nancy

Amy, <BR>thanks for the tour of Iceland. <BR>Maybe some year! <BR>How long is the flight from Boston/NY?

Amy

I fly out of JFK in New York, and it's a five hour flight. First time I flew out of JFK (to Russia in 1984) I saw the Icelandair sign and thought to myself: " Who in the world goes there??" : )

007

51. You can really CHILL OUT there!

s.fowler

Amy -- I am *really* enjoying this thread. I don't expect to visit Iceland any tiem soon -- but the "arm-chair" visit was much appreciated!

nancy

Amy, <BR>thanks for all your info. <BR>My son **loves** oizza, so will be happy with our trip to Italy this summer. <BR>My daughter loves hot dogs(!)so maybe a trip to Iceland is in the picture for the future. <BR>I gather you really enjoy Iceland. <BR>How many times have you been able to visit there ?

Amy

Glad to share! <BR>Nancy, I only "discovered" Iceland in 1995, so I've only been able to go twice, as France, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Denmark "interfered" and my travelling buddies refused to go back to the same place all the time; ) <BR>However, I do want to try to get back ASAP, but of course there are many many more places I'd like to visit as well! (the eternal dilemma of the traveler, isn't it?) I've been travelling to Europe since I was 19, and, Lord willing, I've got at least another 40 years or so to try to visit as many different places as possible and still return to the old favorites. Oh, for an unlimited travel budget!! <BR>(But that's another thread, I think.)

kk

Neat, interesting thread, Amy. <BR>How about for #52...look for Bork's home, birthplace, or something like that...?

Huntee

Who be Bork?

adi

You can easily rent a car in Rejkavik and drive out along the Ring road all around the island or just out on day trips into the country-- to Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Blue Lagoon etc... A car allows you to be as independent as possible.

nancy

Amy, <BR>thanks again for all the info! <BR>I am copying this thread to keep for future. <BR>Even if I can not convince the rest of my family to go, I can certainly see a longweekend in Iceland, sometime in my future. <BR>Thanks again for this great thread! <BR>Have fun on all your journies.

topothemornin'

Topping this for Jeri.

nancy

Topping

Terry

We were in Iceland the week before Christmas,it was in the 30's the whole time and lovely. Rented a car and the country is amazing. The deals in December are great, cheap hotel rooms but meals are expensive. The Blue Lagoon is worth going to, we went twice in one week!

Joyce

We are going to Iceland in a month (for the 2nd time) and after all the positive responses can't wait. I just hope they have improved the coffee. The last time we were there(1967) it was made from seaweed. Is it still? But believe me coffee is not high on our priorities.

Amy

Um, the coffee still wouldn't make the 100 best list, let's say, but I don't think it's seaweed anymore. <BR>XX {That's my fingers crossed for going back to Iceland in--Ta dah!--August of this year. It looks pretty promising right now, so here's hoping!

Amy

Topping this one for Anissa--and for me! <BR>I didn't make it in August, but I'm scheduled to go this Friday!

anissa

Amy, <BR> <BR>Thank you!!! I'm so excited to go over - the only Scandinavian country that I've been to is Denmark and I can't wait to see Iceland. It sounds lovely, although I wish that I could see it in the summer - I'm afraid that going in November, while lovely, may be cold for my southern bones and I won't have as much daylight as I would like! But, beggers can't be choosers as the saying goes. How far is the Blue Lagoon in time from the city? And how far is the tectonic plate?

Amy

Hi, Anissa! <BR>The Blue Lagoon is maybe 30-45 minutes outside of the city; there are busses and bus tours that go. Thingvellir, with the tectonic plate fissures, is usually part of what's called the "Golden Circle" tour, so I'm not sure how long it would take to just go to there. Also, unfortunately, if it snows it's not accessible. <BR>It probably will be pretty cold, but the Gulf Stream moderates the temperatures and it really doesn't get terribly bad, from what I understand. Do take a waterproof coat, though--it can go from rain to sun back to rain just about instantly! (Or, in November, possibly snow.) I'll probably post back after my trip with "fall-ish" info, as my trips before were in the summer. (but I'd go any time--or could you tell?

Jen

Amy - you shouldn't be alone! Booked a quick trip to Iceland this past March and LOVED it. <BR> <BR>53. Most literate country in the world at 99.9% <BR>54. 8th wealthiest country in the world <BR>55. Standing between the North American and Eurasian tetonic plates - one of the most amazing feelings <BR>56. Icelanders speak several languages fleuently. <BR>57. Gullfoss - an amazing waterfall that's gorgeous in the winter. <BR>58. The 'safety' signs around the geysirs - simply posted 'it's hot'. <BR>59. Blue Lagoon skin care products; the best lotion I've ever found! Look on www.bluelagoon.is. <BR>60. It's home of the first parlimentarian government in the world. <BR>61. You get to fly on Icelandair - where the flight attendents don't take any c*** from passengers, and you suddenly realize who buys all the old planes! EEK! Forutnately, the pilots have got to be good to regularly fly in such a harsh environment. <BR>62. Fish stew - Really quite yummy there. <BR> <BR>Anyone else?

anissa

Where is Gullfoss?? Is that close enough that I can get there? I'll be there mid-day on Fri, and will have all day Sat and sun, my plane leaves on Mon. Also, are things open on Sun? or should that be my "rest/relaxation day??"