Arrival in Reykjavik

Did we expect any of this?

Arriving at the airport of Keflavik feels different, exotic, maybe strange? I dont know. Good definitely. Sun is shining unexpectadly. I don’t spot a blowing volcano. Nice and chic are the hallways to the baggage claim. Silence, even though masses of people around.

Snowbird (escaping egg) sculpture in front of the airport terminal

Our group of wild determined mountaineers gathers in the Hotel lobby in Reykjavik. We all feel strange, imagining where we just landed – up north west on a piece of lava-land in the water. Ok, flat, but Iceland has put undefined presumptions to all our minds.

Where is the ashcloud – or at least ashdust on the streets? Poor city after hard economy struggles? We are visiting a sunny, clean, modern, metropolitain city which unreveals beauty and exitement behind every streetcorner. It looks like home, says Bob from Vermont. Well, could be Colerado as well, says Michelle from Boulder. Definitely far away are all pictures we brought with us.

After a fantastic dinner and revolutionary beer tastes, we watch the gangs of Thursday nights on the strip Laugavegur. 70% women and 30% men respresent the actual balance of the city. Vivid, living, loud, not yelling, safe, relaxed, enjoying. We take our stroll back home and I love my small cozy modern bed at 1am (3am at home). I didnt expect the day develop this easy.

Iceland – Reach the Top of Hvannadalshnukur

In a few hours, I will take this flight now – up to Iceland, Adventure land.

Reach the Top

On invitation from 66North, Icelandic Mountain Guides and partners, a dozen journalists travel to one of the world’s most amazing place. In the global news all spring, this island became famous, to the good or bad. Many cliches and made-up stories filled space in bulletins and newspapers.

We will have the chance now to see the real world up there – and how the Icelanders actually cope with their matters, which have been rolled out to an extend: economic crashdown, ashcloud, melting of glaciers/climatechange & not least their enduring day-to-day life.

I will post a few small comments with picture from iphone + add more story after my return. 

Leaving the office desk in central Stockholm now.