Location: Reykjavik
Hello to all; tonight is Lindsey’s turn to write THE blog. Boy am I tasting my own medicine b/c it is 9 pm in our home away from home hostel: Dalur. This is the usual time to write after all the day’s activities have ended (or just begun for some of the late-night girls’ talk), when all you’re thinking of is the surprisingly comfortable hostel sheets… anyways, today’s theme was freedom (in conjunction with safety, always). We woke up very leisurely today to be sure our phones were charged, and our mindset was ready to catch Bus 14 into Reykjavik city center. Despite having delicious sandwiches, leftover pizza, and breakfast cereal, very few of the 12 students wanted anything to do with it (although I did see Nick eat about 800 blueberries, which made me very happy). We arrived at the same stop downtown as we did 14 short days ago, perfectly timed for all the adorable shops to first open for the day. We went over some rules and planned our meeting stop: 16:45 @ 101 Bistro. Most of the group already scoped out this day of freedom with each opportunity during the limited phone times. We all set out on different paths for a day with our buddies and had fun bumping into each other at various places… of course, the first time Kimmi, Rai, and I ran into everyone was at the Phallological Museum… as I nurse, I surprisingly did not know that this means the “The Study of The Penis.” We had lots of giggles, especially Kai. Kimmi and I went to a vinyl record shop with a café and just about died realizing we were sitting kiddie corner from Björk.
We tried to be cool; in Iceland, famous people are adorably just people. But for us, we were awkwardly trying not to look in her direction, which probably looked like we were staring into each other’s eyes while eating our leftover pizza and coffee in the café. It was truly hard not to buy everything in sight, as I wish I could bottle up everything about this experience and bring it back. It felt like Christmas morning when 16:45 rolled around, and we got to meet up with everyone and hear about each other’s days. Joselyn and Leora’s recollection of their lunch, specifically the date and black garlic butter, almost brought both of them to tears. And Maren purchased the whale poster I was selfishly going to get for myself, for her friend back home. Your heart will melt (as mine did) when you hear that the boys took turns going to places that peaked their interest and sat with Kyle when he got his Korean lunch that abided by his allergies. We had a great dinner in an old house that was constructed in 1898. And on the way back, we were even serenaded by the bus driver, making up for the fact that it was 15 min. Later than expected. My squeeze question of the day was, “What is your love language?” I highly recommend this book. I was surprised that many people said physical touch and words of affirmation. The alarms have been set for 5 am (4:59 for me who does not like to set alarms on classic times), and I do hope everyone can rest well today so we’re somewhat delightful to see tomorrow! I (and I know Kimmi as well) have truly had a wonderful time with each and every person on this trip. Thank you so much for sharing your child/brother/sister/friend/most valuable possession with us for these 14 unforgettable days.
Students, thank you for all the great memories and for exploring Iceland with us. I hope it inspired you as much as it did me. Please keep in touch and carry the happiness you experienced here.
x Lindsey