March 13th Fast Five With a Little Taste of Iceland!

 

1.    Hot Dogs in Iceland?  January wasn't my first trip to the land of fire and ice, and one thing that I noticed both times was that there were a few places to get hot dogs.  Granted, there are a lot of delicacies in Iceland; some good and some not so much.  I never stopped to get a hot dog or Pylsa.  It seemed very American while traveling and I don't normally do that.  However, when I ran into people in the laundromat and they suggested we try it; we couldn't resist.  Lesson learned.  Icelanders, in true fashion, have adapted the hot dog to a more local dish.  The hot dog we had was lamb and topped with lamb bacon, along with some other lamb compatible toppings.  It was delicious and like nothing I'd ever had before.  Live and learn and try a hot dog while in Iceland!

https://wakeupreykjavik.com/icelandic-hot-dog

https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/what-to-eat-in-iceland-the-ultimate-guide-to-the-famous-icelandic-hot-dogs

https://www.authenticvacations.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-icelandic-hot-dog

https://pylsubarinn.is/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/pylsur-icelandic-hot-dog

2.    Fossatun Campground and Troll Garden, Iceland.  This is one of those roadside stops that is enchanting, fun and beautiful.  We were on our way to Borganes, Iceland and just before the bridge heading into town, there was a right turn.  It was the middle of January, so it was cold and the days were short, but I'd heard there was a troll garden down that road.  It's quite a drive, but quite beautiful, and when you get there it's the cutest campground ever.  There's a restaurant and facilities inside, a beautiful waterfalls outside with a balcony for a good view.  Above all the camping cabins is a hill and the hill is where you'll find the troll statues.  It's great fun no matter what time of year you go.  There's a lot of material about trolls and even books at the campground.  Trolls are a way of life in Iceland and it's a great way to experience it.

https://fossatun.is/campsite/

https://fossatun.is/trollgarden/

https://www.west.is/en/service/trollpark-in-fossatun

https://www.west.is/en/place/troll-walk

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g608868-d12992860-Reviews-Troll_Waterfalls-Borgarnes_Borgarbyggd_West_Region.html

3.  While I'm talking about Iceland, I wanted to talk a bit about spas and hot spring experiences.  The Blue Lagoon is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, however, there's been a bit of a problem as of late in that there's a fissure that keeps erupting along the road to it.  It's been in the news and if you've missed it, where have you been?  Not to worry though.  There are tons of thermal spas, outdoor swimming, hot springs and the like all around the country.  There's a wonderful spot called Sky Lagoon right on the other side of Reykjavik.  So, don't let a volcano discourage you.  Iceland has you covered no matter what.

https://www.bluelagoon.com/

https://www.skylagoon.com/

https://hekla.com/blog/top-10-natural-hot-springs-in-iceland/

https://www.visiticeland.com/article/geothermal-pools

https://adventures.is/blog/swimming-in-iceland-best-places/

4.    Catacombs in Luxembourg.  Luxembourg is a tiny city state style country in Europe and if you blink you might miss it.  There is a little bit of surrounding countryside where it sits between France, Belgium and Germany, but the highlight is the medieval fortified town at the center of it's one city, which is its capital.  There are a lot of things to see and do in Luxembourg, the city, but underneath it is really something.  There are caves and catacombs where you will find a lot of different things from military style surroundings to an ossuary.  It's definitely worthwhile if passing through the small country while in Europe.

https://www.visitluxembourg.com/

https://luxembourg.public.lu/en.html

https://thegetaway.com/destinations/top-stops-to-visit-in-luxembourg/1/?style=quick&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=c-search&utm_term=luxembourg&adid=393733625995&ad_group_id=87298116608&utm_campaign=TGA-USA_-_Search_-_top_stops_to_visit_in_luxembourg_-_Desktop&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW8qxfaU4JvXmxrQrIeUrNOuyo09IKCJbMwngjSMIwWuDQ6MEKbhx30aApW-EALw_wcB

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l430/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15511337459&cq_con=130459319906&cq_term=luxembourg&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15511337459&adgroup_id=130459319906&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-11679201&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=e&ad_id=569262886969&keyword=luxembourg&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW-qteX6mnF_E9Aq69QWZu7luwbtzcoBEEAW4XtE6MbyCPMY_bUDp-gaAg8LEALw_wcB

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190356-d523356-Reviews-Casemates_du_Bock-Luxembourg_City.html

5.    Hiking the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland.  Is there anyplace more picturesque and beautiful?  The Cliffs of Moher are known the world over and is a place that is so stunning it will stick in your memory forever.  So, if everyone knows about it, then why am I mentioning it?  Ah!  Well, in case you didn't know, there's a designated walking trek covering 20 kilometers along the cliffs.  There are multiple stopping, entering and exiting points along the way, so you can do as much or as little as you wish.  It's the best way to enjoy the cliffs, and something no one should miss.  There's also a ferry that will give you a good view from the bottom on good weather days.

https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/

https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/cliffs-of-moher/

https://directionallychallengedtraveler.com/cliffs-of-moher-ireland-travel/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1184916-d214806-Reviews-Cliffs_of_Moher-Liscannor_County_Clare.html

https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/cliffs-of-moher-ireland/

And there you have it!  Some great thoughts and ideas to enhance your trip.  I could talk all day about Iceland, so at some point I have to stop myself and move on.  There are so many unique and beautiful places to visit and so many great experiences that continue to amaze me.  Travel is the best way to learn about life and the world; history and people.  So, take the time to enjoy the little things as you pack your bags, take off for parts unknown and enjoy!