Today as every last day of a trip is, was very bittersweet. When I start packing my bags to return to the US I start to reminisce about the time I had. Would I come back? Would I change anything? Did I get to do everything I wanted? and so on and so on. I can honestly say that I had one of the most amazing times in Iceland, and will definitely return someday. Being that we came in November, there were some activities that we were not able to experience. The next time we will come in the summer, and explore the northern part of the country. There are boat trips that are only available during the summer, such as to see puffins in their natural habitat, whale watching, and although it may sound crazy I am dying to go scuba diving here.
So like all our previous mornings we started the day with our rooftop breakfast, then we made our travel arrangements to go back to the airport, and decided to head into town for one last time for some souvenirs, and some last minute photo ops. As we stepped outside though it was apparent that this day was unlike the last few. It was bitter cold, the coldest day yet. Up until now it almost seemed the money we all spent on big fuzzy boots, and down coats was a waste, but not today. As we were walking through the town we would run into every other store just to warm up a little before heading to the next.
No matter wherever I travel there are some staple items that I always look for when finding a souvenir for myself. The first is I always buy a Christmas Ornament (or something I can convert into a Christmas ornament), the second is a cookbook of local cuisine or a coffee table book, the third is a bottle of local wine or spirits, and last is a home decoration. I After we found our souvenirs, we decided to grab a hot chocolate, then headed back to the hotel to wait for our ride to the airport.
Flying standby is always a little stressful, but when three people are flying standby and trying to get on the same flight even adds to the stress. Although we checked the flight loads several days earlier, by the time we showed up at the airport things changed, and while checking in we heard those dreaded words, "The flight is full, you are probably not going to make it." Great! Regardless of the news we checked our luggage, proceeded through passport control. then to the Iceland Air customer service area, which basically was a waiting area for standby passengers. After which seemed forever but in reality was probably only an hour we were told that there were two seats left on the Washington Dulles flight. So since my mom's car was at Dulles airport we decided that her and I would take those seats, and TK would take the later flight to JFK (which we were told had plenty of seats.) We said our good-byes, boarded the plane, and took our seats. At this point I really thought I was safe, but when the Lead Flight Attendant came up to me, I knew I was being bumped. It seemed they only had one seat not two. No problem, I would just go with TK to JFK and figure everything out when I got there. While talking to the Flight Attendants and hearing that I was also a crew member, things changed again, they allowed me to take one of their extra jump seats, so that's what I did. The crew was awesome, and a true testament of the kindness of the Icelandic people.
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