Sep 2008

Our recent sustained two month stretch of dissertation-ness precipitated in Joe and I the strong desire to leave the country and rejuvenate, ideally in a place with one or more of: hot springs, geysers, steam, Icelandics (Icelanders?), snow, icebergs.

We deduced that Iceland fulfilled some of these criteria.

I have accordingly bought sensible warm clothing with hoods and waterproof soles (different items) and a return flight to Reykjavik.

A blog about Iceland should include the mention of Bjork and Magnus Magnusson. Luckily, this one does. So read on soon!

To celebrate handing in my dissertation, Laura and I will be flying to Iceland on the 30th of September. We land in Reykjavik, from where we plan to drive / bus around Iceland. Iceland's roads close for the winter, but the main ring road should remain open. Our itinerary is flexible, but hopefully will include: icebergs / glaciers, volcanoes, Dimmuborgir, black-sand deserts, waterfalls, hot springs and Aurora Borealis.

To prepare, I have bought Icelandic music, Beowulf and Grendal - a film shot in Iceland - and put an Ebay bid on a copy of the Icelandic Sagas. I will also preocure warm clothes. Now, I shall work, or I will have no reason to celebrate.