Iceland // oh the smell of rotten eggs

If only I could let you smell the warm scent of rotten eggs...

Hverir is definitely like a different planet! 

I overheard an Englishman saying: "It's like swimming in boiled egg water." To the point, I must say!

12 degrees Celsius and rain // it was divine // Myvatn Nature Baths 

evening walk in Dimmuborgir // in the car back to the hotel we introduced the kids to one of Norway's biggest musical exports, namely Dimmu Borgir - not our first choice of music, to be honest 

LagreLagre

Iceland // north bound

pleasing aesthetics // goodbye #fosshotelvatnajökull // day 5 driving route on Google Maps

This was a random stop along the coast to stretch our legs; it turned out to be total zen. As it turns out, the whole family loves searching for the perfect pebbles. 

Running off some steam after hours of driving.

lovely lunch with noisy company (my own kids...) at Hotel Aldan in Seydisfjordur 

Such beautiful landscape on the drive from Seydisfjordur to the Myvatn area. But why haven't the children fallen asleep yet? They already have their pyjamas on. This in not according to our plan for a peaceful late evening drive...

To frolic around in the reception area of a hotel in your pyjamas way past your bedtime. 

room with a (11 pm) view, part three // not pictured: falling asleep in the car fail = falling asleep in the same room challenge

When the husband says he will take care of putting the overtired kids to bed and asks you to have a nightcap and enjoy the sunset and (possible) volcano view. #mombliss

pleasing aesthetics, part two // While I was busy grading midterm papers, Sølve and his father did a great job booking accommodation for our stay at Iceland. It was all a bit last minute and we ended up paying more per night than we originally planned, but the bonus is - for me at least - some aesthetically pleasing stays. These photos are from Hotel Laxá.

"I'm just gonna take a photo of this nature porn." Quote: Husband Sølve at midnight

room with a view, 2 am version // really should go to bed asap

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PS: I have posted a few short Iceland videos to my Instagram. Follow me there if you are interested to have a look. I'm halloastrid

Iceland // the drive to Núpar

On day three we drove from Skálholt (were the wedding was) to Núpar. It was a day filled to the brim with sights. First stop: Kerið, a volcanic crater lake.  

Next stop: the lava tunnel 

lava tunnel selfie // he was not too excited about the helmet

caught taking the selfie // by my father-in-law

This one, on the other hand, was super excited about the lava tunnel expedition.

Someone with a name starting with S and ending with ølve was determined to see the DC-3 plane wreck. Little did we know that it was a 7,5 km walk back and forth. The light was good though.

Ok then, it was worth the (unexpected long) walk.

So fascinated to see these precious little flowers growing in the black sand.

Little Mr Rock Picker was in heaven. He kept asking for "stor stein" (big rock), but found them too heavy to carry. 

lupins galore // but: the war on the lupine plant continues around Iceland

late dinner // Halldórskaffi, Vík

On our way to the last sight of the day: the very impressive Black Beach

nature ftw! // mighty impressive basalt columns 

11 pm Black Beach sightseeing // way past bedtime for the kids, but so worth it

They both fell asleep in the car afterwards while we drove the last bit to the hotel in Núpar.