From the Blue Lagoon to the Streets of Milano

 Our last day in Iceland was the most chill, with a relaxing morning at breakfast. We had a little bit of time to walk around Reykjavik and pick up some gifts in the little shops. I bought a bag and a bracelet made out of fish leather, which I thought was super cool. 


Joost had plans today so we had a new driver take us to the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately I got the timing wrong of my moms flight and the driver was late so the Blue Lagoon trip was a little rushed. I had heard not great things about it- that it was touristy, that the water irritated their skin, that it was too crowded. Well let me tell you, it was one of my faves for sure! Also super cool because it was snowing out!

Step 1 of the mud mask

The water is a milky white color from the silica content, and turquoise as well. We also had a mud mask treatment which was super cool, there was a pool bar you walk up to for each step in the 3 step process. The water is directly fed from a natural spring too. 

These are the sources of the hot water from the ground


Step 2 of the mud mask

Looking 20 years younger!

I couldn’t go to the blue lagoon on my last trip because there was a volcano erupting near the lagoon (here volcanos erupt with lava seeping up through fissures in the ground so they are less dangerous than Vesuvius volcanoes). So the new road we drove over was actually over new lava, some of which was still steaming. There is a town right by Blue Lagoon called Grindavik and when the volcano erupted this year the government decided that they all needed to move out because it was too much of a risky area due to proximity to the volcano, so everyone that lived in the village needed to move. 


After our quick stop we were able to head right to the airport which is very close by. We said farewell to Iceland and parted ways, as I took my Wizz Air flight to Milano to see Livia!


So at this point Paulette is safe and sound in Boston and I am in Livia's friends apartment in Milan (Romans rag on Milan - Livia says "another ugly day in Milano" because it is cloudy!) with ridiculously high ceilings and big windows and a crazy central staircase that is just normal in apartments here… I’ll take a pic later. I think I walked out of baggage claim literally at midnight so we celebrated in the airport waiting for our 12:26 train, wishing passersby Auguri and Buon Anno! We had a long walk through Milan to the apartment but I just can’t get over how every building in this country is old and beautiful. We’re here for another day then heading to the French Alps!


A little crazy Italian shoring for the Architects in the room!


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