19.6 Kg

"Anyone whose goal is ‘something higher’ must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves."

(Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being)

I made it. Iceland here I am. How do you like me now?!! 

Alright. I made it without too many travel woes. I mean, I love to travel. Discovering new places, experiencing adventure, in all that it entails. On the other hand, it has it's draw backs.

The baggage weight requirements seem to shift like the tides. It's frustrating. Icelandair. I was only allowed a slim 20 kg (44lbs) for my two month stay. Lovely. I say that with much contempt, lol. It's interesting, the baggage allowances seems to ever so slowly, ever so subtly, decrease with various airlines.

When I checked my bag I was elated to have made it at a minuscule, 19.6 kg. Whew! I'm getting better at this. With all my bitching, it's actually a good thing I'm becoming a better, more efficient traveler. There might be hope for me yet!

But you know, I get so tickled by the all the airline pomp and circumstance. For instance, I had almost forgotten to put my godforsaken liquids in the required, airline regulated, clear plastic bag, to then have my stuff shoved through security as the screening agent ignored the monitor while gossiping with a co-worker.

The flight to Iceland was smooth sailing besides the fact I was seated in the middle of a sea of teenage, Swedish, hockey players. There's nothing cute about it. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

As we touched down Keflavik International Airport I could see the vastness of the landscape. It's quite barren and beautiful at the same time. Took a 40 minute bus ride to Reykjavik and was amazed by the sweeping views of the country side. Feels like being on another planet. Moon like. No trees. Volcanic rock. It wasn't until we reached the city that trees dotted the area. Which I was told were planted.

The big news about town is the volcanic eruption. They say it's a beautiful site to behold. I'd like to see it at some point. The other news is the financial collapse Iceland experienced. Everything seems to be pulled to together from what I see, but what do I know at this point. Known for being expensive, living has been more of a strain on it's residents. A perfect opportunity for tourists however, as prices are reasonable for visitors.

Good thing is, the Icelanders are still up for some yoga! I'm looking forward to discovering this enchanted island, and all that it has to offer.