Geothermal bliss!

The Sun-Craft sculpture with Mt Esja in the background

We took this photo at noon. The sun only came up half an hour earlier, which made it damn hard to wake up this morning. We were meant to have set out much earlier - this was our first stop - but who really gives a damn when you are on holidays!

We rented a car today and drove and drove and drove. At points, we were the only car for miles. We took a detour, seduced by a large blob of steam in the distance which didn't seem to be moving at all, and ended up in the carpark of one of the many geothermal plants that power this city. Most of Reyjavik's energy is piped from volcanic areas in the form of super-heated geothermal water, so there is barely any pollution. It's a far cry from the smog filled skies of stink town. Our lungs almost couldn't cope, so we sought comfort at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous attractions.

Steam from a geothermal plant

The Blue Lagoon is a spa about 50km out of Reyjavik in the middle of a vast black lava plain. We timed our visit perfectly - no tour groups in sight. In fact, it was nearly empty and, at times, we felt like the only people there. According to the guidebook, the Blue Lagoon has its critics but "most people have to be dragged out, sobbing and swearing to return" ... it' safe to say that we were no different to "most people".

It was 38 degrees in the water and about -5 out. After three blissful hours, we finally worked up the willpower to hit the showers. We left relaxed, happy, and looking just a little odd with red faces and solid hair.

Relaxing in the blue lagoon!