Iceland: Blue Lagoon

It was so strange arriving. We turned off the ring rode and because it was fairly flat you could tell we were heading to a parking lot, and that was it. Nothing else in sight other than the tour buses and cars. But as we pulled up you could see a small building emerge in the landscape. But still quite small considering the Blue Lagoon is one of the wonders of the world. 

Everyone made a beeline towards this path that cut through the igneous rock formations. It was quite surreal as you wind along the path not quite sure what was ahead. 

And although not Boston cold, I was still a bit chilled with my layers of sweaters and jackets and hat. I couldn't believe in a short while I'd be stripped down just to my 2-piece. 

I had forgotten that the Blue Lagoon building is in my book of 1001 buildings to see before you die. 

The architecture is quite clean and Scandinavian. It seemed outdated but I think that's because I loved this type of architecture when I first started architecture school and by the end I had my fill since the style was so popular throughout studios. 

Still I couldn't help appreciate the "moments" the designer created. Especially the first one:

As you approach you first see some of the geothermal waters framed gloriously by the buildings' components. 

I decided to splurge and get a facial as well, but no luck, they were booked for the next several hours and I knew I'd be pushing my luck thinking my stamina would hold out. So off I went with my towel and robe (additional $20 rental). 

I pre-showered and loaded my hair up with conditioner as instructed and off I went. The place was abuzz and out the door I went, struck by the windy chill and buzz of voices and laughter. I quickly hung up my robe and got into the water as quickly as possible. 

The water is quite warm and everyone becomes heads bobbing on the surface to stay warm, staying submerged as much as possible. The water is this milky whitish blue with wisps if steam on the surface. At moments it can get so foggy you can't see across the lagoon. 

As I moved across I found the floor to be random - not always smooth and you'd stumble upon a rock. The water is only about knee or thigh deep in most places so it was a slow journey moving, submerged to the shoulders while not hitting the unusual terrain hidden below the murky water. 

It was quite warm with hot spots here and there. I spent about 45 minutes relaxing, moving about to find a quiet spot to relax. The majority were folks looking for a quiet experience with a few rowdy groups mixed in. Of course it was a group of young Americans that were the worst. But not horrible. I did the free silica mask that was found at stations in the lagoon. And mostly just sat/floated enjoying the relaxing warmth, people watching and amazed at the landscape I was in. 

For example - the cold. Although nice and warm I felt like it was summer and I had just gotten a brain freeze. By the end my ears were quite cold. The life guards were bundled up in fur lined parkas. 

I felt like I was in a small oasis. This little warm corner with this barren landscape as a backdrop. 

I really wish the place had a museum. Just a cafe and gift shop. No real explanation of how the lagoon worked. I kept trying to figure out where the intakes and overflow was, if it was directly heated, etc. 

As I was leaving I noticed how long the line was. By the time I left it was going out the door and they were announcing they were pausing entry since the lagoon was maxed out. 

In my way back to the bus I explored some if the surrounding trails. It was so cold and windy. I couldn't believe I was just bathing a moment ago. 

Made it to the bus and got one of the last spots. As I waited for the bus to leave, with my wet swimsuit in my hat - didn't have a plastic bag, I was very glad I made the journey. Such a great thing to do first thing off the plane and if I were to do it over again I would take the bus directly from the airport. And save money and time - cutting out a leg of travel. 

As we headed back I immediately started nodding off. Long travel + warm bath and it's hard not to. I felt self conscious first time I noticed I was falling asleep and then noticed half the bus was asleep. 

The last part of the ride was dropping off everyone at the airports on the edge of the city. So got a tour of what the city really looks like beyond the older central charm. Very plain buildings. More multi family than single family homes. By the end I was confident I picked the best hotel to stay at.