Day 10 – Hraunfossar and Barnafoss & Reykjavik

Our road trip was coming to an end as this was the last day! We check out early and made way to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Sadly, the weather was not cooperating and  it was raining. However, it didn’t stop these two waterfalls from being very impressive! They were very different from the ones before. Hraunfossar was a collection of many tiny mini falls. Barnafoss was a waterfall going through a arch of a rock! I’ve never seen waterfalls like this before and they instantly made it to the top of my favorite waterfalls list in Iceland.

We wanted to do a very interesting hike to Glymur, Iceland’s tallest waterfall but the weather made it unsafe since you have to hike through a cave and across a river to see it. Instead we drove to Reykjavik early and got to see the Museum of Design and Applied Arts, Hönnunarsafn Íslands. We originally went there for the gift shop but ended up seeing the exhibit since it was showcasing Gísli B. Björnsson, a famous Icelandic graphic designer. It was great to get in touch with our design sides and see his work.

On the way out of the exhibit Hannah and I took the most coolest elevator ever! It looked like a time machine. The doors swung open automatically and you have to hold the button down to actually move the lift. So cool!

We checked into Kex Hostel after which we were all impressed at the “hipster” trendy decor! They made this boring building into a stylish hostel.

We had lunch at Svarta Kaffi, a recommendation by the hostel staff. The restaurant specialized in bread bowl soups and today was a perfect day for some warm soup! I’ve never had a bread bowl before.. So it was fun to try and the Mexican chicken soup was delicious and hearty.

We went to all the shops that closed early on us last time in Reykjavik. Some really cool but pricy design shops… I only bought three miniature icelandic houses for my travel collection.

Once the stores closed, we went back to the hostel to relax before we hit the city’s largest geothermal pool, Laugardalslaug. This pool, unlike the one up east was packed with people! But It didn’t stop us from cozying up with icelanders in the hot pots that went from 38 -44. There was also a large waterslide and I was determined to try it! I’ve never been one at night before. At first I was a little nervous… What if there is crazy drop or the water is really deep at the end? Nope, it was easy and super fun! The slide goes pitch back with random colourful lights above you!

No one mans the slide and there is barely a lineup. For safety, there are red and green lights to tell you when to go so you don’t collide with the person before you. But Dru was so fast even following the lights, he was going to kick Hannah and I in the head. From that point on, we made a rule that he is going first.

We built up an appetite and went for dinner at Snaps Bistro. The scallops appetizer was delicious but my main, duck confit was mediocre. Luckily, I made the right choice with the creme brûlée dessert! It was smooth and creamy with a sweet sugar layer.

We wanted to stay up, go drink and checkout the nightlife but we all got exhausted after the meal and passed out.

Day 11 – Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula

Hannah was leaving today so our last popular attraction was Bláa Lónið (aka Blue Lagoon), a geothermal seawater bathing spa, one of the wonders of the world.  We got there before it opened so we roam around taking photos. Right as the doors open, herds of tour buses arrived —so much for a peaceful experience.

The water was warm and soothing. The dry and wet saunas were hot. We used the waterfall to massage our shoulders and back.

We got to use their free algae silica mud masks… And Michelle and I made full use of it by masking our whole body. We enjoyed the bar in the water and got some skyr smoothies. I even found a cave to sit and relax in. Luckily, not many have discovered this cave so it was pretty quiet.

Even with hordes of people, I loved it and wish we got to spend more time there. We dropped Hannah off at the airport and went to find lunch in Keflavik. We enjoyed burgers by the sea from Kaffi Duus.

After lunch, we went to the bridge between two continents. This bridge is the meeting point between two tectonic plates of America and Europe. Nothing much to see except a bridge and a sign. Oh well, at least now I can say I’ve been to two continents at once.

Next, we explored the Reykjanes peninsula area. As soon as we got there the sun hide behind the clouds. Darn it! I would have liked to see one last sunset in Iceland. The peninsula was decent but wasn’t as spectacular compared to everything else we’ve seen. We’ve already seen the best on our road trip.

Our last stop before heading to our Hotel was Gunnuhver, a volcanic geyser region.

We organize our luggage for our departure and relaxed in our junior suite. Before we called it a night, we went out to get a light hotdog meal at a random convenience store. That night, I also scored a free soft serve ice cream. I just entered the Ice Cream shop, Bitinn and he hands me the cone “want this?” so I said “sure…wait what’s wrong with it?” and he said “nothing… Just wrong order” Sweet! I love ice cream and I love free. Surprisingly, the ice cream was so good! Must be made from their pure cream in the country.

Day 12 – Kleifarvatn Lake

Finally, we got a chance to sleep in on this trip. But we were so used to waking up early, we naturally woke up before 9am. Andrew left us around 5am for Paris so it was just Michelle and I.

We started our morning with complimentary breakfast and then drove to see lighthouses in Grindavík. One of them was Iceland’s first light house. These light houses were really nice but a beautiful sunrise would have added to the view.

We drove to Kleifarvatn Lake for some hiking next. Along the way, we stopped by Blue lagoon again and bought some of their beauty products. I originally was not planning to buy anything but after feeling my face after yesterday’s mask… I was convinced.

We arrived at Kleifarvatn lake and this was definitely one of the best sights in the area. No one else was around and the lake was very surreal. I loved how the water in Iceland just reflects the sun and trees.

We roamed along the beach and climbed some rocks. The area had really interesting rock patterns. It was a great hiking area and good way to end the trip.

Soon after, we drove ourselves to the airport to check in and leave. What an amazing trip filled with untouched natural wonders. Iceland is a photographer’s dream because everywhere you look is a photographic moment. The whole trip, we felt like we were in a calendar.

Even though we didn’t get to see the northern lights, we got to see about everything we wanted; waterfalls, beaches and the glacier lagoon.The weather was good to us too considering October is rainy season. Down the road,  I’ll be back. But in the meantime, there is still so much for me to see and explore around the world.