Dizzojay's Dean Dreams

So yesterday, Mr D and I flew back from wonderful Iceland.  Although this had been our fifth visit in 18 years, the country never fails to amaze and inspire me.  Walking down from our apartment into Reykjavik and seeing all our favourite landmarks; Hallgrimskirkja, the big church; Laugavegur, the main shopping street, Mal og Menning, our favourite coffee shop/bookstore, really made me feel like ths was a home from home.

Iceland, in geological terms, is a very young country.  So young in fact, it's technically still a work in progress, and so its landscape is very savage. There are lavafields, geothermal spots, big jagged rock outcrops that have been sliced and scarred by glaciers, and haven't had the time for natural forces to erode them smooth.  A large proportion of Iceland is classed as desert because it is so barren.

Yet, at the same time, especially in the Summer, Iceland has it's share of verdant green meadows and summer flowers.  It's signature flower is a purple lupin (an Alaskan import) which grows wild and in vast numbers which can't even be guessed throughout the island.

And, having been wilting in 30 degree temperatures here in the UK, it was so refreshing and energising to actually feel cool - even if it was just for a week!  temperatures ranged from 9 degrees to 13 degrees while we were there.

We had the opportunity to meet up with a lovely Icelandic lady called Audur who I met at Heathrow three years ago on the way to JIB, and we spent a nice couple of evenings with her.  It helps to see a country from an entirely new perspective when you talk about it with a local!

So, now we're home, and reflecting on another great week in the Land of Ice and Fire.  I'm sure it won't be our last!

Big Iceland picspam below ...




( For once, not a Jensen picspam, but very pretty nonetheless! )

Just a quick flyby to say hi!!

It's been a long day, but we're delighted to be back in our old haunt, Reykjavik. We've had a long walk and a late dinner in the city, and my legs are buggered, but it's as familiar and comfortable as an old shoe - it's like we've never been away.

It's also past 11pm as I write, and here's the view across the Reykjavik skyline from our hotel...


Blackout curtains tonight methinks!

Hugs xx

Mr D and I are treating ourselves next year, as it's a special year for both of us.

We both have big birthdays next year.  Mine is in April, and Mr D's is in October, which means that the mid-point between our birthdays is the end of June/beginning of July.

That gave us an idea to plan a special holiday that we've been talking about for a while.

So, we've finally both got our annual leave booked and now we can book our trip; a week at the beginning of July next year in Iceland.

We love Iceland, love everything about it.  We've been to Iceland five times, but so far only ever in the spring, autumn and winter, so although the northern lights will be off the agenda, as it will be midsummer, we'll get to experience the midnight sun - another tick in another box on the bucket list!!

Excited?  Oh yes!!!