October 2022 Newsletter
Candalada
ICE ICE BABY: EXPLORING ICELAND WITH PRINCE ISSA
THE SUMMARY
We arrived at Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport at 6:30 am, by 8:30 am we were at the Blue Lagoon. The following are the immediate lessons I learned about this attraction.
Lesson 1-6:
Boys over 8 can’t go in the women locker room and will be split up from their moms.
Get the package with robe. It is not worth the savings to be cold in the locker room after the shower. They only distribute the towels at the end of the visit.
Bring travel size shampoo, conditioner and multiple styling aids. The shower in the locker room has water that comes down from the top making almost impossible to not wet your hair thus ruining your hairstyle and make up before getting into the lagoon to take a money shot selfie.
If you wear wigs or weaves they will get ruined in the water and turn rock hard especially if you receive an in water massage or accidentally get the ends wet. Anticipating this I brought a throw away wig (a new but cheap wig that I discarded after leaving the pool).
You must decide if you want to true spa experience or a Sports Illustrated photo because you can not have both. If you manage to not get your make up blasted off in the shower you may have wished you washed it off when they distribute the mud masks. To get the full affect of the skin care products it is best to have a clean and clear face. Both men and women seems to enjoy the mask ritual.
Bring your own extra moisturizing lotion and travel size make up. You will look ashy and washed out if you use the provided lotion. A mini MUA kit can be helpful in accomplishing the look you want for the rest of the day and other excursions.
After visiting the Blue Lagoon we reset at our first hotel. I rewashed both of our heads with products for afro hair to prevent damage. First thing in the morning we followed Ring Road southeast towards Vik. After spending a few hours in Vik for lunch it was tempting to hang out until check in, however, I continued driving further southeast to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. We caught the best view just before sunset.
Following the Jökulsárlón excursion we returned back to Vik for much needed rest at hotel number 2. We had no luck seeing the Northern Lights on the 2.5 hour drive back from the glacier lagoon or overnight. Instead we were greeted with hail and Icelandic Wind during the drive and cloud overnight. The wind was so aggressive it moved our bodies as we walked.
Day three we visited the Black Sand Beach before leaving Vik then we followed Ring Road back towards the capital. We stopped to see two waterfalls coming from south heading north the first was Skogafoss you can walk right up to it. 30 min away is Seljalandsfoss which you can walk underneath. Although I was all geared up in a water proof jacket, pants and rain boots my face got soaked and I was a bit uncomfortable when we stopped for food and on the ride back to Reyavik. My clothes felt heavy and damp. It may have been best to change into dry clothes and another jacket in the car after visiting fall #2.
We reached Reyavik at 7:30pm not leaving time for much. We managed to make it to the Perlan Dome. Since they closed at 9:30pm the girl didn’t charge us full price. Issa was able to see the man made ice cave which he loved. The Northern Lights exhibit was closed which really annoyed us. We didn’t see the real or fake lights Northern Lights.
Our last night of rest was the best, we had an afternoon flight and no pending plans. We used every minute until the 11am check out. In the lobby Issa practiced for a while as I filled up our water bottles. We loaded up our luggage for the last time. On the way out we visited a grocery store and a smoothy shop.
Due to unexpected exhaustion we didn’t get to visit the old light house in Garoskagi. I also didn’t take him to the LAVA show. It was not on my itinerary we kind of stumbled into it and the timing didn't work out. If we ever head back to Iceland it will be to check out those two things and see what the northern side of the country has to offer.
Lastly, driving in Iceland was liberating renting a car is an absolute must in my opinion. Trying to figure out how to fill my tank was a bit frustrating.There is an eye catching gas station that glows pink at night named Orkan. It rejected my card on every attempt.
At the N1 station I was able to buy a gift card an use it at the pump. She explained some locations are stores that have pumps and can only issue gift cards while others are full blown gas stations with more payment flexibility. At the N1 near the airport the attendant let me fill up and then pay directly with my debit card after. After all I went through I was so grateful.
PICTURE STORY
The food
BLUE LAGOON’s LAVA RESTAURANT (GRINDAVIK)
The couple next to us paid our bill. They never spoke to us and left before we finished. The women kept smiling at Issa. I suspect she found joy in overhearing some of his questions.
THE SOUP COMPANY (VIK)
The soup here was too much to finish. You can get a refill and try another type of soup if you choose to dine in. This is where we came across the unexpected LAVA Show. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have time consider the attraction.
Indian summer Vegan Soup / Comes with the best bread
HOTEL KRIA’s DRANGAR RESTAURANT (VIK)
We loved the decor and service. We were the last table seated for the evening but they did not rush us. The dessert was unique and tasted amazing.
OLVERK (Hveragerði)
Heard about Olverk on a blog. Went to try number 7 the vegan nacho pizza and it did not disappoint. I never knew I could like creamy, crunchy pizza.
ThE COo COo NEst (Reykjavík)
They made us a vegan pizza called the “Chef Surprise. It was loaded with vegetables which I usually hate but I enjoyed it. Even Issa ate all of his vegetables.
Valdis IcE CREAM
Open late and located right next to The Coo Coo Nest. We crushed our strawberry lemonade sorbet. Not one pic of it.
SMIDJAN BRUGGHUS, VIK
Known for burgers and beers. The vegan burger came with onion rings on top and was a refreshing change from pre-made burgers and black bean burgers. One of the walls is made of glass so you can see how their beer is made. Iceland did not miss all of our meals were good.
JoE & THE JUICE
They call the shake I had “Blue Magic” reading the ingredients I did know what to expect Avocado, Blue Spirulina, Cashew Coconut Drink, Date, Hemp Seed, Ice, Lemon, Prote. I sure wish I could recreate this flavor at home. Imagine how excited I was when I discovered they have several locations including a location in New York and 3 in Washington D.C. not sure why I never heard of them.
Found the biggest all vegan grocery store in the world! Thats until Plant X decided to build a bigger vegan store in Canada recently. It was cool not having to worry about what I pick up. I bought spices. Iceland is known for its salt, I opted to get garlic written Icelandic because it is a spice I use often. Issa picked pancake mix and chocolate to bring home.
the hotels
Night 1: We stayed at Hotel 201. It doesn’t have much curb appeal. The room is extra basic and they have no converters for appliances. The best thing was the towel bar which I used to dry some wet garments.The breakfast was quite a spread and more cozy and inviting than anything else. Smells like toast and coffee in the hallways. There is a wall full of pictures of Iceland we enjoyed looking through in the lobby.
Night 2: Hotel Kria was our favorite. It is sexy. It doesn’t have a pool or spa. It has a game room with darts and pool tables. Blow dryer by Babyliss pro, conversion plugs upon request, ample storage for luggage and clothing, an onsite restaurant, a good view and comprehensive breakfast.
Night 3 : Reykjavík Natura This was the easiest to access from the airport and very comfortable. Art in the hallways, several lounge spaces and a full spa. I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa. I enjoyed the spacious proper sitting area in the room. The bathroom was oddly narrow but the lighting was amazing. Breakfast was 27 USD. The oatmeal was memorable.
Thanks for Reading