Europe – Natalie the Explorer

5 Grand Piazzas of Rome

April 5, 2024April 5, 2024Natalie83 Comments

When in Rome in March, I took a 3.2 km (2 miles) walk to visit five piazzas (public squares) and fountains in the Eternal City. Rome’s piazzas are the centre of daily life. Come along and let me know what you think of the sights we see.

1. Piazza Navona

The Baroque-style Piazza Navona is built on the site where the Stadium of Domitian (Circus Agonalis), founded in 86 A.D., once stood. The most imposing buildings which look onto the square are the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the Palazzo Pamphilj.

The most beautiful parts of Piazza Navona are its three fountains: Fountain of Neptune on the north end, Fountain of the Moor on the south end and Fountain of the Four Rivers with an obelisk in the centre of the square.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers was designed by Bernini in 1651. The four statues represent the most important rivers of the continents where Christianity had spread: the Nile with a lion (Africa), Danube with a horse (Europe), the Ganges with a dragon (Asia) and Rio de la Plata with an armadillo (America).

2. Piazza della Rotunda and the Pantheon

The Pantheon of Agrippa, also known as the Roman Pantheon, completed in 126 A.D., is the best preserved building from ancient Rome. I recommend entering the Pantheon to appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture:

The rectangular facade is comprised of 16 granite columns which are each 14 meters in height.
The circular building at the back has exactly the same diameter as its height: 43.5 metres.
At its top, the enormous dome 9-meter diameter opening allows natural light to illuminate the entire building.

3. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, is the largest fountain in Rome. The name of Trevi derives from Tre Vie (three ways), since the fountain was the meeting point of three streets. The fountain shows statues of Tritons guiding the shell chariot of the god Oceanus, illustrating the theme of the taming of the waters. There are always people throwing coins in the water of Trevi Fountain. To find out why and what happens to the coins, click here.

4. Piazza de Spagna and the Spanish Steps

Piazza de Spagna (Square of Spain) is where the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, are located. At the bottom of the Spanish Steps is the Fountain of the Ugly Boat!

The Fountain of the Ugly Boat (Fontana della Barcaccia) was designed by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who later helped with the creation. It was finished in 1627 and placed by Pope Urban III in the centre of Piazza di Spagna. It is shaped as a boat and has the emblems of the Barberini family (the Noble family of Pope Urban III), bees and a sun engraved.

5. Piazza della Republica

At the centre of the Piazza della Republica stands the majestic Fountain of the Nymphs (Fontana delle Naiadi) depicting four nymphs riding on sea monsters. It was constructed between 1870 and 1888 and decorated with four lion sculptures. In 1901 the lions were replaced by the statues of four water nymphs.

Piazza della Republica and Fountain of the Nymphs

One of the four nymphs riding on a sea monster

I hope you enjoy the walk. Thank you for coming along.

Link-Up

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #159 below.

Postcards from Italy

March 29, 2024April 2, 2024Natalie98 Comments

March was full of explorations, discoveries and marvellous moments at home and abroad. I returned to Italy and Vatican City for a second visit in the first half of March. Italy offers plenty of beautiful architecture, world class art, rich history, culture, culinary delights, scenic nature and more.

Let me catch you up on Italy first. I plan to write about my visit to Vatican City in another post. Here’s a sampling of what I explored when I was in Italy.

Venice and Murano

My adventures in Italy began with a boat ride from Venice airport to my hotel. The following days, I enjoyed exploring Venice through the maze of alleyways and bridges on foot and by boat. I visited St. Mark’s Square (a World Heritage Site), Doge’s Palace, the Basilica, the Bell and Clock Towers, as well as Murano known for its artistic and colourful glassware. My once-in-a-lifetime experience was a gondola ride in the Grand Canal and small waterways of Venice with two musicians performing “Volare” and other beautiful songs in Italian.

Tuscany, Pisa and Florence

After Venice, I travelled through the beautiful landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. I enjoyed wine tasting paired with delectable local specialties at a vineyard in Tuscany. On to Pisa, I revisited the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and its Leaning Tower. Last time I was here, I climbed 273 stone steps to reach the top. In Florence, I admired amazing art and architecture at Piazza del Duomo (a World Heritage Site), Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and bridges along the Arno River, including the iconic Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).

Assisi and Rome

Reaching Rome, the Eternal city, I revisited several iconic landmarks: The awe-inspiring Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the mighty Colosseum, churches, huge Roman baths, and grand piazzas of Rome. I took a day trip to the picturesque medieval town of Assisi, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy. The town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture.

Cinque Terre and La Spezia

Climbing the steep steps in Cinque Terre (another World Heritage Site) with stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and surrounding hills was a memorable experience for me. In low season, I enjoyed exploring and discovering delightful places and things around every corner in the five villages without crowds.

Heading to La Spezia before returning to Florence for my flight home, I was delighted by La Spezia’s beautiful waterfront, public gardens, churches, castle and vibrant city centre. Another pleasant surprise was a free upgrade to a beautifully furnished and spacious hotel room in Florence. It was a wonderful ending to an amazing trip.

Link-Up

I like to keep in touch with my blogger friends via their link-ups whenever our topics align. This weekend I’m joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Urban Sights photo challenge, Ju-Lyn’s March #TheChangingSeasons and #WBOYC link-up co-hosted by Donna, Sue, Jo and Deb.

I’d love for you to share your March highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #158 below. So, the first quarter of 2024 is done, tell me what fun plans you have for the second quarter.

9 Best Features in Park Güell

March 15, 2024March 14, 2024Natalie88 Comments

In January 2024, when I revisited Barcelona, one of the places I wanted to revisit is Park Güell. The park is one of Barcelona’s great attractions so advanced ticket purchase is recommended. I was lucky to get a ticket the day before my visit and happily spent about four hours at the park.

Park Güell

Park Güell was named after entrepreneur Eusebi Güell. In 1900, Güell entrusted renowned Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí to design Park Güell. The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site under “Works of Antoni Gaudí“.

What I love about Park Güell:

Beautiful nature, landscape design and art in 12 acres
Organic shapes (curves), natural materials and pretty mosaics (trencadís)
Upper and lower levels provide a nice hike and great views of Barcelona

Here are the nine features that I love at Park Güell in no particular order.

Gaudí Museum House

The Dragon Stairway

The steps of the stairway at the park’s main entrance are symmetrically laid out around the sculpture of a salamander. It is a busy spot with visitors posing and taking pictures so I only got one picture of the salamander.

The Hypostyle Hall

The Hypostyle Hall is a covered area with eighty-six columns supporting the upper Nature Square. It is a grand space to enter from the main entrance of Park Güell.

Hypostyle Hall outer columns and undulating profile of the upper part.

Hypostyle Hall inner columns and ceiling with mosaics of the four seasons.

Nature Square and The Serpentine Bench

Nature Square is a large square conceived of as a central space of the estate, in which social events could be held. Unlike the rest of the park, which tends to adapt to the relief of the terrain, this square is partly dug into the mountain and partly held up by the columns of the Hypostyle Hall.

The Serpentine Bench in the square is one of the most immediately recognizable features in the park. It is made of prefabricated pieces of cement and clad with broken tile mosaics (trencadís).

The Serpentine Bench at Nature Square in Park Güell.

Porter’s Lodge Pavilions

Casa del Garda (left), Park Güell main entrance (centre) and Porter’s Lodge (right). The two pavilions are currently a museum and a gift shop.

Portico of the Washerwoman

The retaining wall that supports the path that traverses the entire Park Güell horizontally takes the form of a portico with the profile of a great wave held aloft by sloping columns. It is popularly known as the Pòrtic de la Bugadera (Portico of the Washerwoman) because of the sculpture on one of the columns.

Palm Tree Promenade

The Gardens

Stone stairways lead to beautiful gardens.

The Viaducts

Upper Viaduct features tall pots planted with agave with small circular benches between them.

Park Güell is an enchanting place. I feel fortunate to have visited this park and enjoy Antoni Gaudí’s unique designs more than once in my lifetime.

Link-Up

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #156 below.

Postcards from Spain: Granada, Alicante, Valencia & Barcelona

February 23, 2024February 21, 2024Natalie91 Comments

Today’s post is the last of three in my Postcards from Spain series. The first post on Food & Drink in Spain is here. The second post on Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba and Seville is here. As usual, click on any image in the gallery to get a better view and use the arrows to move through the pictures.

Granada

From Seville, the beautiful weather followed me to Granada. I could see snow on the Sierra Nevada mountains in a far distance. The highlight in Granada was a visit to the 13th century Alhambra, served as the residence of the royal family during the reign of the Moors.

This imposing hilltop palace and fortress complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. I booked a guided tour and spent about three hours exploring several stunning palaces and gardens in the Alhambra complex.

Alicante

Alicante was a delightful addition to my itinerary. I enjoyed walking along Alicante’s oceanfront promenade and its long pier, with views of the wide sandy El Postiguet Beach and Santa Barbara Castle on a hilltop. I learned about Casa Carbonell and that the round-the-world The Ocean Race 2022-2023 started in Alicante. I hope to return to Alicante for a longer visit in the future.

Valencia

I love Valencia for its treasure trove of Roman architecture and the huge City of Arts and Sciences designed by contemporary architect and artist Santiago Calatrava, with its extraordinary avant-garde architecture that includes impressive buildings such as the Hemisfèric and Museum of Science. I also love Valencia’s public squares, markets, delicious food and drinks. Would I return to Valencia for a longer stay and more explorations? Definitely.

Calatrava designed many bridges and building projects around the world, including the award-winning Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place and Mimico Pedestrian Bridge in Toronto.

Barcelona

It was wonderful to revisit Barcelona. I took a long walk from Barcelona’s Old Harbor, along the popular La Rambla to Plaza Catalunya, the city’s bustling main square. Lots of things to see and many beautiful buildings along this route.

I passed two of Gaudí’s famous houses Casa Batllo and Casa Milà. Then continued on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished.

I revisited Park Güell, my favourite park in Barcelona, for nature and Gaudí’s genius design of organic shapes. I also ascended Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, built for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Link-Up

Thank you for reading my postcards. It was a challenge to select which pictures to include as there are many beautiful sites that I explored in Spain. I hope you enjoy my selection.

Please note: No Weekend Coffee Share link-up on March 8 as I will take a short blogging break in March. I will repeat this announcement next week.

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #154 below.

Postcards from Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba & Seville

February 16, 2024February 20, 2024Natalie117 Comments

Today’s post is the second of three in my Postcards from Spain series. The first postcard on Food & Drink in Spain is here. Spain offers plenty of beautiful architecture, world class art, rich history, culture, culinary delights, fun entertainment, and more.

On this trip, I chose to revisit a few favourites and added a few new places to my itinerary. I intentionally spent more time wandering outdoors to take in the sights and sounds in each city than in an indoor space. The weather was sunny and ideal for outdoor walks (15C to 23C or 59F to 73F).

Here is a sampling of what I explored when I was in Spain. Click on any image to see its bigger version and use the arrow to move through the gallery.

Madrid

My favourite walk in Madrid is a 8 km loop (5 miles) that starts and ends in Plaza de España. On this walk, I get to see the magnificent Royal Palace, Miguel de Cervantes Monument (Cervantes is a Spanish writer who is best known for his novel Don Quixote), Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, the Paseo del Prado promenade lined with sycamore trees, fountains and artwork, the two huge fountains at Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Neptuno, and Gran Via which has many gorgeous buildings.

When I was at the Royal Palace, the Royal Guards on horses were on duty as King Felipe VI’s car exited the palace. I visited Prado Museum and viewed an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Spanish painters Velazquez, Goya and El Greco.

Toledo

From Madrid, a 36-minute train ride whisked me off to Toledo, one of Spain’s most magnificent cities. Toledo is a city of three cultures where you can see the influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews in the same place. Once an Imperial city, Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage.

I love walking through Toledo’s medieval gates into its winding streets and exploring its many historic and stunning buildings (see photos below). The views of Toledo from Mirador del Valle are amazing. I was in awe of El Greco masterpiece “The Burial of Count Orgaz” in St. Tome church where photography was allowed.

Córdoba

I revisited the astonishing Great Mosque of Córdoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, built in 785, extended a few times and transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. I walked the winding streets in Córdoba historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to see the ancient Jewish Quarter, tranquil courtyards, picturesque squares, the 14th century Synagogue and the Roman Bridge.

Seville

I revisited the beautiful Plaza de España and its illustrious tiles and ceramics before visiting the gardens of Maria Luisa Park. I continued to Seville historic centre with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial site of Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of the former Great Mosque, its original minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower, still stands.

Link-Up

This post is my contribution to Terri’s Iconic Places and Spaces photography challenge and Min’s #WWWhimsy link-up.

If you have been to Spain, which city is your favourite? If you plan to (re)visit Spain, which city is on your itinerary?

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #153 below.

Postcards from Spain: Food & Drink

February 9, 2024February 7, 2024Natalie104 Comments

I recently returned from a ten-day stay in Spain. Today’s post is the first of three in my Postcards from Spain series. I am sharing this postcard before the next two “sightseeing” postcards for the following reasons:

I learned something new about food and drink in Spain.
Eating out in a foreign country is a cultural experience that can make or break a trip, or affect one’s overall impression of the country.
It takes less time for me to write this postcard than the next two so I start with what’s quick and easy.

In Pictures

Spain produces and exports olive oil, wines, vegetables and fruits, to name a few. In southern Spain, the land is covered with olive trees, almond trees, vineyards, green houses, and orange groves. There are many good food options and tempting desserts. This is a sampling of what was on my plate when I was there.

What I Learned

Tinto de verano with ice is a refreshing drink made of red wine and soft soda (Sprite, 7-up). It is similar to Sangria but with less sugar.
Tapas are small plates that are great to sample and enjoy a variety of dishes and flavors.
Serrano ham is good; Iberico ham is better.
Pan tomaca is a dish with slices of bread and tomato cut in half. Squeeze the tomato juice or rub it on the bread, add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste and other toppings as desired.
Paella is best made with bomba rice.
Agua de Valencia is a drink made of champagne and Valencia’s delicious orange juice.
Horchata de chufa is a flagship milky drink in Valencia. It’s sweet, refreshing and vegan-friendly. Horchata is made from chufa, a tuber (also known as earth almond or tiger nut) and sugar cane juice.
Fartons (yes, seriously), an elongated confectionary glazed with sugar, usually accompany and to be dipped in horchata.

Public Art

The bull is the national animal of Spain and a symbolic figure in Spanish culture. I saw some of the Osborne bulls installed on hilltops and along roadways throughout much of Spain. The Osborne bull is a black silhouetted image of a bull in semi-profile. This colourful mosaic bull is much easier (and prettier) to photograph.

Link-Up

This post is my contribution to Donna’s #WOYP challenge.

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or public art from around the world in the Comments or Weekend Coffee Share link-up #152 below.

Doors and Murals in Iceland

November 3, 2023November 7, 2023Natalie87 Comments

When I was in Iceland in August, I visited a number of churches and historic buildings. I also saw a few interesting murals and sculptures. I am putting those photos together in this post.

The door photos are for Dan’s Thursday Doors photo challenge. The murals are for the Photographing Public Art Challenge (PPAC). Have a look and let me know in the comments if you have a favourite.

Doors in Iceland

The first two pictures were taken in Bessastaðir. Bessastaðir was first settled in 1000. It is an important site in the history of Iceland.

The next two pictures were taken in the countryside. The ‘open door’ farm building is used to dry Greenland shark meat which is considered a delicacy in Iceland.

The next set of pictures were four of the churches that I visited in Iceland:

Reykjavik cathedral which was constructed in 1787 and demolished in 1847 to make way for a somewhat larger church building.
The church in Budir (black exterior with white door and gate) is one of the oldest wooden churches in Iceland. The first church in Budir was built in 1703. It was demolished, rebuilt and opened in 1848.
The present church in Borg á Mýrum (white exterior with red door) was built in 1880.
Bronze doors of Hallgrimskirkja which is the largest church in Iceland at 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall. It took 41 years to build the church: construction started in 1945 and ended in 1986.

Murals in Iceland

At Keflavik international airport, there is a large mural titled Silver Sabler by artist Erró who is best known for his painted pop art collages of images from comic books. The mural is made of ceramic tiles.

I took three close-up pictures to examine the impeccable and impressive artwork in detail.

I also discovered the following two murals while walking in Reykjavik. They both have blue, teal and wine colours. One is whimsical and the other is abstract. No title and no artist’s name on both.

Weekend Coffee Share

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #139 below. I’m also linking up with Min’s #WWWHIMSY.

Postcards from Iceland’s Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula

September 22, 2023September 19, 2023Natalie96 Comments

This is the third post in my three-post series that documents my adventures in Iceland in August. The first post about the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik is here. The second post about 14 natural marvels on Iceland’s South Coast is here.

After two fantastic days in South Iceland, I spent two full days exploring the Golden Circle area and Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland with a restful overnight stay in Hamar. The weather changed from partly sunny to cloudy then windy with some rain before it cleared up.

From Jōkullsárlón glacial lagoon, I headed west to visit Svínafellsjōkull Glacier which is a part of Vatnajōkull National Park. Following the marked trails, I could get fairly close to the glacier.

Svínafellsjōkull Glacier – Zoom in to see people on the trails

Icebergs break off from the glacier and float by the mountain

I took the Friðheimar Tomato Farm informative tour where I learned about the process of greenhouse horticulture in Iceland. Their delicious lunch of tomato soup and fresh-baked bread is to die for. I enjoyed the musical horse show in the adjacent building and a visit to the stable where I met several beautiful Icelandic horses.

Bright sunflowers at Fridheimar entrance

Icelandic horse breed was brought to Iceland by the first settlers from Scandinavia around 900 AD. The Icelandic horse is known for its variety of gaits, coat colors, strength, health and good spirit. In addition to the three common gaits (walk, trot and gallop), Icelandic horses may have the tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace).

I visited Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”) where the Hivitá river seems to vanish into the earth. The gorgeous and powerful staggered falls plunge into a crevice over 200 feet deep. Gullfoss waterfall has a paved pathway that makes it easy for visitors to walk and see various parts of the falls. Of all the waterfalls I visited in Iceland, Gullfoss is the busiest.

My next stop was at Geysir, the geothermal area where the famous Strokkur hot spring spouts every 8-10 minutes. The temperatures of the hot springs here are 80 to 100 Celsius degrees (176F to 212F). I love watching the unique geysers and was amazed to see many small hot springs where water was boiling and splashing.

I visited Thingvellir National Park, literally “Parliament Plains”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated on the plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is an ideal place to see evidence of the rifting of the Earth’s crust. Thingvellir (or Þingvellir) is also the site of the world’s oldest existing Parliament which first met here in 930 AD.

Thingvellir National Park and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

From Thingvellir National Park, I made my way to Borgarnes Valley and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I enjoyed stunning vistas in every direction on this journey.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a unique area with a variety of fascinating geological features. It is nicknamed ‘Iceland in Miniature’ due to the wealth and diversity of natural features found there. I explored some of the mountains, waterfalls, craters, beaches, lighthouses, and rock formations in the area. I also took a scenic 2.5 km coastal walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar.

**Kirkjufell** mountain (463m) and waterfalls in Snaefellsnes

**Mount Snaefell** in Snaefellsjōkull National Park and its guardian. The ‘*Deity of Mt. Snaefell*‘ stone sculpture was created in 1985 by sculptor Ragnar Kjartansson.

View of the 2.5 km coastal walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar

**Breidavik Beach** – A rare golden sand beach in Iceland

**Ytri Tunga** – a good place for seal watching

Rock arch in Snaefellsnes Peninsula = Beautiful art from Nature

I had a wonderful time exploring West Iceland. I returned to Reykjavik for a lovely afternoon and overnight before boarding my flight home. This trip exceeded my expectations and I am grateful for the experience.

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #135 below.

14 Natural Marvels on Iceland’s South Coast

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023Natalie86 Comments

This is the second post in my three-post series that documents my adventures in Iceland in August. The first post about the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik is here.

Iceland’s South Coast

Departing from Reykjavik, I journeyed through the rich farmlands and onward to majestic mountains. The weather was superb for outdoor exploring. Highway 1 condition was very good. Out in the countryside, there is plenty of open space and beautiful scenery.

I visited the informative Lava Center with its interactive exhibition about geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland. I then explored the South Coast over two full days with an overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Distance traveled: About 375 km or 233 miles.

My eastbound journey took me to impressive volcanoes, awe-inspiring mountains, powerful waterfalls, glaciers (one of them is Europe’s largest ice cap), headland, a nature reserve, black sand beaches, beautiful Skaftafell National Park, fascinating basalt columns and stunning glacial lagoons.

Here are 14 natural marvels on the South Coast of Iceland in pictures. Have a look and let me know in the comments if you have a favourite.

**Hekla** volcano seen on a clear day. The latest eruption was in February 2000.

**Seljalandsfoss** waterfall is just over 60 metres high. A footpath leads behind the waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss is in a lovely location surrounded by cliffs and green slopes

**Skógafoss** waterfall tumbles 60 metres from the cliffs by Skógar. A footpath leads to the viewing platform above the waterfall.

Rainbow over awe-inspiring Skógafoss waterfall

**Dyrhólaey headland** with a beautiful view of the coastline

Look who’s on the grassy cliff at **Dyrhólaey Natural Reserve**?

More adorable puffins with one in flight

**Reynisdrangar** sea stacks seen from Reynisfjara black sand beach

**Dverghamrar** basalt columns (“Dwarf Cliffs”) are formed by the contraction and cooling of lava

The face of **Sidufjõll** mountain is an old sea cliff

**Vatnajõkull Glacier** and **Skaftafell National Park** sheer natural splendour

Glacier tongues flow from the Vatnajõkull ice cap towards the lowlands

**Õraefajõkull** glacier at 2110 metres in height

Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its immense floating icebergs. I took an amphibian boat excursion that brings me face to face with these breathtaking natural wonders. Some of the icebergs have black streaks from volcanic ash.

View of glaciers and icebergs before the boat excursion

The iceberg in the centre looks like a house

I’m fascinated by icebergs so here are more photos of what’s floating in the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Click on any image in the following gallery to see its bigger version.

I walked up a hill to look down at the glaciers and glacial lagoons. The boats in the lagoon and people waiting by the shore are tiny next to the icebergs.

View of glacier runoffs and glacial lagoon

Public Art

Would you agree that the above natural marvels are Nature’s gifts of her stunning artworks to us humans? One natural ‘artwork’ that looks man-made is Kirkjugólf or The Church Floor. It is a coastal eroded and shaped columnar basalt outcrop, where the top of vertical basalt columns can be seen. The hexagonal ‘tiles’ look like man-made flooring, but there has never been a church or any other building on the site. I found one beautiful heart-shaped top.

Weekend Coffee Share

I experienced two amazing days on the South Coast of Iceland. From Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, I headed west for more natural wonders.

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #134 below.

Iceland Adventure: Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023Natalie100 Comments

In August, I traveled to Iceland and went on a nine-day adventure. It was my second time to Iceland, with many years passed between the two visits. On this trip, I chose to fly to Keflavik International Airport, revisit the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik (Iceland’s capital) and explore the South Coast and West Coast before flying home from Keflavik.

I hope to write three posts and include pictures to record my adventure in Iceland. Today’s post is the first in the series.

Getting There

I booked my return flights with Icelandair. My direct flight from Toronto to Keflavik International Airport took about five hours. Keflavik is about forty-five minute drive to Reykjavik City Centre. Flybus operates frequent service from Keflavik to Reykjavik and from Keflavik to Blue Lagoon. I bought my bus tickets upon arrival at the airport.

Blue Lagoon

My Iceland adventure started with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. It is a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. The 38C (or 100F) geothermal seawater is channeled into the lagoon from 2000 meters within the earth. Since the Blue Lagoon is located near Keflavik International Airport, visitors can easily plan a visit to the Blue Lagoon upon arrival and/ or before a late flight departure.

My Blue Lagoon ticket was a plastic bracelet to be returned at exit. The ticket price included the use of a bathrobe, locker, towel, shampoo, shower gel, face and body lotion, hair dryer, a healthy smoothie, a silica face mask, and unlimited time in the geothermal lagoon which also has a small waterfall and a sauna cave. The bracelet is used to scan, lock and unlock the individual locker, as well as record any extra purchases such as drinks, snacks, spa products, or souvenirs in the Blue Lagoon complex.

Aside from my bathing suit and wallet, I also brought water shoes and a waterproof case for my cellphone (to take pictures while in the lagoon). Although the bottom of the Blue Lagoon is smooth and most bathers walk in bare feet, I prefer to walk with my water shoes.

Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon under blue sky and white clouds

Close up of lava rocks and wooden structure at the Blue Lagoon

After the relaxing bath, I walked the paths around the Blue Lagoon and was in awe of the gorgeous blue colour and the vast lava plain surrounding the lagoon.

Map of walking paths in Blue Lagoon area

The Blue Lagoon blue colour, owing to the way silica reflects sunlight, looks surreal

Lava plain surrounding Blue Lagoon dates from the year 1226

Looming dark clouds eventually moved away

Water closer to the lava rocks is milky white

Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, is a small city and easy to navigate. I walked to explore the Old Town centre, City Hall, the Alpingi Parliament, the Dómkirkjan Cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja church (the tallest church in Iceland), the harbour and Perlan, located on the Öskjuhlíd hill, for spectacular views over the capital area. I also visited Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland.

Here’s my Reykjavik Gallery. Click on any image in the gallery to see its bigger version.

Public Art

My favourite public art in Reykjavik is the Sun Voyager, a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Ánarson. What the artist intended to convey resonates with me. I took this picture on my last evening in Reykjavik.

Sun Voyager is described as a dreamboat, or an ode to the Sun. The artist intended it to convey the promise of undisclosed territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.
Wikipedia

Weekend Coffee Share

My visit to Iceland was off to a wonderful start at the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik. Coming up next is my adventure along Iceland’s stunning South Coast.

I’d love for you to share your week’s highlights and/ or photos of public art around the world in the Comments or InLinkz #133 below.