Cork and Kerry A.R.I.: Iceland Land of fire and ice

A group from Mallow with Monica and Freda from Donoughmore and Paddy and Noreen from Banteer recently went on a 3 night trip to Iceland to view the Northern lights courtesy of the Travel Department. We had a wonderful time staying at the Radisson Blu Saga in Reykjavik where the accomodation , meals and staff were top class. Our guide Johan was wonderful and made every effort to make our holiday enjoyable.On our first morning we went to the Blue Lagoon where we spent several hours basking in the lovely warm and silky blue water reputed to have healing properties.On parts of the island the land seemed very flat and barren with just lava and some grey moss. Even though the roads were clear there was some snow on the mountains and a little on the low land.The contrast between the volcanic rock , the majestic mountains and the clear water of rivers and lakes was amazing. And then we saw some puffs of smoke coming from the ground (steam actually). These were geysers and one of them exploded ferociously nearby.We also saw the Gullfoss Icelands famous golden waterfall and drove through Thingvellir national park. On the 2nd night we went out the country in order to see the northern lights. Johan took us to several locations and eventually we were sucessful. We have some wonderful photos. On our 1st night we visited the Grillid roof top restaurant where the food was superb like something out of Masterchef though not to everyones taste.The head chef there Sigurdur is representing Iceland in the Bocuse d'Or a European competition for chefs.On the last night we did hope to go to the Perlan revolving restaurant where on that night they were serving wild animal food such as Reindeer, Kangaroo, Whale,Goose,Red Deer,Moose,Guillemont,Salmon, Herring and pickled Lamb.Unfortunately we could not get a booking but two nice ladies from Limerick whom we befriended were luckier and they reported it was the treat of a lifetime where they were treated like royalty. Very nice to meet you both Theresa and Ann.

On Sunday we went to Mass in the Sacred Heart church and lo and behold the priest was Irish. He invited us back for coffee and cake afterwards. There are a lot of Phillipinoes and Polish living there and Mass is celebrated in Icelandic English Spanish and Polish. Later we went to the flea market where we got some bargains. .I met a fisherman at the market who carved on bone and whale tusks and reindeer horns in his spare time and these items were truly amazing. Unfortunately I could not afford to purchase.There was a cafe there with live music and it was really nice and relaxing. We also saw the concert hall, museums, art galleries and lots of shops in our free time.

It is very expensive in Iceland but the people are lovely and friendly, the scenery fabulous and the air and water so pure. It was not as cold as expected except at night. It is well worth a visit.Many thanks to the Travel Department once again.