitors can see lions, monkeys and all kinds of exotic beasts as you roam the Tower's rooms.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8zXYnaW_2F0RWSyrZ3RUNml0Ts0vMSkSqN-YoG1pnkcx5djVXDqFPJxp5ZUwmSydUGaxUBwqdiviIGqe1RrEwxehqBcl14DBSjRsypCmuXv86Y2fgJ4H_IC-em72ZHwLICW2aZKm_uI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8zXYnaW_2F0RWSyrZ3RUNml0Ts0vMSkSqN-YoG1pnkcx5djVXDqFPJxp5ZUwmSydUGaxUBwqdiviIGqe1RrEwxehqBcl14DBSjRsypCmuXv86Y2fgJ4H_IC-em72ZHwLICW2aZKm_uI/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Of course, one of the highlights of the Tower of London is the Jewel House, which holds the Crown Jewels. The Crown Jewels are the regalia of crowns, scepters, orbs, and swords used at coronations and other state events. Most of the Crown Jewels date from 1661 when a new set was made for the coronation of Charles II. Parliament had destroyed the previous crowns and scepters after the execution of Charles I in 1649 and only a few pieces survived which had been hidden by the clergy of Westminster Abbey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuwaPsoh6QiKrhieN0YAsooG1eTyytePjJJ5CnfQCPPRh4SQGRyI4uWtyHUSq9SzdIRU4l9u7_kp7J8ip8r_UTL5kDsan-ughAecaKuFHXig_usQeNgN_REzYLUTEFiEDL7lUHJMbyIw/s1600/images2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuwaPsoh6QiKrhieN0YAsooG1eTyytePjJJ5CnfQCPPRh4SQGRyI4uWtyHUSq9SzdIRU4l9u7_kp7J8ip8r_UTL5kDsan-ughAecaKuFHXig_usQeNgN_REzYLUTEFiEDL7lUHJMbyIw/s1600/images2.jpg" /></a></div>The Crown Jewels contain some of the most famous diamonds in the world. The <b style="font-weight: normal;">First Star of Africa</b>, now mounted at the top of the Sovereign's Scepter, is the largest cut diamond in the world. The <b></b> Imperial State Crown alone has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Ftower-of-london.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-olottqd1pbU%2FTtJfO6Rb05I%2FAAAAAAAABG8%2Fd46nPwYWQps%2Fs320%2FLondon%2B074.JPG&description=The%20Tower%20of%20London%2C%20with%20its%20900%20years%20of%20history%2C%20has%20earned%20itself%20a%20multitude%20of%20spine%20tingling%20stories%2C%20mainly%20due%20to%20its%20infamous%20reputation%20as%20a%20place%20of%20execution.%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Westminster, London, UK51.5001524 -0.1262361999999939151.322796399999994 -0.39052969999999393 51.6775084 0.1380573000000061tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-67099785971578980382011-10-22T23:48:00.007+02:002012-01-12T13:37:56.839+01:00Not Hell's Kitchen: Our Experience Dining at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZTJeN-bz_NOxTAXZGMU9BydMIoYaCLlg8G2tfUXxYH-iRsc6ctCS3zLy7K3PDTtZ_n6hiIEZwWT_hGM19SIt9jRCGNhx6fZN80WL1pEy9iddAr7awXgzgVKdST7h9SNDc1ccYj800gw/s1600/388469_2339348575413_1600865933_32375599_884404042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZTJeN-bz_NOxTAXZGMU9BydMIoYaCLlg8G2tfUXxYH-iRsc6ctCS3zLy7K3PDTtZ_n6hiIEZwWT_hGM19SIt9jRCGNhx6fZN80WL1pEy9iddAr7awXgzgVKdST7h9SNDc1ccYj800gw/s320/388469_2339348575413_1600865933_32375599_884404042_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After nine seasons of watching contestants try to make a perfect beef wellington to meet Chef Ramsay's standards, I just had to see what all the fuss was about! Tim booked us a reservation for Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's and off we went to the lavish restaurant for a once in a lifetime meal.<br />
<br />
We both opted for the three course meal, which was more like nine courses by the time we were done!<br />
<br />
After deciding on our first courses, the sommelier brought an iPad with the wine list on it. We chose the 2009 Malbec from Argentina.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCRYawaI4LSJspxsjfQXCM_UJOUF0JZtkf-S3fgdCWxVXQ0m6UAimziEy37K5bzpTUP1joYSFUOdpY9DHCttCaSitTDQiYGpa0V-gKel2-IlAg0XTwTqUzu0sClGg-GVHbs9sFimPngw/s1600/ravioli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCRYawaI4LSJspxsjfQXCM_UJOUF0JZtkf-S3fgdCWxVXQ0m6UAimziEy37K5bzpTUP1joYSFUOdpY9DHCttCaSitTDQiYGpa0V-gKel2-IlAg0XTwTqUzu0sClGg-GVHbs9sFimPngw/s320/ravioli.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster ravioli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We began the meal with an amuse bouche of delicate breadsticks served with hummus and a yellow tomato mustard. Next, compliments of the chef, was a vegetable connsome that had an almost sweet after taste. Then we were served beef carpaccio with foie gras mousse rolled in shaved truffle and Parmesan on toast. Our first courses then arrived: thai-spiced lobster ravioli in a lemongrass, lime and coconut broth for me and roasted loin of rabbit for Tim. <br />
<br />
Bread choices were onion, olive and potato with homemade lemon and curry butters. The onion with the curry butter was fantastic!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwck1byhfoB07dn-qaMPkx24P1whKO4AAMw9aV15I1IfLiOj2SZgpYU4mZH-rHnmWTh6PjzvQSN-d_HUQD2y7PFoxMVRsNa-r7ftzD0sWsAulQcIrTwUV8t4rYdDd19M3rseTMeraaZt8/s1600/x2_8e72ff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwck1byhfoB07dn-qaMPkx24P1whKO4AAMw9aV15I1IfLiOj2SZgpYU4mZH-rHnmWTh6PjzvQSN-d_HUQD2y7PFoxMVRsNa-r7ftzD0sWsAulQcIrTwUV8t4rYdDd19M3rseTMeraaZt8/s320/x2_8e72ff4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Wellington</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally our beef wellington (only served for two) arrived and our waiter carved it table-side. A traditional British dish, it is a perfectly seared piece of beef tenderloin wrapped with parma ham and encompassed by a light puffy pastry shell. It practically melted in our mouth. <br />
<br />
Of course, the surprises weren't yet over. We each received pre-dessert of passionfruit mousse, sorbet and foam with a pistachio biscuit. For our actual desserts, I ordered the pecan and coffee soufflé with rum and raisin ice cream and Tim ordered the dark chocolate pear and cinnamon sphere. The waiter poured a hot milk sauce over the dark chocolate sphere table-side, releasing the aromas of the pear and cinnamon.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6Gv6OGnSu-EC8VRxnmedjxsL0OVvrGhzKt5Ey9ORZ9ojfwQje5uN-n8NnS1qq6hkiFIfe6DIyVjwBDcr7dZ_myTiXjk2wjW7wRyaDlF35Iep4BPHZkLoaCTEmNlerygLggnPt0K3peU/s1600/312281_2339333855045_1600865933_32375595_2025280458_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6Gv6OGnSu-EC8VRxnmedjxsL0OVvrGhzKt5Ey9ORZ9ojfwQje5uN-n8NnS1qq6hkiFIfe6DIyVjwBDcr7dZ_myTiXjk2wjW7wRyaDlF35Iep4BPHZkLoaCTEmNlerygLggnPt0K3peU/s320/312281_2339333855045_1600865933_32375595_2025280458_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecan and coffee soufflé</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dessert was followed by one last surprise: an assortment of homemade chocolate truffles and marshmallows. <br />
<br />
Although we both left stuffed, everything was delicious and it is a meal we will always remember.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fnot-hells-kitchen-our-experience-dining.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LGAmxILvOD0%2FTspUvLiyOZI%2FAAAAAAAABFc%2FK8OhrTzuhuE%2Fs320%2Fravioli.jpg&description=Not%20Hell%27s%20Kitchen%3A%20Our%20Experience%20Dining%20at%20Gordon%20Ramsay%20at%20Clardige%27s%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Claridges Hotel, Brook St, Westminster, London W1K 4HR, UK51.512426200000007 -0.1476370999999971923.789199200000006 -59.9132621 79.2356532 59.6179879tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-80168495488509748692011-10-22T16:47:00.062+02:002012-01-12T13:48:02.453+01:00Autumn in Hyde Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAMlHsbGq6AcjYHVNmlo_YBL74qmmHg6Lnvz9XnI8MwyKg5_zWNY7ehQgudSlHW9t6FozaPavh_P84OAwNXuTDxQERVhX6i5_5cAc6Pbb-dRC8faV4lvxE_OODQt6kMVbkvhFJhjWyY/s1600/London+010_1_2_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvAMlHsbGq6AcjYHVNmlo_YBL74qmmHg6Lnvz9XnI8MwyKg5_zWNY7ehQgudSlHW9t6FozaPavh_P84OAwNXuTDxQERVhX6i5_5cAc6Pbb-dRC8faV4lvxE_OODQt6kMVbkvhFJhjWyY/s320/London+010_1_2_tonemapped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the largest parks in London and one of the Royal Parks, Hyde Park is a great place to spend a sunny autumn afternoon on foot, bike, or even horseback. Take in the changing leaves: bright yellows, blazing oranges, and fiery reds. Bring some peanuts to feed the friendly squirrels; they will practically come take the peanuts from your hand!<br />
<br />
Aside from the wonderful autumn colors, there are some other sights to see in Hyde Park.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv_IEA8TqEDGjrR1EWGtMjGFWz0ITKZlHNRr0kFnCUrvncOiOuufTbKaT3Z-nrYgaIRtxRaSP-LSPsBNzdfqkGmadTsFjDDTmuxGXTZnUN3htJr4Xe56F4IO4MRpgRtNvQxLUA3VsDuI/s1600/London+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv_IEA8TqEDGjrR1EWGtMjGFWz0ITKZlHNRr0kFnCUrvncOiOuufTbKaT3Z-nrYgaIRtxRaSP-LSPsBNzdfqkGmadTsFjDDTmuxGXTZnUN3htJr4Xe56F4IO4MRpgRtNvQxLUA3VsDuI/s320/London+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Begin your walk at the Marble Arch, which was the chief entrance to Buckingham Palace until 1851 when it was moved to Hyde Park. <span class="entry_desc"> By tradition, only senior members of the royal family, the King’s Troop and the Royal Horse Artillery are allowed to ride or drive through the Arch. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyBI6doSjcfTAoXJvSezjWbziyjRyzlobsfGkW_Mbmi_xxKBgYpKfobVnk4YSB2PY_5SLiJDPYmUVtC_lc4uNgisNCKr9SprbZDtZAxEt6zJRLhTpPQyRY60GaDEPR06Aq3HQv2_FMeE/s1600/London+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyBI6doSjcfTAoXJvSezjWbziyjRyzlobsfGkW_Mbmi_xxKBgYpKfobVnk4YSB2PY_5SLiJDPYmUVtC_lc4uNgisNCKr9SprbZDtZAxEt6zJRLhTpPQyRY60GaDEPR06Aq3HQv2_FMeE/s320/London+030.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="entry_desc">Stroll along to the Queen Elizabeth Gate. </span>This gate was opened on July 6, 1993 by the Queen to honor the Queen Mother's 93rd birthday. The six gates, railings and lamps are made from forged stainless steel and bronze and the design of the gates is meant to span the styles of the 20th Century.<span class="entry_desc"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="entry_desc">Also at Hyde Park corner is the biggest monument: </span>the Wellington Monument from 1822. It consists of a nude Achilles, with cloak draped over his arm, his armor beside him. He carries a leaf-shaped short sword, and holds aloft a shield.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="entry_desc"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WG93PxNQ2keeoWYzc89EjobFt-Dmlvt4RscwGcmGjSi2njBnWzzRZMi-LkBBOiF9w5wgk0lE4_Wcku8dyeUbUPZ8v3wcxsHBhYlh4ofyHZlpab9bRvTDJ2cCzlHZagiLm8386MAb_UY/s1600/London+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WG93PxNQ2keeoWYzc89EjobFt-Dmlvt4RscwGcmGjSi2njBnWzzRZMi-LkBBOiF9w5wgk0lE4_Wcku8dyeUbUPZ8v3wcxsHBhYlh4ofyHZlpab9bRvTDJ2cCzlHZagiLm8386MAb_UY/s320/London+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite sculpture in the park is much less elaborate. There is a humble fountain on the west side with two embracing bears. It dates from 1939 and is due to the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association celebrating their 80th anniversary. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmoQMIB0BXvr5ecIfFve8FmIuOtRRD8WfEOt0KL2sfJ0pZ7Pehoka6Et69RK-a-EluJ9airq16wwyjey-6c4SVjiTkDkmPKpNa9dD9sryaQU0uACeFS-wqOoyJx5GdLqzGouEjp3ue-s/s1600/London+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmoQMIB0BXvr5ecIfFve8FmIuOtRRD8WfEOt0KL2sfJ0pZ7Pehoka6Et69RK-a-EluJ9airq16wwyjey-6c4SVjiTkDkmPKpNa9dD9sryaQU0uACeFS-wqOoyJx5GdLqzGouEjp3ue-s/s320/London+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fautumn-in-hyde-park.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-b9xvCHywXCI%2FTspaNAbKuhI%2FAAAAAAAABF0%2F01NIFmcEy5A%2Fs320%2FLondon%2B010_1_2_tonemapped.jpg&description=Autumn%20in%20Hyde%20Park%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com2Hyde Park, 30 Baker St, Westminster, London W1U 3ER, UK51.5072442 -0.1698311999999759851.5014252 -0.18772269999997598 51.513063200000005 -0.15193969999997597tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-30743869635345927112011-09-25T22:28:00.008+02:002012-01-12T13:49:50.303+01:00Burg Hohenwerfen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBipZwI91J_VnsdR8qtfy_fx_wgiUXoMhPVavpoSGrkoyfFWHMTbXe1hmDzqaWxWWb2yxsIXwRTgIZ7tfXo5XniGZ119GCLLsVriBdTwrLCdkyGEP3TAGZIhLN93Esg18ymlBowBCO58/s1600/IMG_2245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBipZwI91J_VnsdR8qtfy_fx_wgiUXoMhPVavpoSGrkoyfFWHMTbXe1hmDzqaWxWWb2yxsIXwRTgIZ7tfXo5XniGZ119GCLLsVriBdTwrLCdkyGEP3TAGZIhLN93Esg18ymlBowBCO58/s320/IMG_2245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Situated high on a 155 meter cliff in the Salzach valley, Burg Hohenwerfen is a fortress built between 1075 and 1078. Hohenwerfen has served as a military base as well as a residential and hunting retreat for Salburg's rulers. It even served as a prison for many centuries. Rulers such as Archbishop Adalbert III (1198), Graf Albert von Friesach (1253), the Styrian governor Siegmund (1525) and Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1611) were held captive here. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglELrGGQLFaxUFrk7EkAPkcaRpgPzi3Q69TX707yu_Kt0C-BqPzijUYoP9RjCbYMWXdLR3xdgllCe4NUrpCj6hkyB3Y_Wz8g5G2Ik7OaBuOQ3pSwnZzJv8F-7p1lEiilasOsoO6sGYC6A/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglELrGGQLFaxUFrk7EkAPkcaRpgPzi3Q69TX707yu_Kt0C-BqPzijUYoP9RjCbYMWXdLR3xdgllCe4NUrpCj6hkyB3Y_Wz8g5G2Ik7OaBuOQ3pSwnZzJv8F-7p1lEiilasOsoO6sGYC6A/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today, the castle is home to the historical Salzburg Falconry Center. Impressive falconry flight displays included vultures, red kites, falcons and other birds of prey. Try to keep track as many of the birds fly around the castle and surrounding Tennengebirge mountains.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAzXhk8A3oL2ZCtT6r1fixdwbv0eGHkVFktxoijs0sMgjxpBFZQFbQP0YZmYo55dfTbbnrHnwgIgCqK0qMPHLSxwLcZrSZMIXogYfBXtkqiWTRaadp7bL5aXsk4RYE5pI-YWz6BERuME/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAzXhk8A3oL2ZCtT6r1fixdwbv0eGHkVFktxoijs0sMgjxpBFZQFbQP0YZmYo55dfTbbnrHnwgIgCqK0qMPHLSxwLcZrSZMIXogYfBXtkqiWTRaadp7bL5aXsk4RYE5pI-YWz6BERuME/s400/IMG_2220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiDwa3WY1u_NAjAZHdJZo2jVRknq2E14-5woR49_IgPsraCYv2z_3DdCzKD2EFiF8Vn257pu0YMY79bRZ4HJS1SLCQDWfj152h3G-J_SvCxo5V6-7JG3QbmLU7F5L_4yzLMLYCN4t0Fs/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiDwa3WY1u_NAjAZHdJZo2jVRknq2E14-5woR49_IgPsraCYv2z_3DdCzKD2EFiF8Vn257pu0YMY79bRZ4HJS1SLCQDWfj152h3G-J_SvCxo5V6-7JG3QbmLU7F5L_4yzLMLYCN4t0Fs/s320/IMG_2233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The weapons museum with 700 years of melee weapons and firearms is also quite interesting to visit while at the castle.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fburg-hohenwerfen.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-4ejgYI7FTiY%2FTso0LpSeLaI%2FAAAAAAAABE0%2FubBcZCGRcU4%2Fs320%2FIMG_2245.JPG&description=Situated%20high%20on%20a%20155%20meter%20cliff%20in%20the%20Salzach%20valley%2C%20Burg%20Hohenwerfen%20is%20a%20fortress%20built%20between%201075%20and%201078.%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Werfen, Austria47.47625 13.19132999999999417.7607235 -46.574295000000006 77.1917765 72.956955tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-47876359348941084402011-09-24T21:22:00.061+02:002012-01-12T13:52:04.656+01:00Europe's Biggest Party: Oktoberfest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTMiwsbHhzstPAR8tbGxYfpF2MaH7zpaKN-wpROIZtFcALYjxagDbZCrfVst89U_PN6nuN4lQik4Geh2rhQlsF_x2HbqCyQZo-k2_QYM2RWF8UjPjLipp-z8FsC-IvWpMdVkBzdxnd7Q/s1600/2052935504_3427af0190_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTMiwsbHhzstPAR8tbGxYfpF2MaH7zpaKN-wpROIZtFcALYjxagDbZCrfVst89U_PN6nuN4lQik4Geh2rhQlsF_x2HbqCyQZo-k2_QYM2RWF8UjPjLipp-z8FsC-IvWpMdVkBzdxnd7Q/s320/2052935504_3427af0190_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oktoberfest is <span class="body">is arguably Europe's biggest annual party, attracting nearly six million people. Of course, the biggest draw of Oktoberfest are the fourteen free-to-enter beer tents. Want a seat? Get up and join the crowds as they make a dash for the tents bright and early. </span>The massive <b style="font-weight: normal;">Hofbräu Festzelt is </b>considered the biggest beer tent at Oktoberfest with a capacity of nearly 10,000 and is the famous counterpart to the Hofbraeuhaus located in the city of Munich. The tent is packed with picnic tables and benches that fill up quickly and you can expect to see some craziness as "chug, chug, chug" is shouted all around. It is also the only tent at Oktoberfest where you can buy your mug of beer and have a drink without having to sit down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVXDLka07lRtHm_AZNPpVvKY69hQyr3MUw4Mc0xnRAKY6cPDNTnUVJ5v-IcW9NV57EPkhIr4nLcEl58GNIzL5kGwcVs_TQ6Gwc6Ev2DtY1VWh4GOEuOJYbX0L-tgrcSRgs48maz4k3p0/s1600/320604_2002754354720_1419435273_31766265_1537743033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVXDLka07lRtHm_AZNPpVvKY69hQyr3MUw4Mc0xnRAKY6cPDNTnUVJ5v-IcW9NV57EPkhIr4nLcEl58GNIzL5kGwcVs_TQ6Gwc6Ev2DtY1VWh4GOEuOJYbX0L-tgrcSRgs48maz4k3p0/s320/320604_2002754354720_1419435273_31766265_1537743033_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>The beer is traditionally served in one-liter krugs (steins) and beer wenches impressively carry ten at a time. When toasting, make eye contact with your drinking compatriots, raise and clink your glasses together, shouting Prost! (Cheers!), before taking a swig. <br />
<br />
Local delicacies like hendl (a half spit-roasted chicken, wurstl<i></i> (sausages), and Bavarian brezel (soft pretzels) are sold in the tents.<br />
<br />
Everyone needs a souvenir of their trip to Oktoberfest. A favorite and easy-to-find souvenir is the <b style="font-weight: normal;">Lebkuchen</b> (gingerbread necklace). These gingerbread hearts are decorated with German phrases such as Ich Lieve Dich<i></i> (I love you) and come strung with a ribbon for wearing home. Tim says I earned mine!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqKUkbKW5zcDKrtynVlR56pEc8qN4VTCsJ80mePgL9Y71V5AE9AY0jeRTIbZZw6UbYwDbXq7iLu0iD3SwIf_0KZ0naNv9pefuzk8pQ0iCixG2c5UONFfz4DkThEY7APqmD0kTQ7buZjk/s1600/300705_2153257003240_1600865933_32239017_992271987_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqKUkbKW5zcDKrtynVlR56pEc8qN4VTCsJ80mePgL9Y71V5AE9AY0jeRTIbZZw6UbYwDbXq7iLu0iD3SwIf_0KZ0naNv9pefuzk8pQ0iCixG2c5UONFfz4DkThEY7APqmD0kTQ7buZjk/s320/300705_2153257003240_1600865933_32239017_992271987_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Feuropes-biggest-party-oktoberfest.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dUs5ZvBd90k%2FTsoQ0M4sPcI%2FAAAAAAAABEc%2F2Gu4TOI6iTs%2Fs320%2F2052935504_3427af0190_o.jpg&description=Europe%27s%20Biggest%20Party%3A%20Oktoberfest%20in%20the%20massive%20Hofbr%C3%A4u%20Festzelt">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script> <br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Munich, Germany48.1391265 11.58018630000003748.0458815 11.399021800000037 48.232371500000006 11.761350800000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-91956083526732349072011-09-15T21:53:00.009+02:002012-01-12T13:54:19.298+01:00I Spy From the London Eye...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hsQZ_N01mjZ8Gzsaa2ovoZTGEZ2Roh3D-iS5b1FTHciovJ4r8Zh3gjoshLSZg3KRLGe_qKRCKZ2faQvD8mHIws0Gt8P2_8k0XCpVnzotnXgEg9jHHIEPC94-cH4YzIY7ofmff6Un8Ys/s1600/296985_2324197596648_1600865933_32368700_769239592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hsQZ_N01mjZ8Gzsaa2ovoZTGEZ2Roh3D-iS5b1FTHciovJ4r8Zh3gjoshLSZg3KRLGe_qKRCKZ2faQvD8mHIws0Gt8P2_8k0XCpVnzotnXgEg9jHHIEPC94-cH4YzIY7ofmff6Un8Ys/s320/296985_2324197596648_1600865933_32368700_769239592_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On a clear day, just like the day as I took a spin on the London Eye, you can see as far as 25 miles. The all glass capsules of the observation wheel afford you 360° views over London. It's location right in the heart of the city mean many famous landmarks are clearly visible, including Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Gherkin in London City and of course the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben right across the Thames.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVuw8b0Siu8p-luMQzm8uthKgEICT-bo9zdMej8u06Y9gmkU-kR0KYlWGQgWmDdJMLP3XzoJHTUYji4qKVg0nHN16Ecb_m2aJAvR0yMe2L9hmEp73sDp8Uvox9TZ-HAz1s6AL5_0ohjc/s1600/316600_2125171861129_1600865933_32218877_1979305506_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVuw8b0Siu8p-luMQzm8uthKgEICT-bo9zdMej8u06Y9gmkU-kR0KYlWGQgWmDdJMLP3XzoJHTUYji4qKVg0nHN16Ecb_m2aJAvR0yMe2L9hmEp73sDp8Uvox9TZ-HAz1s6AL5_0ohjc/s320/316600_2125171861129_1600865933_32218877_1979305506_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Completed in 1999 as part of London's millennium celebrations, the giant observation wheel is the tallest in Europe at 135-meters (443 ft). It moves at a slow, but steady pace with one revolution taking just around 30 minutes. Be prepared to hop on and off because the wheel does not usually stop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAVRxVoB2ZalM8osnilZUT9CV3vxXH3hBhg696Zh4U6_5Sx5C8MRzYqzaha107rs_iuv-l5wN7nVEAikiCkLpaOVIq3XhqKfekkFn5DkX6bBtOaVN0u4RV9mxuAf7t0GhPkv5b-ZIQ_0/s1600/294064_2125174541196_1600865933_32218880_363086356_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAVRxVoB2ZalM8osnilZUT9CV3vxXH3hBhg696Zh4U6_5Sx5C8MRzYqzaha107rs_iuv-l5wN7nVEAikiCkLpaOVIq3XhqKfekkFn5DkX6bBtOaVN0u4RV9mxuAf7t0GhPkv5b-ZIQ_0/s320/294064_2125174541196_1600865933_32218880_363086356_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fi-spy-from-london-eye.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Z0oQo0W590w%2FTsZmyQ5KV2I%2FAAAAAAAABEM%2F9__35RLZpHY%2Fs320%2F316600_2125171861129_1600865933_32218877_1979305506_n.jpg&description=I%20Spy%20From%20the%20London%20Eye...%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, 3 Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7GP, UK51.5033249 -0.1195433999999977523.775384400000004 -59.8851684 79.2312654 59.6460816tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-66942096323902229312011-09-14T20:40:00.003+02:002012-01-12T13:55:59.641+01:00A Royal Day Out at Buckingham Palace, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_A7JqggtKSiO_O9LKNzN7RR8oy5zSSvOvEluh1Aiut7LnLwkx_6OUkKPapUWb6pttOMofDRB-S0VV58g-crNgnEiI7kA1aWnIBy4CR1TEFjQAndjToUlj9xa_GGw97X8Kb86LAdDzO0/s1600/305295_2122633517672_1600865933_32217067_1232519238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_A7JqggtKSiO_O9LKNzN7RR8oy5zSSvOvEluh1Aiut7LnLwkx_6OUkKPapUWb6pttOMofDRB-S0VV58g-crNgnEiI7kA1aWnIBy4CR1TEFjQAndjToUlj9xa_GGw97X8Kb86LAdDzO0/s320/305295_2122633517672_1600865933_32217067_1232519238_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Buckingham Palace serves as the London residence of The Queen. During August and September, when the Palace is not being used in its official capacity, the magnificent State Rooms are opened to visitors. The State Rooms are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodn_wVk2-88YUKWjEVAW0VKq9LN81TVcMHG20VmzDjvoVMX8tB4rU7aTSDbmqZY9PhL61dPhr4T0cLM3_jN5eLyusnLiKcIxnLUDz29qRsUYNx_ZAMOXtFb3gDWwVLi_1loUttoOQIt8/s1600/BP2+Derry+Moore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodn_wVk2-88YUKWjEVAW0VKq9LN81TVcMHG20VmzDjvoVMX8tB4rU7aTSDbmqZY9PhL61dPhr4T0cLM3_jN5eLyusnLiKcIxnLUDz29qRsUYNx_ZAMOXtFb3gDWwVLi_1loUttoOQIt8/s1600/BP2+Derry+Moore.JPG" /></a>The 2011 opening of the State Rooms had two special exhibits. The Royal Fabergé, a collection of over 100 masterpieces by Peter Carl Fabergé, the greatest Russian jeweler and golsmith of the early 20th century. The Royal Fabergé exhibit explored how six successive generations of the British Royal Family, from Queen Victoria to The Queen have shaped the finest collection of Fabergé in the world.<br />
<br />
I found the collection of jewel encrusted Imperial Easter Eggs the most impressive in the lot. The Mosaic Egg is without a doubt one of the most sophisticated and extraordinary of Fabergé’s Imperial Easter Eggs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NFoTYqw6jez_YHgk01W0A4RtCunOPamJ0gGmCDCa7z983pr0ETWwxYDxY3G6y3MmbrC3yuklofziu3bIZ26ODOWKXBmIIn6Jmvyx8eEP-5x0hSAgBihUsy8qH5U9RZneUfQXgE0ur7M/s1600/royal_wedding_gown_display_mannequin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NFoTYqw6jez_YHgk01W0A4RtCunOPamJ0gGmCDCa7z983pr0ETWwxYDxY3G6y3MmbrC3yuklofziu3bIZ26ODOWKXBmIIn6Jmvyx8eEP-5x0hSAgBihUsy8qH5U9RZneUfQXgE0ur7M/s320/royal_wedding_gown_display_mannequin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A special display of The Duchess of Cambridge's royal wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. The dress is stunning and yet a bit ghostly as it is displayed in a low lit room on a headless mannequin. A short video plays of Sarah Burton explaining the construction of the dress. <br />
<br />
Also on display are the diamond acorn earrings gifted to Duchess Kate by her parents, the Cartier Halo tiara loaned to her by The Queen, and a silk flower replica of her bridal bouquet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAMyNPqZdYz9zlJstYYppJ6ao3cCyn_xzJKCeR9GlN1SutdUey3J-w0BHQE7FCbk71B-SMdwlSB8gENCsb5cvJqqlTomhkuBU4Mr2rrctx_yqGizDg-3QP8VVYsCw5jHjrJmShL7lKaY/s1600/Royal%252BWedding%252BDress%252BExhibition%252BllZWQ6oK5UPl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAMyNPqZdYz9zlJstYYppJ6ao3cCyn_xzJKCeR9GlN1SutdUey3J-w0BHQE7FCbk71B-SMdwlSB8gENCsb5cvJqqlTomhkuBU4Mr2rrctx_yqGizDg-3QP8VVYsCw5jHjrJmShL7lKaY/s320/Royal%252BWedding%252BDress%252BExhibition%252BllZWQ6oK5UPl.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The traditional fruitcake is also on display in the State Dining Room. <br />
<br />
The tour of the State Rooms leaves through the Buckingham Palace Gardens. Stop at the cafe to snack on a miniature chocolate biscuit cake, a favorite of Prince William and also served at the Royal Wedding. A stroll through the Palace Gardens leads you by The Queen's private pond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe9N0E64F4Ul_BVDBJK-ZfaXEpN1-XIfeFx3hlUIY0TZy-L1eZA5rwftoKn8Se20JzXpPArbrN7LwuSNoeWnv7Cp86l8EH2WqelG9X8BDYbKeGX7t5roaX_n8z5yPVSW1QVllnZxkEb8/s1600/308692_2122631677626_1600865933_32217066_1586629111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe9N0E64F4Ul_BVDBJK-ZfaXEpN1-XIfeFx3hlUIY0TZy-L1eZA5rwftoKn8Se20JzXpPArbrN7LwuSNoeWnv7Cp86l8EH2WqelG9X8BDYbKeGX7t5roaX_n8z5yPVSW1QVllnZxkEb8/s320/308692_2122631677626_1600865933_32217066_1586629111_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Froyal-day-out-at-buckingham-palace.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Q5PdVAwSO3k%2FTsUWeLC8ZpI%2FAAAAAAAABDs%2FMelYzyf4uz0%2Fs320%2Froyal_wedding_gown_display_mannequin.jpg&description=The%20Royal%20Wedding%20Dress%20Exhibit%20at%20Buckingham%20Palace">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Buckingham Palace Rd, London, UK51.4959128 -0.1454659999999421451.4906298 -0.14947549999994214 51.5011958 -0.14145649999994214tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-91604328336783673932011-09-11T04:19:00.002+02:002011-10-02T16:52:58.055+02:00Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9R5yCZD-3atTV9e6jp9K0N9aB5qFXpLRyWumE4jb2xxZDrtQMyAnweNLM4Ql_FkNHzbv0bu4S7DXWvkkrH8fQAgXjGnWu1KBRdzK0TqWAi73rm41JHfcLPPzJ4Tfs3mr4-aCIAxHaZA/s1600/321136_1963988745604_1419435273_31735360_1368511687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9R5yCZD-3atTV9e6jp9K0N9aB5qFXpLRyWumE4jb2xxZDrtQMyAnweNLM4Ql_FkNHzbv0bu4S7DXWvkkrH8fQAgXjGnWu1KBRdzK0TqWAi73rm41JHfcLPPzJ4Tfs3mr4-aCIAxHaZA/s320/321136_1963988745604_1419435273_31735360_1368511687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In September the green glow known as the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, begins its dance across the lava fields of <span class="locationPostDisplay">Keflavík</span>. It is caused by the electrically charged particles emitted by the sun and interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. The colliding particles cause the thin air to glow in the beautiful colors of the aurora. The lights are expected to burn even more brightly in 2011 than usual, as they approach a peak in the 11-year solar-flare cycle.<br />
<br />
Since Iceland is in the middle of the auroral zone where this phenomenon is most frequently seen, Tim was lucky enough to have several clear, crisp nights to observe one of the most spectacular shows on this earth. One particular night the aurora was so active, the lights kept Tim awake as they danced right outside his window. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpRsVIUzm6Tc9t-xVGC0JWThv0GFCtvJDuMOxhw4CQO0sDonKDTOyhPfIUX5t2NfwE9ZBgAQj3Z3u1F5TI0U5UdrYJbBvJ4IUMqkvcGPnrV_X4XWr8UhghJn6Unn-FEK3wnZIXfc1eKQ/s1600/316650_1963988185590_1419435273_31735357_487346048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpRsVIUzm6Tc9t-xVGC0JWThv0GFCtvJDuMOxhw4CQO0sDonKDTOyhPfIUX5t2NfwE9ZBgAQj3Z3u1F5TI0U5UdrYJbBvJ4IUMqkvcGPnrV_X4XWr8UhghJn6Unn-FEK3wnZIXfc1eKQ/s320/316650_1963988185590_1419435273_31735357_487346048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Northern Lights can prove to be quite elusive; conditions for viewing need to be just right. September through March are the best months to view the aurora. Contrary to popular belief, it does not have to be cold to see the aurora, just dark and clear...and clear skies usually mean it’s cold, hence the association between auroras and chilly nights. The peak viewing hours are between 11pm and 2am. So bundle up and head outside the city for the best viewing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbUhwLc6IIlZUJ-nafnc6GKWSh44RjYQbDUojYaSyfOYnAREFEgmbgvBC88V0hIZsmzJWoZ0fjLHPBKYFeAlrpGaACRftN7cU99dnAh4fea0ly3tVS4kYfbiYjtYfl8hkOUSY4ZAlvVs/s1600/303615_1963989585625_1419435273_31735364_366145730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbUhwLc6IIlZUJ-nafnc6GKWSh44RjYQbDUojYaSyfOYnAREFEgmbgvBC88V0hIZsmzJWoZ0fjLHPBKYFeAlrpGaACRftN7cU99dnAh4fea0ly3tVS4kYfbiYjtYfl8hkOUSY4ZAlvVs/s320/303615_1963989585625_1419435273_31735364_366145730_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Keflavík, Iceland63.983333299999991 -22.54999999999995563.95520479999999 -22.600983499999955 64.011461799999992 -22.499016499999954tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-7617244914885909052011-09-06T22:01:00.211+02:002012-01-12T13:58:03.246+01:00A Walking Tour of Reykjavik, IcelandThere is really no better way to discover Reykjavik than on foot. A mix of traditional and modern reveal the eclectic charms of the city. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
A brand new addition to Reykjavik's harbor is the Harpa Reykjavik Conference and Concert Center,which just opened in May. The building was designed by the artist Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects and glitters in the sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvuaUMCXQtzb78s-ElBCJ6dn0vkNtEPbWITenPHmG8asokMbMDCu2UG9CuE9AswQlVSGdy3_2yBExgDYfpoqW_dHyARjaGDjwNef7VTOfn3SuJck9nm0f8a5aeLYhgASHMUiwCkpX-9s/s1600/301019_1960858227343_1419435273_31732920_498962526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvuaUMCXQtzb78s-ElBCJ6dn0vkNtEPbWITenPHmG8asokMbMDCu2UG9CuE9AswQlVSGdy3_2yBExgDYfpoqW_dHyARjaGDjwNef7VTOfn3SuJck9nm0f8a5aeLYhgASHMUiwCkpX-9s/s320/301019_1960858227343_1419435273_31732920_498962526_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial2d0oXNT8aeUEIlCizyh0yl1EWeGHX-C3C9lLUC7FJqJd236E749JrnL5EA7OilSW6VUE9Gq1tN0PQncyldtYHpo4a0t4EGYQEAJv3v58HHS92T7MXVsvvbTn00slhlpGEdThyJukLI/s1600/4148504-Laugavegur_Street_Reykjavik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial2d0oXNT8aeUEIlCizyh0yl1EWeGHX-C3C9lLUC7FJqJd236E749JrnL5EA7OilSW6VUE9Gq1tN0PQncyldtYHpo4a0t4EGYQEAJv3v58HHS92T7MXVsvvbTn00slhlpGEdThyJukLI/s320/4148504-Laugavegur_Street_Reykjavik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From the Harpa, begin an easy walking tour of the city. Walk along Laekjargata street to the Government House, which is the office of the Prime Minister of Iceland. Turn left at the Government House and walk uphill along Laugavegur Street, the longest shopping street in Reykjavik.<br />
<br />
You will find many shops along Laugavegur Street selling the lopapeysa, or Icelandic wool sweater, which is a favorite of visitors to bring back home with them. You will see many Icelanders wearing the traditionally patterned lopapeysa. The yarn used, lopi, is made from the wool of Icelandic sheep. Lopi is remarkable in that it is not spun, so it contains more air than spun yarn and is very insulting, keeping Icelanders warm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB5dKK2P_I89mLRhoXkS5IVhmg1u8dXYtfTofi-0YDlbG_1n2ucjiyc9fW2m38LGnqIjCqlviqFEJ_Qx0ow3X68S8AjAYOu2KzgeYZ9YX3YRU-zaD4yijCBukxu5B0NAUy3qjeor1z1U/s1600/299522_2092476163757_1600865933_32187662_7313206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB5dKK2P_I89mLRhoXkS5IVhmg1u8dXYtfTofi-0YDlbG_1n2ucjiyc9fW2m38LGnqIjCqlviqFEJ_Qx0ow3X68S8AjAYOu2KzgeYZ9YX3YRU-zaD4yijCBukxu5B0NAUy3qjeor1z1U/s320/299522_2092476163757_1600865933_32187662_7313206_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Running from the corner of Laugavegur Street is Skólavörðustígur Street, which is said to be the most beautiful street in Reykjavik. Walk along Skólavörðustígur up to the Hallgrímskirkja church, Iceland's tallest building and most striking church. The church is named after the Icelandic poet and clergyman <b style="font-weight: normal;">Hallgrímur Pétursson and the three bells in the bell tower represent </b>Hallgrímur, his wife, and their daughter who died young.The bell tower is accessible via an elevator and awards views over the city and harbor.<br />
<br />
The statue in front of the church is of <b style="font-weight: normal;">Leif Eríkson</b>, an Icelandic/Norwegian explorer and the first European thought to have landed in North America. The monument was a gift from the United States for the 1930 <span class="st">Alþingi</span> Millennial Festival, which marked the 1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuzo_d9HHLoshZBLvITx79uZW88TTU3PzyDC9XycAVs_PUHNpTSPosQTy0a-X5N-NqoPFJkvJ0TSvKWY_7ysw8KUEZxQKuexsuaPXLPk8lBSQS436GHuGz5RZMEXnOLwTZEFipLxSEjQ/s1600/307482_2094745940500_1600865933_32191738_757067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuzo_d9HHLoshZBLvITx79uZW88TTU3PzyDC9XycAVs_PUHNpTSPosQTy0a-X5N-NqoPFJkvJ0TSvKWY_7ysw8KUEZxQKuexsuaPXLPk8lBSQS436GHuGz5RZMEXnOLwTZEFipLxSEjQ/s320/307482_2094745940500_1600865933_32191738_757067_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From the Hallgrímskirkja turn on to Frakkastígur Street and head back toward the water. At S<span class="st">æ</span>braut, the stunning <span class="st">Sólfarið (or Sun Voyager) sculpture comes into view. Made in 1971 by </span>Jón Gunnar Árnason, it is a massive steel creation made to resemble a Viking ship floating on water.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxYzezHbnE1sTrg2TwhZYLS9h7TdnlDRkCOYR74nL2-ArC5ZTktZGf1RyVW9HhGCmpoeZr6GSgUTeuC9GXCxAB9t_S3oJeSHhyZiyWmLRN8g0sF1QUwpvgvzYFcRNA7e67WLg86iwpP8/s1600/295976_2090260868376_1600865933_32185130_3976719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxYzezHbnE1sTrg2TwhZYLS9h7TdnlDRkCOYR74nL2-ArC5ZTktZGf1RyVW9HhGCmpoeZr6GSgUTeuC9GXCxAB9t_S3oJeSHhyZiyWmLRN8g0sF1QUwpvgvzYFcRNA7e67WLg86iwpP8/s320/295976_2090260868376_1600865933_32185130_3976719_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Continue along the water back in the direction of the Harpa. Stop by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which translates to the "best hot dog stand in town". The hot dog has been called the Icelandic national food and these are special. Made of lamb and topped with a mix of fresh and fried onions, remoulade and brown mustard, they’re unlike any hot dogs in the world. It's no wonder even Bill Clinton and James Hetfield of Metallica have even eaten here.<br />
<br />
After refueling on a few hot dogs, continue on to <span class="st">Lækjartorg (Brook Square) to admire the brightly colored buildings lining the square. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWp2ynjgkRkWPi7YfxDrbMpx1CCKkIzgHnHxqVa-z9B3dlQ3RK9gGvKOavYvCTVP4s6xq3t0HmcTyp6QPLEHjBWu2liKLjU0hoD6YTUKHYR7iF1VbgZwX5GNrZY5s9aRtuY7vyq1PvHA/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWp2ynjgkRkWPi7YfxDrbMpx1CCKkIzgHnHxqVa-z9B3dlQ3RK9gGvKOavYvCTVP4s6xq3t0HmcTyp6QPLEHjBWu2liKLjU0hoD6YTUKHYR7iF1VbgZwX5GNrZY5s9aRtuY7vyq1PvHA/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>Austurvöllur is Reykjavik's oldest square. The square was originally part of the hay fields of the city's first settler, Ingólfur Arnarson. In the center of the square is the statue of Jón Sigurdsson, the Icelandic nationalist who led the country to independence from Denmark. The present parliament building, Alþingishús, which moved from Þingvellir in 1881 can be seen. Across the street and adjacent to the Alþingishús is Reykjavik’s oldest church the Domkirkjan. It was here at the Domkirkjan that Iceland's national anthem was first sung in 1874.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxCts3cCheNyjiUkHX2sXcztTVBEfNCz3AgrKvv6mLkLzHj9vLGmiCoKrJK-I1eQr3jYq3vxYHo8k5fuv9xSsjYw2Gb1zu2RR1VugonVgA-T93ugUTxwXvCveizQAxnl65W1gdCec4zQ/s1600/294536_2095025907499_1600865933_32192124_1763992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxCts3cCheNyjiUkHX2sXcztTVBEfNCz3AgrKvv6mLkLzHj9vLGmiCoKrJK-I1eQr3jYq3vxYHo8k5fuv9xSsjYw2Gb1zu2RR1VugonVgA-T93ugUTxwXvCveizQAxnl65W1gdCec4zQ/s320/294536_2095025907499_1600865933_32192124_1763992_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Venture up Túngata to find the Catholic church Landakotskirkja, which was also designed by the same architect that designed the Hallgrímskirkja. It is a Neo-gothic church with a distinctly flat top as opposed to the standard spire.<br />
<br />
Finish the walking tour at Tjörnin Pond to feed the ducks, swans and geese.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDyBIe7M6DyKk26YFai2HjqjPIGonpVlQB8zHwtaT_suCyFW61BzEV9B5xfmxwURbajNmWMfZyNGsOMXkhYAc9fEVnfWK1vrDvBw-BMJJgTrSfPFfC-P97_ILwcEKNcyBgQvaDOrorbc/s1600/DSCF7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDyBIe7M6DyKk26YFai2HjqjPIGonpVlQB8zHwtaT_suCyFW61BzEV9B5xfmxwURbajNmWMfZyNGsOMXkhYAc9fEVnfWK1vrDvBw-BMJJgTrSfPFfC-P97_ILwcEKNcyBgQvaDOrorbc/s320/DSCF7782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fwalking-tour-of-reykjavik-iceland.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-9ZzJqjiy508%2FTsTawf9cM7I%2FAAAAAAAABCo%2FZHbUmLiPRfc%2Fs320%2F307482_2094745940500_1600865933_32191738_757067_n.jpg&description=Reykjavik%2C%20Iceland%3A%20the%20stunning%20S%C3%B3lfari%C3%B0%20(or%20Sun%20Voyager)%20sculpture">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<i></i><span class="st"><i></i></span>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Reykjavik, Iceland64.13533799999999 -21.8952100000000264.091553499999989 -22.024809000000019 64.179122499999991 -21.765611000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-49732239072722131152011-09-05T23:17:00.047+02:002012-01-12T14:00:14.030+01:00Blue Lagoon, Iceland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MQrldLPcl9SAWLPofqjiTvjC00AhbzTCuoz5jmeF09lMKk-Le-f-YJlToQZePp0GVMwmhR2nXBSZNkc3DNVJdaGOj3gao3Oj-kqznsuNRAQ9uXP176dDXMkH54ggmpcRMs0rU7O81rE/s1600/298890_1908284673037_1419435273_31668761_7760744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MQrldLPcl9SAWLPofqjiTvjC00AhbzTCuoz5jmeF09lMKk-Le-f-YJlToQZePp0GVMwmhR2nXBSZNkc3DNVJdaGOj3gao3Oj-kqznsuNRAQ9uXP176dDXMkH54ggmpcRMs0rU7O81rE/s320/298890_1908284673037_1419435273_31668761_7760744_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Situated in the middle of a lava field and created by geothermal seawater, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most visited attractions. Driving the road to the Blue Lagoon, you see the overflow of the milky aqua water. The path to the entrance has been carved into the lava rock and the winding shape builds the anticipation for what is to come!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThY4rWIyUctEsZ9uojRQG4DOAvg-7EjnOdOsSUtF-5pLUQPbiSFHWPmBTbIxPupyDhSFyVaaA-JPscZY-mbxvcreU11ySw0-kpQceFsI5w65Fs4BdF3n0YJEI4dLmqi1S-BxnKH_54ro/s1600/315504_1960842106940_1419435273_31732894_2051065952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThY4rWIyUctEsZ9uojRQG4DOAvg-7EjnOdOsSUtF-5pLUQPbiSFHWPmBTbIxPupyDhSFyVaaA-JPscZY-mbxvcreU11ySw0-kpQceFsI5w65Fs4BdF3n0YJEI4dLmqi1S-BxnKH_54ro/s320/315504_1960842106940_1419435273_31732894_2051065952_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Blue Lagoon is a pool of geothermal seawater (2/3 saltwater and 1/3 freshwater). The source of the water is as deep as 2000 meters (6000 feet) and is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi. The waters are rich in minerals like silica, sulphur and blue-green algae and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed for its positive effects on the skin.<br />
<br />
Silica mud is located in wooden boxes in the lagoon. In true Icelandic fashion, apply the mud to your face and body, leaving it to dry. This pure white geothermal mud deep cleanses and exfoliates. A man-made waterfall in the lagoon provides an energizing massage for shoulders and neck. There is also a cozy sauna by the lagoon with a nice view of the Blue Lagoon through the floor-to-ceiling glass. <br />
<br />
We visited late in the evening and it was easy to find a spot to be alone in the lagoon as we had the lagoon nearly to ourselves. It is quite romantic to watch the sun set over the lava fields while soaking in the warm waters together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuoIl5GdfN6cFtFwApUhKLl8DO2mb4DyYnLsD99BhB2Lk0S27oo1RVWicTI2XWpxEHHLMpPZCsgLQti-DdI6_Kw542fBssbaewLMlrIQp7eEGXvjskmgqLIu1JLl0iMorWdXPaZZKpOg/s1600/307692_1954369745135_1419435273_31727940_885369483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuoIl5GdfN6cFtFwApUhKLl8DO2mb4DyYnLsD99BhB2Lk0S27oo1RVWicTI2XWpxEHHLMpPZCsgLQti-DdI6_Kw542fBssbaewLMlrIQp7eEGXvjskmgqLIu1JLl0iMorWdXPaZZKpOg/s320/307692_1954369745135_1419435273_31727940_885369483_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fblue-lagoon-iceland.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TbDLMzckihk%2FTncXkA66FbI%2FAAAAAAAABAo%2FkyxsImP5zmI%2Fs320%2F298890_1908284673037_1419435273_31668761_7760744_n.jpg&description=Situated%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20a%20lava%20field%20and%20created%20by%20geothermal%20seawater%2C%20the%20Blue%20Lagoon%20is%20one%20of%20Iceland%27s%20most%20visited%20attractions.">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Grindavik, Iceland63.846191 -22.44479000000001263.834443 -22.479594500000012 63.857938999999995 -22.409985500000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-75459273403599508492011-09-05T17:23:00.038+02:002011-09-18T17:50:05.757+02:00Whale Watching in ReykjavikWhaling has a long history in the coastal waters around Iceland. After centuries of over exploitation, whaling was halted as recently as 1989. Whale watching in Iceland is still a relatively new tourist attraction with trips beginning in 1995.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagFTcGmu2WaZSK0o9OoXTwvrFVrOFokcEL8VNXtC-nVUqePGuccLMVNmM8ALH1v0JRLKMDHgCbYBTT1Ndlf1JdxYn82KMSwuHgEbpjB4nXi1ygg79SGw6qNSragHUzL6M7DjuogpKcoo/s1600/326754_1960859067364_1419435273_31732921_1495942887_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagFTcGmu2WaZSK0o9OoXTwvrFVrOFokcEL8VNXtC-nVUqePGuccLMVNmM8ALH1v0JRLKMDHgCbYBTT1Ndlf1JdxYn82KMSwuHgEbpjB4nXi1ygg79SGw6qNSragHUzL6M7DjuogpKcoo/s320/326754_1960859067364_1419435273_31732921_1495942887_o.jpg" width="304" /></a><br />
I headed out of the Reykjavik Old Habour on the NÚMI, a traditional Icelandic oak fishing boat that has been modified for whale watching and sea angling. Since there is no glass enclosing you on the boat, blankets are provided to bundle up in. I was lucky to have a calm, sunny day. <br />
<br />
There are few places in the world where you can find as many species of whales so close to shore as in Iceland. These include blue, fin, humpback, minke, and even orcas. On my own whale watching trip, I was lucky to see minke whales and a pod of white-beaked dolphins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidr1Ef0AIA3GX0cuxayxnQKozCas5nUT9ZDf79w-OPPf4jUGnKUyCoFKGqbhJZ3_h_rfGDlKXPyHiPJuEjA1zypq2JTS-z28OQpZ9ZtRdzDv_d5wixZhJ1rpXACG9j3KBlHG1FokfWl0/s1600/298724_1960859547376_1419435273_31732922_115146974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidr1Ef0AIA3GX0cuxayxnQKozCas5nUT9ZDf79w-OPPf4jUGnKUyCoFKGqbhJZ3_h_rfGDlKXPyHiPJuEjA1zypq2JTS-z28OQpZ9ZtRdzDv_d5wixZhJ1rpXACG9j3KBlHG1FokfWl0/s320/298724_1960859547376_1419435273_31732922_115146974_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Minke whales are the smallest baleen whales and also the most abundant. White-beaked dolphins are attracted to boats and often bow ride. Most whale watching boats have a 100% success rate of seeing both minke whales and white-beak dolphins. <br />
<br />
On the way back, the NÚMI's engineer, who is an excellent cook, prepared fish soup to warm up with while we sailed back. There are stunning views of the mountains and harbor. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJkOFuMQJRrRls8FKS1fXceMbaOGcLA3agAvKVIqRkI4v9cDlP2eJxi_lSaYZ2mpfRzkupM2X2IOj0PjOT62IOBhXpFs-TgQqT60SpwyTNLremBmeF3YGtNh6EkXiRyJX62Ua_KSYoSE/s1600/301019_1960858227343_1419435273_31732920_498962526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJkOFuMQJRrRls8FKS1fXceMbaOGcLA3agAvKVIqRkI4v9cDlP2eJxi_lSaYZ2mpfRzkupM2X2IOj0PjOT62IOBhXpFs-TgQqT60SpwyTNLremBmeF3YGtNh6EkXiRyJX62Ua_KSYoSE/s320/301019_1960858227343_1419435273_31732920_498962526_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Reykjavik, Iceland64.13533799999999 -21.8952100000000264.091553499999989 -22.024809000000019 64.179122499999991 -21.765611000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-77517640916736106042011-09-05T10:45:00.017+02:002012-01-12T14:02:03.130+01:00Iceland's Highest Waterfall: Glymur Waterfall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn8S8gF0IsompiK-TIhGb0ntPwn_ypQHQmYslDKGUDrUmU6hYEQbMZXlNuAUtwrry6L-lQ1nSBjfed2ibf1EslS6E11PMvnvTcnH7E_Pr5PSzDpfbwGpjoU5CVoue99I3pFG_JVjEuts/s1600/309870_1954382505454_1419435273_31727966_432384961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn8S8gF0IsompiK-TIhGb0ntPwn_ypQHQmYslDKGUDrUmU6hYEQbMZXlNuAUtwrry6L-lQ1nSBjfed2ibf1EslS6E11PMvnvTcnH7E_Pr5PSzDpfbwGpjoU5CVoue99I3pFG_JVjEuts/s320/309870_1954382505454_1419435273_31727966_432384961_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Cascading 196 meters down the deep gorge of the Botnsdalur valley is Iceland's highest waterfall, Glymur. The river Botnsá leaves the lake Hvalvatn and after a short distance the water falls down alongside the volcano Hvalfell into a canyon with green moss.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvEEVyVUYIevGYIYocD6owNSCc72ydImxBmC11VnfWOrcbIXatKwNwFGP-0cRFz7JYnYksDKuqedSZFdU0gkhUNwoRZx3tbkbQ4SrUrm3zAGrZr-Rr1e5Dwh2Pz079Xg_TJ1N9XhC4VM/s1600/320190_1954380985416_1419435273_31727965_670575290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvEEVyVUYIevGYIYocD6owNSCc72ydImxBmC11VnfWOrcbIXatKwNwFGP-0cRFz7JYnYksDKuqedSZFdU0gkhUNwoRZx3tbkbQ4SrUrm3zAGrZr-Rr1e5Dwh2Pz079Xg_TJ1N9XhC4VM/s320/320190_1954380985416_1419435273_31727965_670575290_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Unlike many other waterfalls in Iceland, it is not possible to drive to Glymur. So to see the beautiful waterfall, lace up your hiking boots. The view from the base of the waterfall is beautiful but hiking up to Glymur's ledge provides a breathtaking view down the valley and out the Hvalfjörður fjord.The hike to the waterfall is not one for the faint of heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzKhM__n5unxoECRSLOq-AyIZ3XldryDaa2ZBAj7MNPw-Bku_3QOQeVsXmPukkruwsr3iqYR8scQFYmhnIEzANkw5IQ_9-i3v-OHTzEmKJApSGB7jOJOqKbjOu3k6LzzIDAPzQHBI2c4/s1600/312278_1954384465503_1419435273_31727968_2128717895_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzKhM__n5unxoECRSLOq-AyIZ3XldryDaa2ZBAj7MNPw-Bku_3QOQeVsXmPukkruwsr3iqYR8scQFYmhnIEzANkw5IQ_9-i3v-OHTzEmKJApSGB7jOJOqKbjOu3k6LzzIDAPzQHBI2c4/s320/312278_1954384465503_1419435273_31727968_2128717895_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We began our hike as the sun was rising over the shorter and easier west side trail up to the ledge of the waterfall. The west side trail begins on a dirt road and steeply climbs up over rock and through a forest of undergrowth. This trail does not offer the best views of the waterfall, so once on top, wade across the Botnsá river to descend down the east side trail. The water isn't all <i>that</i> cold!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsEPZ-lJLS0fzjZPf5epvtiDW7W9KnwCXZulURka0xUEWeqpjN6_r25Cf8Gi79YM1tNJjgRHDVOzGaFfEyGqBNWaE1jDfZEwzPcS6TWYtjUDu6y8ZmxGEvTqgAvs6tu_MnbhCipYhqd8/s1600/310122_1988510558634_1419435273_31756409_466766399_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsEPZ-lJLS0fzjZPf5epvtiDW7W9KnwCXZulURka0xUEWeqpjN6_r25Cf8Gi79YM1tNJjgRHDVOzGaFfEyGqBNWaE1jDfZEwzPcS6TWYtjUDu6y8ZmxGEvTqgAvs6tu_MnbhCipYhqd8/s320/310122_1988510558634_1419435273_31756409_466766399_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>The way down on the east side of the canyon is rather steep and you are mostly hiking along the edges of steep drop offs. Halfway down the trail, ropes are available to hold on to as you make your way down over the loose talus. There are many vantage points to stop and admire Glymur from along the way down.<br />
<br />
Once back at the bottom of the canyon, you will need to cross the Botnsá river again over a log foot bridge reinforced and held in place by a steel cable. From there, descend back up out of the canyon through what appears to be a cave but is actually a natural stone arch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxreyrTtwX6ukUqmkAHnuzdd65Oc1SL4O0YyNxc8i_1hRiq39J6A8WzJ_ho6RHpxQVpnwpN89X7kvbzLbae6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDw1OtF5uW2h-xbzn0bROZrVd6X5cma0n6N_gxKIgKoArPNIPY5Wx_jh0c1GRqVuq0q2D3zcRWQQ3cK9aszNWrrYrqrmmQHBQYJXfrD3w6MpMNr4DFhK9sXTGPj2hBdtq8xTghk8Isj8/s1600/297067_1988509078597_1419435273_31756406_1223752415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDw1OtF5uW2h-xbzn0bROZrVd6X5cma0n6N_gxKIgKoArPNIPY5Wx_jh0c1GRqVuq0q2D3zcRWQQ3cK9aszNWrrYrqrmmQHBQYJXfrD3w6MpMNr4DFhK9sXTGPj2hBdtq8xTghk8Isj8/s320/297067_1988509078597_1419435273_31756406_1223752415_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Ficelands-highest-waterfall-glymur.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-K1EoQNHTLNc%2FToRKO6l5MeI%2FAAAAAAAABBA%2FGBma4A_iAUY%2Fs320%2F309870_1954382505454_1419435273_31727966_432384961_n.jpg&description=Iceland%27s%20Highest%20Waterfall%3A%20Glymur%20Waterfall%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Hvalfjörður, Iceland64.367115 -21.68232360000001864.296339 -21.968869100000017 64.437891 -21.395778100000019tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-53785384485592472232011-09-04T23:32:00.003+02:002011-11-09T16:57:39.598+01:00Adventures in Icelandic CuisineThe Icelandic climate and the harsh land didn't give farmers the option to grow a large variety of fruits and vegetables. Fishing, sheep and potatoes were the main food for Icelanders for generations and fish and lamb dishes remain the most common main courses even today.<br />
<br />
Icelandic fare remains simple but offers some unique delicacies, which most people will never forget. <br />
<br />
<b>Tapas Barinn </b><br />
We particularly enjoyed Tapas Barinn in Reykjavik. It's a restaurant with Spanish flare offering an extensive menu of over 70 tapas ranging from traditional Spanish tapas to the best of Icelandic cuisine. If you’re up for a taste adventure and want to try a bit of Iceland’s local and traditional fare, opt for the Icelandic Gourmet menu.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oTnIvaKsfQjx7UQJ5kxEFaUF9-JtloPZRLR7oGF81xzqyTlGM6oU9IXgv8YMk9zi5hi5RlefEfWMFN0idIjm7WTZD-3AA4FRS9HA_mKaAqpUAnAgsJzXx5dJQi9xAPzf0RgMLcQ4aFA/s1600/316473_2095029387586_1600865933_32192133_4358394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oTnIvaKsfQjx7UQJ5kxEFaUF9-JtloPZRLR7oGF81xzqyTlGM6oU9IXgv8YMk9zi5hi5RlefEfWMFN0idIjm7WTZD-3AA4FRS9HA_mKaAqpUAnAgsJzXx5dJQi9xAPzf0RgMLcQ4aFA/s320/316473_2095029387586_1600865933_32192133_4358394_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>You'll start with a traditional shot of Iceland's infamous spirit, Brennívín, also called the "Black Death". Legend has it that Brennívín achieved its ominous nickname during the Icelandic prohibition. During prohibition, from 1915 to 1922, the Icelandic government placed a skull and crossbones logo on all liquor bottles. Soon, drinkers grew accustomed to requesting "Black Death" at the counter of their local liquor store. Pinch your nose and toss it back!<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
We started with smoked puffin with blueberry Brennívín sauce. Puffin can be found on the cliffs of western Iceland and the Westmann Islands….and on many menus around the country. The portion size is perfect for sampling this delicacy, which is a bit gamey but complimented perfectly by the blueberry sauce.<br />
<br />
The Icelandic sea-trout with peppers-salsa, lobster tails baked in garlic, and pan-fried monkfish with lobster sauce were all equally as tasty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsfKt-8h88xKrvAJF-Hg6atZrqspIycW_iLduF8PEVQtW80MDC-eaqwALMJPNgpTviIaVtafWX2C4H6XtadaK58j0H9NJ7gVifP2XNRz3SGiQG6V_Pvog3gjKh_eGPRH6rrCH4FOPYGg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsfKt-8h88xKrvAJF-Hg6atZrqspIycW_iLduF8PEVQtW80MDC-eaqwALMJPNgpTviIaVtafWX2C4H6XtadaK58j0H9NJ7gVifP2XNRz3SGiQG6V_Pvog3gjKh_eGPRH6rrCH4FOPYGg/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>Whaling has a long history in the coastal waters around Iceland and the continued practice is as controversial in Iceland as it is anywhere. Yet you'll find minke whale on just about any menu. What you can expect is a tender red meat that looks much like a sirloin steak with a slightly salty taste. At Tapas Barinn, it's served with a cranberry sauce.<br />
<br />
Icelandic lamb is a wonderfully flavorful, exceptionally lean meat from animals raised with no antibiotics, ever, and no added hormones. Pesticides and herbicides are seldom used in Iceland where the climate naturally protects the land. Tapas Barinn prepares it simply: grilled with spices.<br />
<br />
You'll finish off the meal with chocolate cake with berry compoté and whipped cream.<br />
<br />
At just around $50 for enough food to share for two people, Tapas Barinn was not only our favorite meal in Iceland, it was a great value too!<br />
<br />
<b>Icelandic Hot Dogs</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGeFAWPYKoKpbIveYb2cd821PAyisQsFMxGrcYaxfBh3sYl-KJ7D8iLcwNmXdWd1YLNFb7_tArRcujCEgxnDC-JGF9FiuFJ_AdgMQe1qaG03RQ1xOyxoHMwiivv0ml4LIWicVLBK0xF0/s1600/295976_2090260868376_1600865933_32185130_3976719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGeFAWPYKoKpbIveYb2cd821PAyisQsFMxGrcYaxfBh3sYl-KJ7D8iLcwNmXdWd1YLNFb7_tArRcujCEgxnDC-JGF9FiuFJ_AdgMQe1qaG03RQ1xOyxoHMwiivv0ml4LIWicVLBK0xF0/s320/295976_2090260868376_1600865933_32185130_3976719_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Downtown near the harbor and open since 1937, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, translates to the "best hot dog stand in town". Most Icelanders have eaten here and it has even been visited by Bill Clinton. Made of lamb and topped with a mix of fresh and fried onions, remoulade and brown mustard, they’re unlike any hot dogs in the world. At just 250 ISK (around $2 each), be sure to get two!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Skyr</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_px-xQQx9_BrvmMhM5YxA-Qviti67oDUtwaPlChEGKhk95dp-AgdroelxrUZJFLPec8w8AfehCYUtxLfY6uTdnW51QQkHJTj6xVe-vCAY4nV7bd7SUak7FKy3IW5YGmXhskSX0FGhPo/s1600/skyr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_px-xQQx9_BrvmMhM5YxA-Qviti67oDUtwaPlChEGKhk95dp-AgdroelxrUZJFLPec8w8AfehCYUtxLfY6uTdnW51QQkHJTj6xVe-vCAY4nV7bd7SUak7FKy3IW5YGmXhskSX0FGhPo/s320/skyr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While skyr is technically a very soft cheese, it looks, tastes, and feels like a yogurt. It’s virtually fat free, all natural, and high in protein and is eaten alone (like yogurt) or flavored with berries, used in dips, and mixed in desserts.<b> </b>You'll see skyr on the dessert menu of most restaurants and you can buy it in the local supermarkets for a quick and filling breakfast. My favorite was the blueberry skyr!jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Reykjavik, Iceland64.13533799999999 -21.8952100000000264.091553499999989 -22.024809000000019 64.179122499999991 -21.765611000000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-61905617655426760632011-09-04T18:10:00.135+02:002012-01-12T14:05:22.475+01:00The Golden Circle, IcelandThe Golden Circle is the name given to a 190 mile (300 kilometer)<b> </b>circular route from Reykjavik and back which encompasses many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Þingvellir </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fBGPF73nE2ncakTANLsbmhMmECAeYcxnilQIWqgf0r07tnzzwmQaLIstRkal4BynPdyhzkUR5H-Kb4kpIKcbllgCIUwKL6akiAN_K1rvG_Nx9VHQSkHsh525c1YtDufhh16Xs_jwYrw/s1600/307572_1954371385176_1419435273_31727946_721719005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fBGPF73nE2ncakTANLsbmhMmECAeYcxnilQIWqgf0r07tnzzwmQaLIstRkal4BynPdyhzkUR5H-Kb4kpIKcbllgCIUwKL6akiAN_K1rvG_Nx9VHQSkHsh525c1YtDufhh16Xs_jwYrw/s320/307572_1954371385176_1419435273_31727946_721719005_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We began at Þingvellir National Park, the seat of the Alþing. At Þingvellir – literally "Parliament Plains" – the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Þingvellir was conveniently located for access from all regions of the country by old overland routes. During the Alþing session each summer, the members stayed in "booths" or temporary shelters. Overgrown foundations of such shelters from the later centuries are visible on the parliament site. All major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X7mZCqWyaeRjb0wg6p37YVpm-liPivjHlwYiz5H6lTYpfJntPPLjG2yLXSfw6SJx-2LwTVfD8dT4CILcQbVb4lFOMmSPhG8JoCRPwZzdNbXtf4csH2hnIhdd2sxl4JLaLaxnF9C5CT4/s1600/302662_1954370385151_1419435273_31727942_851257605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8X7mZCqWyaeRjb0wg6p37YVpm-liPivjHlwYiz5H6lTYpfJntPPLjG2yLXSfw6SJx-2LwTVfD8dT4CILcQbVb4lFOMmSPhG8JoCRPwZzdNbXtf4csH2hnIhdd2sxl4JLaLaxnF9C5CT4/s320/302662_1954370385151_1419435273_31727942_851257605_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Þingvellir is the only place on earth which tectonic plates can be seen above ground. The large abyss-like cracks in the earth that appear to literally split this area in half are actually the results of the separation of the the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates.<br />
<br />
There is a tradition here in Þingvellir to throw money into Peningagjá (peningar = money in Icelandic) and make a wish. The water is crystal clear making it a beautiful sight watching your coin sink to the bottom. The myriad of coins in the water make it appear to sparkle under the Icelandic sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-poRRyLJwSAMqrwB9y7xa18mErqNm31TiYS2i67h3M447lAkhh8e61VSGEzRShd9hH2LuUKSaiJMrGXTNjHBJmculxru8hZRFSfZz0cVEaHOszoZfpIh5QZmEmJ4TxCu6CyqjmEE6LO4/s1600/318787_1954371945190_1419435273_31727948_646270713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-poRRyLJwSAMqrwB9y7xa18mErqNm31TiYS2i67h3M447lAkhh8e61VSGEzRShd9hH2LuUKSaiJMrGXTNjHBJmculxru8hZRFSfZz0cVEaHOszoZfpIh5QZmEmJ4TxCu6CyqjmEE6LO4/s320/318787_1954371945190_1419435273_31727948_646270713_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5gJRSOxu0UHW70ov25vxSxREvHEMD8WwV6SewcCfDUhLvdCCVi9A9ESl8UX5w0ocY66YU_tVd6dcQWR5RM8lWwAh8txPcx0nqYr3VPjBax67_WxoRLGeRECerULeeuL5c8CNR_A2q9g/s1600/309051_2094057243283_1600865933_32190814_1435431_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5gJRSOxu0UHW70ov25vxSxREvHEMD8WwV6SewcCfDUhLvdCCVi9A9ESl8UX5w0ocY66YU_tVd6dcQWR5RM8lWwAh8txPcx0nqYr3VPjBax67_WxoRLGeRECerULeeuL5c8CNR_A2q9g/s320/309051_2094057243283_1600865933_32190814_1435431_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Stroll around the loop from the visitor center, across the river, and on to the Pingvallakirkja Church. Pingvallakirkja is one of the first churches built in Iceland and it was consecrated by the Norwegian bishop Bjarnhardur. The wood and the bell that the people used to build the church came from Norway in 1015. When the original church collapsed in 1118, the people used the private church of Pingvallabaer Farm. The church that you see today was built in 1859 and has three bells: one of 1118, one of 1698 and one of 1944 when the Republic of Iceland was born. <br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Geysir</b></u> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofkcTq7n13wZYPuall3gg3gapgsa9dchGcJJhjzY_r5FZ9o6jMviO_asNtPu_HsRNlxa3L2RbYJvsr_gYVAzdXgrY0dpyopBSTHQjBfMqYiQxAz08VNtLDdRMTdTBAPt9BmNfh6Gmtmo/s1600/305732_1954372865213_1419435273_31727951_719703299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofkcTq7n13wZYPuall3gg3gapgsa9dchGcJJhjzY_r5FZ9o6jMviO_asNtPu_HsRNlxa3L2RbYJvsr_gYVAzdXgrY0dpyopBSTHQjBfMqYiQxAz08VNtLDdRMTdTBAPt9BmNfh6Gmtmo/s320/305732_1954372865213_1419435273_31727951_719703299_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Geysir is named for The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, which has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout. It came to life only once again in 1935, and as quickly went back to sleep. Now the attraction at Geysir is Strokkur (The Churn), another geyser 100 meters south of the Great Geysir, which erupts at regular intervals every 6 minutes or so and its white column of boiling water can reach as high as 20-30 meters.<br />
<br />
It is mesmerizing to watch as the water churns, the bubble finally appearing and just as quickly breaking as the geyser explosively erupts into the air. <br />
<br />
<iframe class="twitvid-player" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.twitvid.com/embed.php?guid=VKYEN&autoplay=0" title="Twitvid video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
The whole area is a geothermal park sitting on top of a vast boiling cauldron. Belching sulfurous mud pots of unusual colors, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams, and primitive plants can all be found here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Gullfoss</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbT2SBnECl6MBZgIF7ogGnOv0gb-tg-iDMCY4FaKG5Dz4gN4eNK4TDH5yD-CH9DP1uXFhdEYhDumLA6PJIrZ0cZuq8ptBMoKDVlbRLH7ZnyPzzwDDC7LE9J4mfUiHwpHFooo-Z5iqnd0/s1600/310977_1954374145245_1419435273_31727954_366486912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbT2SBnECl6MBZgIF7ogGnOv0gb-tg-iDMCY4FaKG5Dz4gN4eNK4TDH5yD-CH9DP1uXFhdEYhDumLA6PJIrZ0cZuq8ptBMoKDVlbRLH7ZnyPzzwDDC7LE9J4mfUiHwpHFooo-Z5iqnd0/s320/310977_1954374145245_1419435273_31727954_366486912_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As you first approach the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that the mighty Hvítá river simply vanishes into the earth. As you continue along the misty path Gullfoss, meaning "Golden Falls", suddenly comes into view. With a 105-foot double-cascade, Gullfoss is by far Europe’s most powerful waterfall. On a sunlit day such as the day we visited, the mist clouds surrounding the hammering falls are filled with dozens of rainbows, providing an unparalleled spectacle of color and motion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSMKYMDYn8UY-wuG92wO6cEvAD6zn689nsVfC5PbzjwSqDmSXl491tzrs740Vm4JzX5rCXTG-70s6uOe9Y6kdZS4SPWMTSlXnGwaPbcAQPH1-nBj6GfjblNkksQmq384oj7RjdC7XRI/s1600/301617_1954375265273_1419435273_31727957_148964964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHSMKYMDYn8UY-wuG92wO6cEvAD6zn689nsVfC5PbzjwSqDmSXl491tzrs740Vm4JzX5rCXTG-70s6uOe9Y6kdZS4SPWMTSlXnGwaPbcAQPH1-nBj6GfjblNkksQmq384oj7RjdC7XRI/s320/301617_1954375265273_1419435273_31727957_148964964_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<u><b>Kerið</b> </u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMTIFHCXnzi7BrJuKeVA7kEhizFf0CucoSKkh8EobveD3Mj071wovwmYe9LofpDAsrW6AucA7usWmaLBcmKLcPgOzfo2qjJQrbIThss1Ka-mup-uDChmZ7NXxD5XscmB3sNkNs8vLDQU/s1600/320446_1954378105344_1419435273_31727961_879506159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMTIFHCXnzi7BrJuKeVA7kEhizFf0CucoSKkh8EobveD3Mj071wovwmYe9LofpDAsrW6AucA7usWmaLBcmKLcPgOzfo2qjJQrbIThss1Ka-mup-uDChmZ7NXxD5XscmB3sNkNs8vLDQU/s320/320446_1954378105344_1419435273_31727961_879506159_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Kerið is another stop along the Golden Circle. Kerið is a crater lake created from a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve. Once the magma was depleted, the weight of the cone collapsed into the empty magma chamber. The caldera, like the other volcanic rock in the area, is composed of a red (rather than black) volcanic rock. The mossy green vegetation along the steep walls and the opaque and strikingly vivid aquamarine water of the lake below make for a breathtaking view as you teeter on the edge.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fgolden-circle-iceland.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WyS4-_ScpOM%2FTnb_zuRJdPI%2FAAAAAAAABAY%2FOhBavfSK0u0%2Fs320%2F307572_1954371385176_1419435273_31727946_721719005_n.jpg&description=The%20Golden%20Circle%2C%20Iceland%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-53428284262752963602011-09-04T12:45:00.001+02:002011-09-13T04:30:53.916+02:00Our Day with Viking Ponies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l0f1IDFv25Wr1wsrsDT44KmQbCbZWhtB5XqqfvI4hnQ4qrLTn9R8k42kXmo9p_Nj-igm1L64b8KwmhRnEgXU612B3keyJrhhjdjaSyrhoPHw76XF1Sg64YmA8iDQGPlZ5EXFkluLmbU/s1600/309829_1960846627053_1419435273_31732905_1821326717_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l0f1IDFv25Wr1wsrsDT44KmQbCbZWhtB5XqqfvI4hnQ4qrLTn9R8k42kXmo9p_Nj-igm1L64b8KwmhRnEgXU612B3keyJrhhjdjaSyrhoPHw76XF1Sg64YmA8iDQGPlZ5EXFkluLmbU/s320/309829_1960846627053_1419435273_31732905_1821326717_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Vikings arrived in Iceland more than a thousand years ago, bringing their small Nordic horses with them. Today, because of isolation, the breed is as pure as the day the Vikings brought them. Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and once exported, the horses are never allowed to return.<br />
<br />
Often referred to as Viking ponies because of their small size, they are horses. They are gentle, friendly and willing animals. They come in all colors from white to black, palomino to silver, and everything in between. The Icelandic horse is also renowned for its five gaits, the most popular being the tölt. The tölt is a four beat running-walk with flowing movement, which is easy and comfortable to ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cKSvgz_hQn4ReY3PzqLrM7EkpGkQ9elUK9y0UW__sGzpxnzxwsOPupeDPvZgE39LjR50SQxQMxf4tD2sAMStAuJIYvtePYXmmxyPLtNv4fAH7MLvnR29hbI91caqJLTzBr0QmFCgeCw/s1600/310934_1960845547026_1419435273_31732901_255995909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cKSvgz_hQn4ReY3PzqLrM7EkpGkQ9elUK9y0UW__sGzpxnzxwsOPupeDPvZgE39LjR50SQxQMxf4tD2sAMStAuJIYvtePYXmmxyPLtNv4fAH7MLvnR29hbI91caqJLTzBr0QmFCgeCw/s320/310934_1960845547026_1419435273_31732901_255995909_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had the opportunity to ride, English style, at the Þúfa farm in Kjós. Our ride started from the Þúfa farm and we rode towards a very small river called, Skorá. We followed the banks of the river, crossing it a few times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay263AFEG_cnJEK7OtmX0qmlpdmglrdVT4kEnHj2-A1UHbv2e6pGrLRd79OXBqQX-WSHY2KaIHAeY4LGPzCtxt4SBp4MysvL6EnbURalawdrgLzvOAWPmnmv-c5KUUTLDrK7zADb5Z2U/s1600/300594_2093711954651_1600865933_32189931_1045206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay263AFEG_cnJEK7OtmX0qmlpdmglrdVT4kEnHj2-A1UHbv2e6pGrLRd79OXBqQX-WSHY2KaIHAeY4LGPzCtxt4SBp4MysvL6EnbURalawdrgLzvOAWPmnmv-c5KUUTLDrK7zADb5Z2U/s320/300594_2093711954651_1600865933_32189931_1045206_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is customary on Icelandic rides to allow the horses a short break to eat some grass and drink water from the river. The hillside where we stopped was covered in Krækiber, Icelandic black berries. While our horses got their fill of the grass, we picked some of the wild berries, which are somewhere between somewhat sweet and bitter.<br />
<br />
My horse was only six years old, the youngest of our bunch, and she liked to run. I definitely got to experience the famous tölt. Tim's horse, who was 20 years old, was a bit slower and took his time along the trail. We had a wonderful ride at the Þúfa farm, with beautiful scenery!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIS6lVfgjR6rhz7201wdJqQPZzFmC2ACc6MMPWSo1O7Xc4s7kllnYREsWKOkz7aZk9yatnFMGCaIuMnX5hR982cSN7e4JNw1TxFcjFG0vTnadJ053myKUvolLkBGIpbVhfE5kd78_VCc/s1600/308024_1960847547076_1419435273_31732909_1260527036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIS6lVfgjR6rhz7201wdJqQPZzFmC2ACc6MMPWSo1O7Xc4s7kllnYREsWKOkz7aZk9yatnFMGCaIuMnX5hR982cSN7e4JNw1TxFcjFG0vTnadJ053myKUvolLkBGIpbVhfE5kd78_VCc/s400/308024_1960847547076_1419435273_31732909_1260527036_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com2Kjós, Iceland64.34166669999999 -21.54999999999995544.257086699999988 -81.315624999999955 84.4262467 38.215625000000045tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-36768649912618563062011-09-03T20:23:00.001+02:002012-01-12T14:07:37.823+01:00Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5oSQvPcRHmULLwEGBGxSDw_1HQxV0fsx12HfMNYFoAOyKthiy1A8g4faWdPyE8YnGREhm6vYodvWa5pb9dP3pv2246aVfdQj-E0lyLMblq7fKT2kC9d5H_F8XHESVaQBFR1AOFuKI4c/s1600/308975_1952917548831_1419435273_31726266_170438937_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5oSQvPcRHmULLwEGBGxSDw_1HQxV0fsx12HfMNYFoAOyKthiy1A8g4faWdPyE8YnGREhm6vYodvWa5pb9dP3pv2246aVfdQj-E0lyLMblq7fKT2kC9d5H_F8XHESVaQBFR1AOFuKI4c/s320/308975_1952917548831_1419435273_31726266_170438937_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Eyjafjallajökull is the volcano that brought the world's air travel to a halt as the volcano erupted for nearly six weeks in 2010 and what first grabbed my interest to add Iceland to my bucket list. So no trip to Iceland would be complete without at least seeing the now sleeping giant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_6oldcH_D8NGpyqtwZa500jtq7RKQxy3ILkZLMBMJGR_ew3cwa3bw4SgVWlAVku9clnjqfs60nr6qmclA6QAqBgI-MRuj_do56ym2jrvI5zIChXBmxmNKwxXTLjjQS6H2DWpMG1l1OA/s1600/301379_1952916468804_1419435273_31726264_1277564869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_6oldcH_D8NGpyqtwZa500jtq7RKQxy3ILkZLMBMJGR_ew3cwa3bw4SgVWlAVku9clnjqfs60nr6qmclA6QAqBgI-MRuj_do56ym2jrvI5zIChXBmxmNKwxXTLjjQS6H2DWpMG1l1OA/s320/301379_1952916468804_1419435273_31726264_1277564869_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Þorvaldseyri Visitor Center opened on April 14, 2011, exactly one year after the start of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. Because it’s at the foot of the volcano, you feel first-hand what it is like to have a huge volcano looming over your shoulders, just as at the Þorvaldseyri farm.<br />
<br />
The Þorvaldseyri farm became famous after the 2010 eruption and incredible challenges met by the family farm, which had to evacuate and relocate during the eruption. Looking at the area surrounding the farm, it is hard to imagine that over a year later the clean up of the extreme amounts of ash that fell is still a work in progress. The area is lush and green; not at all what you would expect looking back at pictures of the farm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNJqsmqUQrVaeKCi2JDECzzeA-rx2hRKfSVe4AAleBgTFt63pqr0gN59pbF2SbD7DxNd8ZDCw7Ep6iEXY9bMArPpGy7U9bvhDcc1Eh7ykW63QTIjWn5aPE_Zm4KhCnff-AxZvHVf9iA/s1600/296784_1952917268824_1419435273_31726265_925247405_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFNJqsmqUQrVaeKCi2JDECzzeA-rx2hRKfSVe4AAleBgTFt63pqr0gN59pbF2SbD7DxNd8ZDCw7Ep6iEXY9bMArPpGy7U9bvhDcc1Eh7ykW63QTIjWn5aPE_Zm4KhCnff-AxZvHVf9iA/s320/296784_1952917268824_1419435273_31726265_925247405_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Feyjafjallajokull-iceland.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qBvYoWNOE0o%2FTnaA9hli8JI%2FAAAAAAAAA_w%2FKcUgLCN0SDU%2Fs320%2F308975_1952917548831_1419435273_31726266_170438937_n.jpg&description=Eyjafjallaj%C3%B6kull%20in%20Iceland%20is%20the%20volcano%20that%20brought%20the%20world%27s%20air%20travel%20to%20a%20halt%20as%20the%20volcano%20erupted%20for%20nearly%20six%20weeks%20in%202010">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland63.63 -19.62000000000000543.0704975 -79.385625 84.1895025 40.145624999999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-59957766849591773212011-09-03T19:34:00.066+02:002012-01-12T14:09:22.025+01:00Iceland: Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaY7-uB4DRMUjHpPrswTcZRzZ0x22AfP4mr16cIy7aANrOaTks35IfTZV-fPDZmS6EDWOdSdq9vLq0VlNrdyFA8VAn8f9rwxfhDpttOcnU8c0BMTfnZtcfQk-JUDM42-4cIAoVl7byz74/s1600/313352_1951750439654_1419435273_31724395_3952451_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaY7-uB4DRMUjHpPrswTcZRzZ0x22AfP4mr16cIy7aANrOaTks35IfTZV-fPDZmS6EDWOdSdq9vLq0VlNrdyFA8VAn8f9rwxfhDpttOcnU8c0BMTfnZtcfQk-JUDM42-4cIAoVl7byz74/s320/313352_1951750439654_1419435273_31724395_3952451_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jökulsárlón (literally translated to Glacier Lagoon) is the largest glacier lagoon or lake in Iceland. It branches from the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, and evolved into a lagoon after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the Icelandic glaciers. The lagoon now stands 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi) away from the ocean's edge and covers an area of about 18 km<sup>2</sup> (6.9 sq miles). It is the deepest lake in Iceland at over 285 meters (935 ft) deep. It is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiio2XiPUiSe7dTssBA7THIMZAHjWGPUr7M6n8xtwgbJxhAKSRSD3RR5egr6yiY50ka64ydeFvpR2I6maei5zdYtfpIIwit8bO4XMf196FL0-xIBvH0y6sUMmo69RW931PrLskk_UdSr4/s1600/317725_1951751679685_1419435273_31724401_1574174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiio2XiPUiSe7dTssBA7THIMZAHjWGPUr7M6n8xtwgbJxhAKSRSD3RR5egr6yiY50ka64ydeFvpR2I6maei5zdYtfpIIwit8bO4XMf196FL0-xIBvH0y6sUMmo69RW931PrLskk_UdSr4/s320/317725_1951751679685_1419435273_31724401_1574174_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The lagoon developed only about 60 years ago when the entire area was only 250 yards from the Atlantic Ocean, and 2 miles (3.2 km) away from Vatnajökull . Vatnajökull was at the shore line of the ocean and dropped icebergs into the ocean. However, it started drifting in land rapidly every year leaving deep gorges en route, which got filled with melted water and ice fragments the size of a truck. These icebergs gather at the mouth of the lagoon’s shallow exit, melt down into smaller ice cubes and roll out into the sea. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQg0ZrHKK20cQ1zbDmW1CDAPH8n6YnIjFRbijovNQYKr6Evf2j_cu4IGlNBjb2Ws8GIEPvANoDEYU9Lv57Qvsl9QMd36SswNh6dCGqqJVbxOAhsvv5oaX4KZfQMAP4XBSf3__B8VasgY/s1600/301965_1951751159672_1419435273_31724399_1845352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQg0ZrHKK20cQ1zbDmW1CDAPH8n6YnIjFRbijovNQYKr6Evf2j_cu4IGlNBjb2Ws8GIEPvANoDEYU9Lv57Qvsl9QMd36SswNh6dCGqqJVbxOAhsvv5oaX4KZfQMAP4XBSf3__B8VasgY/s320/301965_1951751159672_1419435273_31724399_1845352_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While floating, only about one tenth mass of an iceberg is seen above the water surface. These icebergs are seen in two shades, one type in milky white, while the other type is in bright blue color, which is an interplay of light and ice crystals. Black ash from the volcano Grímsvötn can be seen streaked through many of the icebergs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxriXm0bdCNu73NWPyQ14vyMGaoifZiYAJClRgNMYI9IwgykWMpizTu2aXP4R7Jw4_ZDB8Eeyuffgme7Fil22XGdZyWvpHnnrKiFyfk1pfnym8gIJQSuIibwOmp9WgWgbRBrHGnE-aJlE/s1600/321940_1951752079695_1419435273_31724403_6185335_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxriXm0bdCNu73NWPyQ14vyMGaoifZiYAJClRgNMYI9IwgykWMpizTu2aXP4R7Jw4_ZDB8Eeyuffgme7Fil22XGdZyWvpHnnrKiFyfk1pfnym8gIJQSuIibwOmp9WgWgbRBrHGnE-aJlE/s320/321940_1951752079695_1419435273_31724403_6185335_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Take a boat ride and sail among the huge icebergs - it is truly an amazing experience, even when it is raining sideways. The ice from the glacier is over 1000 years old and you might be lucky enough to taste a piece like we were! Seals are seen either swimming in the lagoon or lying on icebergs as you sail by.<br />
<br />
After the boat ride, warm up with some fish stew in the visitor center, and then head across Highway 1 to the beach. Huge melting icebergs have washed ashore the black sand beach and you can try to scramble up their slippery surface. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ecZtrqtS7q6ghN5iqvGyob_JUziZN4EGsz25c0I6mX71M-NVf_l3DdAcAGSxjdQmfsT6LCjowgxKXNyNvA2Vtfd_yac1YBIaZG-qRa9x-o0iTB0r7PNc8zrmmzdyqb14V3fyEhgzAYQ/s1600/320220_1952895548281_1419435273_31726241_2026294883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ecZtrqtS7q6ghN5iqvGyob_JUziZN4EGsz25c0I6mX71M-NVf_l3DdAcAGSxjdQmfsT6LCjowgxKXNyNvA2Vtfd_yac1YBIaZG-qRa9x-o0iTB0r7PNc8zrmmzdyqb14V3fyEhgzAYQ/s320/320220_1952895548281_1419435273_31726241_2026294883_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Jökulsárlón has also been a setting for four Hollywood movies namely, 'A View to a Kill', 'Die Another Day', 'Tomb Raider' and 'Batman Begins'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYsFwfq7KjlbQ-7HHezGoWFwTAQJqKiP5YbFUW0FxWbI4oAbJ0J6meBLTOPNXkmDZCqcRuvO-XDhex3JUcwT7LmTJGTaYvHAqxN-0cnM0TLVcldhWcp68sdcif4Vs4ChTLt4YKmD23Y/s1600/321205_1952912988717_1419435273_31726259_451407137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYsFwfq7KjlbQ-7HHezGoWFwTAQJqKiP5YbFUW0FxWbI4oAbJ0J6meBLTOPNXkmDZCqcRuvO-XDhex3JUcwT7LmTJGTaYvHAqxN-0cnM0TLVcldhWcp68sdcif4Vs4ChTLt4YKmD23Y/s400/321205_1952912988717_1419435273_31726259_451407137_n.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Ficeland-jokulsarlon-iceberg-lagoon.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hJoIXLiNKN0%2FTm7GjCf3VcI%2FAAAAAAAAA_I%2FRWXYBuCNQ68%2Fs320%2F313352_1951750439654_1419435273_31724395_3952451_n.jpg&description=Iceland%3A%20J%C3%B6kuls%C3%A1rl%C3%B3n%20Iceberg%20Lagoon%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Jökulsárlón, Iceland64.0702778 -16.21166670000002343.803906299999994 -75.977291700000023 84.3366493 43.553958299999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689460398545996943.post-2101584601746939392011-09-03T14:12:00.050+02:002012-01-12T14:11:33.752+01:00Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls, Iceland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOoLIQORURSzrE-nsrhY2w4kFUqpl8CEIrY0CB0Ghy7kv35pV3_rI7TNw9PzKigZnheMU2Wy9tuEAUHV4fmY28WsYPn2uzj_JTQ3h957nnhwnOKg9IVnTFkGe3gdLS6-X4OZeWFrzmt8/s1600/315641_1951746639559_1419435273_31724385_134164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOoLIQORURSzrE-nsrhY2w4kFUqpl8CEIrY0CB0Ghy7kv35pV3_rI7TNw9PzKigZnheMU2Wy9tuEAUHV4fmY28WsYPn2uzj_JTQ3h957nnhwnOKg9IVnTFkGe3gdLS6-X4OZeWFrzmt8/s320/315641_1951746639559_1419435273_31724385_134164_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Driving on Route 1, or the Ring Road, you are awarded with many cascading waterfalls that are easily accessible. Two worthy of stopping at are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, both near the town of Skógar.<br />
<br />
Seljalandsfoss drops 40 meters (130 feet) over the cliffs of the former coastline on the river Seljalandsá and it is possible to walk behind the waterfall. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1MINzpCvTYMmVdCIkrfvFZxgWPz8w45Ny0IdkpG747f1Gyqke8d8UeTf-8FOd8vVUx2X3AbMZ59Ag0os96jKma1hmJh4GQSbxSzYkoxtBPsI8u_bQkrUvEENnbONQIVD6_VwzpyQq0w/s1600/314882_1951747639584_1419435273_31724387_6130597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1MINzpCvTYMmVdCIkrfvFZxgWPz8w45Ny0IdkpG747f1Gyqke8d8UeTf-8FOd8vVUx2X3AbMZ59Ag0os96jKma1hmJh4GQSbxSzYkoxtBPsI8u_bQkrUvEENnbONQIVD6_VwzpyQq0w/s320/314882_1951747639584_1419435273_31724387_6130597_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Continuing on another 30 kilometers or so along the Ring Road, you next come to Skógafoss, which spills over the cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline had receded seaward, the former sea cliffs remained, parallel to the coast over hundreds of kilometers, creating together with some mountains a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the Highlands of Iceland. Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland with a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (200 feet). <br />
<br />
Of course, as there are many legends in Iceland, the legend of Skógafoss says the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a treasure chest filled with gold coins in a cave behind the waterfall. On days when the sun is shining, people say that his gold is glittering through the water. Many have tried to find the chest and once a young, local boy succeeded. He tied a rope to the chest's ring and pulled. He was only able to retrieve the ring and the rest of the chest disappeared. The ring was later used for the church door at Skógar.<br />
<br />
Continuing along the Ring Road toward the Vatnajökull glacier, there are even more waterfalls that won't disappoint.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkJmSXqic5IHXqG_bmRfO7ih6GFkd-RLrpvPEvKdbG2eioWN9Zmn2c-euvytyo7mv3XO8G0v27QTzi0JnrZsZi0r-ihxqwX7k4BWxF-l-r3xCeABzYA_GJdMeEteTGZkb6jzPIMH7CaI/s1600/318987_1951748279600_1419435273_31724389_4002616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkJmSXqic5IHXqG_bmRfO7ih6GFkd-RLrpvPEvKdbG2eioWN9Zmn2c-euvytyo7mv3XO8G0v27QTzi0JnrZsZi0r-ihxqwX7k4BWxF-l-r3xCeABzYA_GJdMeEteTGZkb6jzPIMH7CaI/s320/318987_1951748279600_1419435273_31724389_4002616_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfEdO8vVdqfbB3_NT-djYxS56S5smXrijqjBw2zLs1IifHkSxKjAVtE4qi-C1r7GsMJienJVi5OTundRNEc_3Y-LGD6taL8ujYIMXnaJzUuDqBWlIacCVosOnQ1qDTqTsWWGXMojTiSE/s1600/299551_1952915588782_1419435273_31726263_2067581016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfEdO8vVdqfbB3_NT-djYxS56S5smXrijqjBw2zLs1IifHkSxKjAVtE4qi-C1r7GsMJienJVi5OTundRNEc_3Y-LGD6taL8ujYIMXnaJzUuDqBWlIacCVosOnQ1qDTqTsWWGXMojTiSE/s320/299551_1952915588782_1419435273_31726263_2067581016_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjdombinitaly.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fseljalandsfoss-and-skogafoss-waterfalls.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Otyk01Lxlxc%2FTnaTqw68h1I%2FAAAAAAAAA_4%2F19CAGYALg1c%2Fs320%2F315641_1951746639559_1419435273_31724385_134164_n.jpg&description=Seljalandsfoss%20in%20Iceland%20drops%2040%20meters%20(130%20feet)%20over%20the%20cliffs%20of%20the%20former%20coastline%20on%20the%20river%20Seljalands%C3%A1%20and%20it%20is%20possible%20to%20walk%20behind%20the%20waterfall.%20">Pin It</a><br />
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>jdombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16634775905909958481noreply@blogger.com0Skógar, Alftanes, Iceland64.0974535 -22.02660689999993364.096649 -22.028677899999934 64.098258 -22.024535899999933