Most of people would look for a nice sunny place but, as I was born in a hot country like Brazil, the last thing I want to do is to spend my holidays in hot spots. Cold places doesn't bother me, as long as I'm well wrapped I'm fine. If it too hot, migraine will certainly pesters me and I won't enjoy it.
Why Reykjavik this time? It has been quite a while I was planning to visit Iceland. My wonder was, how do they live in a such hostile environment country? How they can cope with the weather, volcanoes and so on? I was really impressed when I arrived in Reykjavik. People are pretty friendly and you feel very much welcomed. Still cold for Spring, but according to locals, this is their summer!!! I went to a local public geothermal outdoors swimming pool. The place was packed with locals. I was told that Laugardalslaug was the best and cheapest leisure centre in town. I felt at home!!! Relaxed by the huge swimming pools and then on the smaller "pots of hot spring water" surrounding the major pool. Each small pool had a different temperature,ranging from 38C to 44C. Also there are steam sauna and massage for an extra fee. I felt in paradise.
This morning, I headed to the famous Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. I booked a tour to the spa direct from my hostel ( Reykjavik City Hostel) and a coach picked me up around 10:30am and took me to their coach main station where I was joined by other tourists. The trip took around 45 minutes and was pretty delighted and happy how organised Icelanders can be. I received a rubber bracelet, went through the barrier, got changed and went to the pools. I had no money with me. I didn't need it!! Whatever I wanted to drink or eat, I would have my bracelet scanned and that's simple!!!,As I left the Blue Lagoon, I had a long shower, got changed and time to go back to my hostel.I handed back my bracelet,they scanned it, I then paid my bill, then they handed back my bracelet, so I could get through the barriers. I scanned my bracelet and a small door opened on the gate, so I put my bracelet inside it and finally the gate opened. Very simple and efficient!! I walked to their main parking area where a bus was waiting for me. In no time I arrived back to my hostel.
Tomorrow I will browse the streets of Reykjavik and to finish my day I will head again to Laugardalslaug where I have booked an 1 hour massage session then I'll finish my day in their swimming pool and a lovely dinner afterwards. That's the life I asked God!!! Sergio Sandes 29/4/2013
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