Homeward Bound

Monday, September 16, 2024

Almost forgot - here's a picture of the cute cottage/house that was in view from our stateroom the entire time we were in Reykjavik. Think you might have to access this place by boat - it always looked pretty.

This morning's weather, cold and gray with rain expected. Out of our stateroom by 8AM (as required) and up to the World Cafe for breakfast. Then we hung out in one of the public areas for a bit before heading off the ship to engage a taxi.

We had packed our heavy coats - after all, we are heading home to warm weather. Unfortunately the wind was blowing 25+ and it was cold, cold, cold as we descended the gangway to get our luggage. Then outside again to get to the cruise terminal and once more to get taxi, which we had to wait about 10-15 minutes for. We were not the only ones freezing. Iceland was giving us a grand goodbye.

This taxi driver was very personable and we had good conversation. The airport was about 45 minutes away. Because we got there early, we had to wait until about Noontime to check in and get into the main terminal. We found Leif Ericksson plaque being honored as a 'son of Iceland' and discoverer of North America in 1000 AD (move over Columbus)

Flight wasn't until 5pm - so we had plenty of time. Did some shopping, had pizza for lunch. Rain had started at this point but no sign of any delays. 

When time for our flight on Iceland Air, we headed downstairs only to realize we had to get on a bus to take us to the plane. Just like Heathrow, they don't have enough jetports for the amount of planes coming in and out. So back we go outside to get on the bus, which drove us about a half mile or so to the plane, where we once again went out in the weather and up the steps to the plane. Fortunately, the bus driver staggered us getting off the bus so as to avoid waiting outside as people climbed the stairs. It was raining and blowing - quite the storm. But one lady ahead of us was in a hurry, slipped and fell on the stairs. When we got in the plane, she had a towel on her head and was bleeding - yikes!

I had booked us Premium seats, which turned out to be first class - good choice - as we were greeted with champagne when we sat down.

And continued to be wined and dined as we crossed the Atlantic heading home.

We had a wonderful trip. Even though some ports were cancelled due to weather, the weather we had was fantastic. Always sunny and always dry. Cold, yes, but we expected that. We would consider returning some day - we said the same thing about Norway!

AND, when we returned we found out that Viking has given each of us a $1000 voucher towards a future cruise due to our schedule change. Pretty awesome. We did book a River Cruise while onboard for 2026 - going to cruise the Danube, from Passau to Budapest with a pre-trip to Munich and Salzburg (Do-Re-Me??)

We always meet such nice people on board and this trip was no different. While we had several dinners with Bruce, Janie, and Pal - we would enjoy other folks company during cocktails or on excursions. You tend to find a number of folks that you just keep running into and are able to catch up and share a bit.

Thanks for reading along. Glad I got this finished. Now for our next event - moving to Maryland on October 10th. Yes, we have sold the house.

Until then,

Betsy