Our group was small in size, but HUGE in enthusiasm and conviviality! It was a long first day as we deplaned in Iceland on June 11 at 6:20 AM. Seeing Iceland for the first time, must be similar to seeing the moon's surface....largely a volcanic surface. Few trees because of the climate and short growing season and hence, about 63% of the land is tundra. Geologically young and active, it has had many volcanoes. It's also home to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that runs through it, making it a geologists ideal place to study.

We were met by our guide and enjoyed a three hour city sightseeing tour of Reykjavik – tough to do with very little sleep, but most of us stayed awake. We were on our own that evening some of us went to a Mexican Restaurant (of all things to do when you come to Iceland), and as you can see below, some enjoyed a visit to the “Ice Bar”. After all, when you're in Iceland, the “Ice Bar” is a must.

 

 

	A nine-hour tour of Iceland the next day was really great. Wonderful sights including geysers and waterfalls
Our third day was also interesting with an whale watching excursion, puffins and a little fishing. Of course, when in Iceland, you must experience the “Blue Lagoon” with the geothermal waters and the silt in the lagoon that is supposed to be beneficial (but no one told us what the benefits would be, other than make your hair gritty). Adding Iceland to our Sognefjord Tour was a bonus that was very educational, enlightening and enjoyable. Well worth the extra time and the long first day.

 

No tour to Norway is complete without a stop in Bergen. Once visited, it becomes everyone's favorite city. Everybody says “it always rains in Bergen”. No, it doesn't.....we had perfect summer weather. Our Sognefjordlag group seems to have brought the sunshine and mild temperatures wherever we traveled. That was especially true as we all enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Mt. Floyen restaurant that overlooks Bergen. The evening was a wonderful event as we enjoyed dinner, wine and conversation. Looking down at Bergen from that height and as the sun was setting was as picturesque as it can get! Needless to say, we also enjoyed Troldhaugen, the Fish Market and the great shopping.

On our way to the Sognefjord, we enjoyed a brief stop in Selje and a boat ride out to one of the most historic places in Norway, the Selje Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, founded in about 1100 and dedicated to Saint Alban. Here, tour member, Ally Fruit, was our “designated” bell ringer and climbed the ancient tower to ring the bell. The ruins and tower are a significant part of Norway's history. From here, it was on to the “art nouveau” city of Alesund where we enjoyed a walking tour of this town. Again,this is very picturesque city that is should be a “must” stop on anyone's tour.

 

 

 

Alesund has about 45,000 people, a seaport with fishing as the main industry. It's a town that was, for the most part, destroyed by fire in January 1904. Unbelievably, only one person died in the fire. Our guide told us that Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany sent 4 warships with materials to build temporary shelters. Actually the ships were originally destined to go somewhere else, but when he heard about the fire, he sent them to Alesund. The town was rebuilt in stone, brick and mortar in Jugendstil (Art Nouveau).

 

 

 

 

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