Visiting Iceland at the beginning of winter doesn't seem like the wisest idea, does it? Well, no one ever accused me of being wise. We're off to Iceland the first week of November. Why you might say? The hope of seeing Northern Lights during a new moon is a big reason. Seeing the beautiful landscape is another.
If you've read any of my past blogs you probably know that we love to travel the world and also take photos. We've found a way of joining the two by taking Photo Workshops from some very talented photographers that share their knowledge in some pretty incredible locations. This time, we're traveling with National Geographic Photographer Ira Block (blog). We also have Liza Politi (http://www.fancygirlstreetboy.com/) keeping us on track.
Iceland's an interesting country. With a total population of a little less than 400,000, they have a data base where they can research how they're related to anyone else in the country (probably to prevent the family tree from becoming a stick). They also have a very old fashion naming tradition of taking the dad's (or mom's in some cases) first name, adding son or dottir to the end and that becomes the child's last name. The phone directory lists the residents alphabetically by their First name! All this is possible in a small society without large amounts of immigration. They suffered a financial crisis in 2008 but are well along the road to a full recovery.
The landscape varies from volcanoes to iceberg filled bays to geothermal pools. Communal hot springs are a major pastime for Icelanders. We already have tickets to the famous Blue Lagoon (no Brooke Shield jokes, please) where we'll get to experience the soothing mineral waters first hand. As I mentioned above, we're hoping to experience the famous Aurora Borealis while there. We should have prime viewing since we're visiting during a new moon although cloud cover may foil our plans.
We are in our final preparation stages, gathering warm clothing and camera gear so we can experience everything Iceland has to offer. Next stop: Reykjavik
If you've read any of my past blogs you probably know that we love to travel the world and also take photos. We've found a way of joining the two by taking Photo Workshops from some very talented photographers that share their knowledge in some pretty incredible locations. This time, we're traveling with National Geographic Photographer Ira Block (blog). We also have Liza Politi (http://www.fancygirlstreetboy.com/) keeping us on track.
Iceland's an interesting country. With a total population of a little less than 400,000, they have a data base where they can research how they're related to anyone else in the country (probably to prevent the family tree from becoming a stick). They also have a very old fashion naming tradition of taking the dad's (or mom's in some cases) first name, adding son or dottir to the end and that becomes the child's last name. The phone directory lists the residents alphabetically by their First name! All this is possible in a small society without large amounts of immigration. They suffered a financial crisis in 2008 but are well along the road to a full recovery.
The landscape varies from volcanoes to iceberg filled bays to geothermal pools. Communal hot springs are a major pastime for Icelanders. We already have tickets to the famous Blue Lagoon (no Brooke Shield jokes, please) where we'll get to experience the soothing mineral waters first hand. As I mentioned above, we're hoping to experience the famous Aurora Borealis while there. We should have prime viewing since we're visiting during a new moon although cloud cover may foil our plans.
We are in our final preparation stages, gathering warm clothing and camera gear so we can experience everything Iceland has to offer. Next stop: Reykjavik
