Iceland beckons... · 10:01pm Oct 16th, 2023
I’ll be going on vacation there in two days. And though I hoped to maybe finish a chapter of Feathered Hearts—which currently sits at around 14.7k words and is likely to be broken up again for the length it’s reaching—I’m not going to be able to. Too much on my plate, and I need to be able to relax for a bit.
Relaxation has been hard for me to come by of late. High blood pressure and associated anxiety remains an issue even though I’m losing weight and making lifestyle changes, and it’s belied by the fact I can run up to nine miles now. Honestly, for as much exercise as I get, it seems a bit unfair. Unfortunately, hypertension runs in my family and getting it under control ain’t easy.
Then there was last night. Unable to sleep, I tossed and turned for hours before finally getting a call from work at around 2 AM, explaining that a production software release I had done this past weekend had failed. It couldn’t wait until morning given it was a critical process. That took three hours to resolve as I sat at my laptop in my bathrobe, allowing me only 2-3 hours of sleep at the end. And tomorrow—joy upon joy—I have to go to the DMV, because my driver’s license is expiring.
And once all that is done, I need to get a haircut, get all my remaining work done, and finally spend the evening getting myself pulled together for vacation, including packing (remember warm clothes!) and gathering all the documentation in advance of a 8:50 AM flight. For anyone curious, I’m doing this:
https://usa.wingbuddy.com/tour_trip/334/iceland-discovery-washington
For my first visit, I figured I’d get catered to as much as possible, with all the reservations and transportation taken care of for me. As much as I’d like to see the northern lights for the first time in my life, the weather there does not look good for it this upcoming week. But no matter. I’m finally getting out there, like I promised myself for years. And here’s one must-see that isn’t actually too far from where I’ll be staying in Reykjavik:
Yes, it’s real. A museum of male equipment. They even have a gift shop. Maybe I’ll use it for writing inspiration.
In any event, my writing schedule is a bit on hold at the moment, and I’m sorry to say that it’s pretty much impossible by now that I’ll get a new Nightmare Night entry done in time for Halloween. But I’ll work on Feathered Hearts a bit while I’m over there. I’ll post a blog from the place after I arrive, and if I’ve managed a bit more work on it, a teaser.
That sounds rough! They called you at 2 in the morning? Ugh! I'm hoping Iceland helps bring you some peace from your troubles, at least temporarily. And I'd be thinking about an early retirement too. Your line of work sounds very stressful. No amount of money is worth your life, Sensei.
Bring me back a dick from Iceland, will ya?
Happy Vacation, we read your stuff eventually when it's done, don't stress yourself about it. Focus on enjoying yourself and relaxing
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Bon Voyage mon ami!
You've earned it. Enjoy and let your brain unwind. Inspiration often comes in the unlikeliest of places!
Fun Fact: There's a monument with my name on it in Reykjavik.
Take care of yourself first.
Yes I am bit sad, as I hoped to have new chapter to read for Pony Con Holland, but hey, your health is priority.
Also I am kinda envious...we plan Iceland in 2024 or 5 and I can't wait, so enjoy your vacation
Post some photos later or some link or something :-)
Enjoy your trip! I went to Iceland at the end of June, when it was Daylight 24/7, so no Northern Lights for me! Hopefully the weather will clear enough for you.
It's a beautiful, fascinating country, and the Icelanders are very friendly people, in my experience.
BTW, fair warning: the hot water in Reykjavik is a bit stinky, like rotten eggs. So if/when you take a shower, you'll know it's not you or a malfunction. Apparently they leave a small percentage of sulfur in the water to help keep the pipes from blocking (or something! This was how it was explained to us. YMMV). Cold water is not affected. Go figure...
Also: The Icelandic horses are very pretty, freaking adorable, generally very sweet, and everyone seems to have them wherever you go. I hope you get a chance to see some up close.
Finally if you can, the Black Crust Pizza restaurant in Vik has excellent pizza. The Black Crust Pizza itself is literally made from black dough, and is very soft and tasty.
Anyway, have fun!
I have never been there, but I've heard that Reykjavik is a beautiful city.
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I was gravely disappointed that they *didn’t* have a Bag of Dicks! The museum itself was definitely interesting, though. A quite thorough examination of phallic science, neatly categorized by type of animal.
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A little late on replying to this, but I appreciate the well-wishes. I’m back now and will post a blog on my experiences later.
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Thanks! I should have brought back Puffin plushes from the gift stores from everyone.
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Thanks. Did my best, but the trip in some ways added to my stress. But it was worth it in the end. Saw a new place, and did indeed gain some insights into myself, though I’m afraid they had to be slapped into me at one point.
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Interesting. I didn’t see all of the city, though I frequented the waterfront and dock areas, which had a lot to offer. What monument is that?
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Indeed it is. And I gained some insights on mine while I was there through an event I’ll describe later that ultimately had a good outcome.
I liked the place! Just bring warm clothes, and an appetite for lamb and fish. Because they’ve got tons of both, and can do them up nicely.
I will, in due time.
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It was not.
It stormed hard the first three days I was there. Weather finally partially cleared by day 5, and I went on a tour where they take you out into the countryside away from city light pollution, but no auroras were seen. Oh well.
Indeed they are. They’re very Nordic-looking. It’s also very helpful that they all speak English.
I did not notice a smell. Not even when I took some long, hot showers after tours in rain and wind.
I saw some at a distance, but that was it.
I didn’t get there, sorry. I sought out Icelandic staples, including their fish and lamb dishes. Really had my fill of those, and (mostly) enjoyed them.
Appreciate the well-wishes, and sorry for being a little late on my reply.
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It truly is. Very safe and walkable, too. Waterfront is gorgeous and there’s plenty to see and do. And eat!
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Eve Monument
I'm on tile 29... well, my character is
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No reason to apologize in any way! I hope that you had an enjoyable trip overall. :)
EDIT: Okay wow, never mind! I read your follow-up blog. Now I hope you're just able to even relax now that you're home...
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you should have (insert fake pout)