The Land of Fire and Ice: One Quarter Down

As I write this post, I am sitting in a lovely little cafe called Reykjavik Roasters. It has become one of my favorite "go to" cafes. The atmosphere is friendly, quiet yet not silent, the hot chocolate is warm and foamy, and as I turn my head to look out the window I can see the mountains across the sea. There is an abundance of cafes in this city and I have greatly enjoyed trying hot chocolate in a handful of them. Looking back on the week. I realize it has been somewhat of an eventful one. Though it was rainy the entire week, the sun has shone down on us both Saturday and today. They have been glorious days. Monday I was supposed to go on a field trip with my Icelandic Nature and Culture class, but the teacher was sick, therefore the trip was canceled. Wednesday night we had the privilege of attending a free concert of the up and coming Icelandic artist Ásgeir Trausti. As of 2013 he has launched as an international artist, and understandably so as I very much enjoyed his music. Thursday night was the opening night of the Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival. A few of us from Gest-Inn walked to a nearby garden with multiples statues throughout. The mayor of Reykjavik, Jón Kristinsson, said a few words to the group of about 100 that had gathered. During his speech, lights were turned on illuminating all the statues, along with music being played throughout the garden. From there the group was led on a walk through the city to see ten different light exhibits created by numerous artists. It was a fun walk, and a beautiful night for the event. Friday my class was cancelled after the professor did not show (totalling my class count to two for the week). That night we went to the student cellar for dinner. This was my first time experiencing the cellar; it was an entertaining place to grab food and drinks. I then headed home to cuddle up in my bed, to be energized once again an hour or so later by a text saying "Girls, go outside, there are northern lights!" I immediately climbed out the window onto the roof to witness the amazing show. They were more spectacular in person than any picture I have seen. Saturday morning I woke up to sunshine streaming in my widow with hopes of taking a ferry to Viðey Island. I rounded up Sierra and Laura to partake in the adventure with me and we headed out. We headed out not only in the wrong direction, but ended up about 45 minutes from where we were supposed to be.. completely my fault, I will admit. We decided to walk around the harbor for a while, and later peruse the flee market and purchase some more fish for the week. The night ended with some Olympics and way too much spaghetti. Now for the visuals...