Birthday boy here.
Weird adding an entry when I'm not allowed to read the previous ones...
Well, the time has finally come and we're off to the frozen(ish) north! The forecast calls for just about everything weather wise: and we've got the clothes for it. We bought some proper winter jackets last week: water/windproof, insulated but breathable, adjustable, stylish, and, best of all, cheap.
We've also packed some secret stuff that I haven't been allowed to see, thanks to Ma, I believe. Other secrets include what the hell we're doing: the agenda is on a strictly need to know basis, and I don't need to know.
Keep your collective fingers crossed for clear enough weather for some aurora viewing! And we'll recount our adventures upon our return.
Happy Birthday to me!
12 December 2008
02 October 2008
Crucial questions: how many krónur, layers and hours
Party Planner PK here. Below are some details that I just emailed out in response to requests for more Iceland details.
No, birthday boy is not privy to this information. So, please assist me in keeping him unaware! He will receive the emails if you post a comment to this blog entry. He has promised to forward them on to me, but start them with something like "Slim, don't even think about reading this" to keep him honest!
NEW DATES:
Flying to Iceland on the afternoon of 12 December
Returning to Ireland on the afternoon of 18 December
Below is some rough research that I've put together on the budget. I don't mean to sound discouraging, but Iceland is expensive. There is just no getting around that. But you'll cherish the memories forever!
You will notice the big ticket item that is missing is flights. You are on your own on that one since you are reading this from almost the four corners of the earth.
Notes on accommodations:
We're spoiled (working for a premium cruise line does not help travel budgeting later in life), so we aren't into hostels. We don't need four star either. But we like things to be comfortable, clean and quiet. I've found a very interesting apartment hotel in Reykjavik that looks to fit the bill. I've chosen this place for a few reasons:
1. reasonably priced, but looks nice
2. flexibility - they have a range of options from two person studios to 10 person apartments. We can share or not depending on preferences of anyone joining us on this fantastic adventure.
3. flexibility for meals - we can cut down expenses a little by having some meals 'at home', making picnics and doing some pre-func drinking (the duty free at Keflavik airport can be visited when leaving OR arriving in Iceland - make a note to stop there before you head into Reykjavik!)
We are staying at a hotel near the airport on the first night, as we are coming in so late. The airport is about 40 minutes from Reykjavik with regular shuttles, but that will be about 40 minutes longer than we will want to be awake at that point.
I have not reserved any hotel nights, but should in the near future. If you are really considering coming and would like to share an apartment in Reykjavik, please let me know.
Notes on activities:
Activities below are of course all optional. I've put in the ones that I think we'll be doing. Aurora Borealis tour is weather dependent and may not be necessary if we see Northern Lights from the city. Another activity/tour option that I've not included is renting a vehicle. This doesn't seem practical for two people, but if there is a larger group, we could look at it. The big question here is driving conditions, and I still haven't found much on that. For all the activities though, I'm not dictating, just providing ideas.
Budgeting estimates:
Prices are all per person and in USD/EUR (estimated based on current exchange for Iceland Kronur, ISK). I've done an estimate for average daily spending - these are educated guesses only, please don't hold me to them!
hotel (per person/per night based on two people in room): average $75/E50 per day
1st night - Icelandair Flughotel = $65/E45 (hotel price does not include breakfast or taxi from airport, but I've added both of those into this price because to me they are necessary)
rest of nights - Room with a View = $50 - 75/E35 - 55
transportation (per person): average $35/E20 per day
taxi to Reykjavik via blue lagoon = $75/E50. There are tours and shuttles, but they are all roundtrip Reykjavik. Since Blue Lagoon is near airport and we will be staying near the airport on the first night, this seems silly to me. Gray Line tour is actually about same price for two people as taxi, so I'd rather have the flexibility of coming/going when we want.
other taxis (I'm guessing, but pretty high, I think, as Reyk is very compact - mostly this would be if we were too cold) = $100
shuttle to airport, one way = $18/E12
activities: average $70/E45 per day
Perlan (rotating tower for city views) = free?
museums = $20/E15 (there are couple that look interesting, they are free on Wednesdays)
showshoeing/cross country/downhill skiing = having trouble finding info, would include bus fare, lift tickets ($13), equipment rental
Blue Lagoon entry/towel rental/etc: $44/E30
Golden Circle Tour (Golfoss waterfall, Geysir and more) = $95 half day /$110 full day (E60/70)
Aurora Borealis evening tour = $80/E50
walking tour maps = $5
food/drink (per person/per day): $150/E100
breakfast = $5
lunch = $15
dinner = $80
drinks = $12 (each, average 4 per day)
Then there are all of those little expenses that I never think of - forgotten shampoo, postcards, fancy water if you don't like tap, delicious coffee beverages for those of us that are deprived of them, etc.
The other big questions I have received are: how cold and how dark. I really don't know on cold - from everything I've read, it seems to be around freezing. I've been looking on eBay for some cheap, second-hand ski coats. On dark, there looks to be about five hours of daylight, from 10ish to 3ish.
No, birthday boy is not privy to this information. So, please assist me in keeping him unaware! He will receive the emails if you post a comment to this blog entry. He has promised to forward them on to me, but start them with something like "Slim, don't even think about reading this" to keep him honest!
NEW DATES:
Flying to Iceland on the afternoon of 12 December
Returning to Ireland on the afternoon of 18 December
Below is some rough research that I've put together on the budget. I don't mean to sound discouraging, but Iceland is expensive. There is just no getting around that. But you'll cherish the memories forever!
You will notice the big ticket item that is missing is flights. You are on your own on that one since you are reading this from almost the four corners of the earth.
Notes on accommodations:
We're spoiled (working for a premium cruise line does not help travel budgeting later in life), so we aren't into hostels. We don't need four star either. But we like things to be comfortable, clean and quiet. I've found a very interesting apartment hotel in Reykjavik that looks to fit the bill. I've chosen this place for a few reasons:
1. reasonably priced, but looks nice
2. flexibility - they have a range of options from two person studios to 10 person apartments. We can share or not depending on preferences of anyone joining us on this fantastic adventure.
3. flexibility for meals - we can cut down expenses a little by having some meals 'at home', making picnics and doing some pre-func drinking (the duty free at Keflavik airport can be visited when leaving OR arriving in Iceland - make a note to stop there before you head into Reykjavik!)
We are staying at a hotel near the airport on the first night, as we are coming in so late. The airport is about 40 minutes from Reykjavik with regular shuttles, but that will be about 40 minutes longer than we will want to be awake at that point.
I have not reserved any hotel nights, but should in the near future. If you are really considering coming and would like to share an apartment in Reykjavik, please let me know.
Notes on activities:
Activities below are of course all optional. I've put in the ones that I think we'll be doing. Aurora Borealis tour is weather dependent and may not be necessary if we see Northern Lights from the city. Another activity/tour option that I've not included is renting a vehicle. This doesn't seem practical for two people, but if there is a larger group, we could look at it. The big question here is driving conditions, and I still haven't found much on that. For all the activities though, I'm not dictating, just providing ideas.
Budgeting estimates:
Prices are all per person and in USD/EUR (estimated based on current exchange for Iceland Kronur, ISK). I've done an estimate for average daily spending - these are educated guesses only, please don't hold me to them!
hotel (per person/per night based on two people in room): average $75/E50 per day
1st night - Icelandair Flughotel = $65/E45 (hotel price does not include breakfast or taxi from airport, but I've added both of those into this price because to me they are necessary)
rest of nights - Room with a View = $50 - 75/E35 - 55
transportation (per person): average $35/E20 per day
taxi to Reykjavik via blue lagoon = $75/E50. There are tours and shuttles, but they are all roundtrip Reykjavik. Since Blue Lagoon is near airport and we will be staying near the airport on the first night, this seems silly to me. Gray Line tour is actually about same price for two people as taxi, so I'd rather have the flexibility of coming/going when we want.
other taxis (I'm guessing, but pretty high, I think, as Reyk is very compact - mostly this would be if we were too cold) = $100
shuttle to airport, one way = $18/E12
activities: average $70/E45 per day
Perlan (rotating tower for city views) = free?
museums = $20/E15 (there are couple that look interesting, they are free on Wednesdays)
showshoeing/cross country/downhill skiing = having trouble finding info, would include bus fare, lift tickets ($13), equipment rental
Blue Lagoon entry/towel rental/etc: $44/E30
Golden Circle Tour (Golfoss waterfall, Geysir and more) = $95 half day /$110 full day (E60/70)
Aurora Borealis evening tour = $80/E50
walking tour maps = $5
food/drink (per person/per day): $150/E100
breakfast = $5
lunch = $15
dinner = $80
drinks = $12 (each, average 4 per day)
Then there are all of those little expenses that I never think of - forgotten shampoo, postcards, fancy water if you don't like tap, delicious coffee beverages for those of us that are deprived of them, etc.
The other big questions I have received are: how cold and how dark. I really don't know on cold - from everything I've read, it seems to be around freezing. I've been looking on eBay for some cheap, second-hand ski coats. On dark, there looks to be about five hours of daylight, from 10ish to 3ish.
29 June 2008
Dates at last
At long last we've picked our dates for the Slim (and PK) in Iceland extravaganza: December 16th through the 22nd. The dates of course center on my birthday, but include the shortest day of the year as well ~ I just couldn't resist that.
I don't know the itinerary because it's a secret (from me); PK can give you the full details (I understand that there are some surprises). I do know it will include visits to the Blue Lagoon, Geysir, and Gullfoss falls.
Our accommodations are not settled yet; but we've been researching self-catered options. Again, PK will have more details on that soonly. What I do know is that we'll be staying in Reykjavík and taking day trips from there.
That's all for now!
I don't know the itinerary because it's a secret (from me); PK can give you the full details (I understand that there are some surprises). I do know it will include visits to the Blue Lagoon, Geysir, and Gullfoss falls.
Our accommodations are not settled yet; but we've been researching self-catered options. Again, PK will have more details on that soonly. What I do know is that we'll be staying in Reykjavík and taking day trips from there.
That's all for now!
11 April 2008
Travel in Iceland, First edition
While I have no new news about our upcoming journey North, I thought we could point you in the direction of some information to whet your appetite for travel near the Arctic Circle in December. This is the first edition of a planned series of practical travel posts about visiting Iceland.
First stop is the official visit Iceland website, from which everything below is drawn. Another interesting page lists some of the things that Iceland is famous for; most of which PK mentioned in her invite. The following is more business-like stuff, all from the FAQ page.
Where is it?
Iceland is a North Atlantic island and the westernmost country in Europe. It lies about 800 km northwest of Scotland and 970 km west of Norway. From London, Reykjavík is the same distance as Athens.
Is it difficult to get to Iceland?
Not at all! Frequent flights operate to Iceland from main cities in Europe and North America and many gateways are served daily. Flight times to Europe are two to four hours. Most flights connect at Iceland´s Keflavík International Airport (45 km from Reykjavík) to give good stopover opportunities for transatlantic travellers.
How cold does it get?
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn't as cold as it sounds. Temperatures are moderate year-round. Average July temperatures are around 11°C in Reykjavík - the north and east are often the warmest parts in the summer. Snow is not the norm and only settles intermittently in Reykjavík but tends to stay longer in the north. Fine winter skiing areas are found on higher ground outside many towns, however. Average January temperatures in Reykjavík, at around zero, are actually higher than those in New York.
How should I dress?
In the summer, light clothing is often all you need - but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can be extremely changeable. Icelanders often say, "If you don´t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermally-heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C.
What are the people like?
Quite Scandinavian, exceptionally friendly, highly educated, sophisticated, attractive, honest and very modern. (ed. comment: and modest!) Their ancestors were predominately Norwegian, although some came from the British Isles.
Do Icelanders speak English?
Most Icelanders (especially those from their teenage years through their fifties) speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity - so never be shy about approaching an Icelander.
What are the accommodation and food like?
Excellent! Iceland´s hotels and guesthouses are almost invariably clean and comfortable. The seafood and lamb are of outstanding natural quality and served in imaginative European style. There are also plenty of fast food establishments.
What kind of money do they use in Iceland?
The Icelandic Króna (ISK), with an exchange rate that has been ranging between ISK 110 and ISK 125 to the pound Sterling or the Euro (ISK 70-75 to US Dollar). All major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchanges. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost universally, and ATMs are generally not hard to find.
When is it daylight in Iceland?
Summer visitors who arrive to a bright midnight sky and ask when it gets dark in Iceland are sometimes told "in the middle of August." The sun barely sets in the summer in Reykjavík and it´s light round-the-clock in the north at the peak of summer. In mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours a day of daylight. Spring and autumn daylight hours are more or less "normal".
What about the electricity?
Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts) so many North American electrical devices will require converters. Plugs are generally two-pin, so devices brought in from the UK and North America will require adapters.
What is there to see besides nature?
Nature is obviously a big part of the Icelandic experience - but it's by no means the only part. Reykjavík is one of the liveliest, safest, most sophisticated and modern cities there is, and its nightlife and cultural activities have earned an exciting reputation. Other towns such as Akureyri in the north are worth visiting in their right too. For those who want to see both city and nature, the wilds begin just outside urban communities and a wide range of sightseeing tours are on offer from most of them.
Can I plug my modem?
Generally, yes, jacks are standard. As you should do anywhere, though, always ask a hotel it it´s safe to plug a normal modem into your room phone jack. By the way, Icelanders have the highest rate of computer use in the world.
Will my mobile phone work in Iceland?
Most European cell phones work on Iceland´s GSM network; North American ones use a different standard. But you can rent cell phones in Iceland. Iceland now has the highest rate of cell phone use in the world. Mobiles work in towns and on virtually all main travel routes.
First stop is the official visit Iceland website, from which everything below is drawn. Another interesting page lists some of the things that Iceland is famous for; most of which PK mentioned in her invite. The following is more business-like stuff, all from the FAQ page.
Where is it?
Iceland is a North Atlantic island and the westernmost country in Europe. It lies about 800 km northwest of Scotland and 970 km west of Norway. From London, Reykjavík is the same distance as Athens.
Is it difficult to get to Iceland?
Not at all! Frequent flights operate to Iceland from main cities in Europe and North America and many gateways are served daily. Flight times to Europe are two to four hours. Most flights connect at Iceland´s Keflavík International Airport (45 km from Reykjavík) to give good stopover opportunities for transatlantic travellers.
How cold does it get?
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn't as cold as it sounds. Temperatures are moderate year-round. Average July temperatures are around 11°C in Reykjavík - the north and east are often the warmest parts in the summer. Snow is not the norm and only settles intermittently in Reykjavík but tends to stay longer in the north. Fine winter skiing areas are found on higher ground outside many towns, however. Average January temperatures in Reykjavík, at around zero, are actually higher than those in New York.
How should I dress?
In the summer, light clothing is often all you need - but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can be extremely changeable. Icelanders often say, "If you don´t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermally-heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C.
What are the people like?
Quite Scandinavian, exceptionally friendly, highly educated, sophisticated, attractive, honest and very modern. (ed. comment: and modest!) Their ancestors were predominately Norwegian, although some came from the British Isles.
Do Icelanders speak English?
Most Icelanders (especially those from their teenage years through their fifties) speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity - so never be shy about approaching an Icelander.
What are the accommodation and food like?
Excellent! Iceland´s hotels and guesthouses are almost invariably clean and comfortable. The seafood and lamb are of outstanding natural quality and served in imaginative European style. There are also plenty of fast food establishments.
What kind of money do they use in Iceland?
The Icelandic Króna (ISK), with an exchange rate that has been ranging between ISK 110 and ISK 125 to the pound Sterling or the Euro (ISK 70-75 to US Dollar). All major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchanges. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost universally, and ATMs are generally not hard to find.
When is it daylight in Iceland?
Summer visitors who arrive to a bright midnight sky and ask when it gets dark in Iceland are sometimes told "in the middle of August." The sun barely sets in the summer in Reykjavík and it´s light round-the-clock in the north at the peak of summer. In mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours a day of daylight. Spring and autumn daylight hours are more or less "normal".
What about the electricity?
Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts) so many North American electrical devices will require converters. Plugs are generally two-pin, so devices brought in from the UK and North America will require adapters.
What is there to see besides nature?
Nature is obviously a big part of the Icelandic experience - but it's by no means the only part. Reykjavík is one of the liveliest, safest, most sophisticated and modern cities there is, and its nightlife and cultural activities have earned an exciting reputation. Other towns such as Akureyri in the north are worth visiting in their right too. For those who want to see both city and nature, the wilds begin just outside urban communities and a wide range of sightseeing tours are on offer from most of them.
Can I plug my modem?
Generally, yes, jacks are standard. As you should do anywhere, though, always ask a hotel it it´s safe to plug a normal modem into your room phone jack. By the way, Icelanders have the highest rate of computer use in the world.
Will my mobile phone work in Iceland?
Most European cell phones work on Iceland´s GSM network; North American ones use a different standard. But you can rent cell phones in Iceland. Iceland now has the highest rate of cell phone use in the world. Mobiles work in towns and on virtually all main travel routes.
28 March 2008
Going to Iceland!
As previously announced on Slim's Speakeasy, Slim turns 40 this year and has decided to embrace his winter birth and celebrate in Iceland.
So we've created this little space for reporting details in the coming months, including locking down dates, so watch this space and your email boxes.
Take the poll to the right and hope to see you in the fiery frozen north.
Slainte.
So we've created this little space for reporting details in the coming months, including locking down dates, so watch this space and your email boxes.
Take the poll to the right and hope to see you in the fiery frozen north.
Slainte.
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