Firstly, I must apologise for the lack of photos and video, we are having trouble both here in Iceland and with the internet back at home. We are trying hard to get some pictures and video up ASAP!
We have had a very busy day today. We made it to the Northern Lights museum this morning just as it got light. It was a very bracing walk with rain and a driving wind that is so cold I actually had trouble speaking as my face was numb! The pupils were troopers and battled the elements so well. The walk was broken up by a piece of comedy gold from one of our male pupils who managed to fall into a small fountain! Luckily he had waterproofs on so didn't get too wet and hypothermic!
The museum was lovely and the pupils really got into the spirit of it by completing some activities, discussing the science surrounding the phenomena and just being inspired by a truly spectacular event. The museum is very new and had not only scientific facts but also historical and mythical ones too. There seems to be a lot of links to the northern lights and women, particularly pregnancy, virgins and giving birth!!
After lunch pupils were able to choose what they wanted to do for lunch. 26 of us went to a traditional Icelandic fish and chip shop and what a good choice it was! The food was incredible and they served use homemade chips, 3 types of freshly caught fish (plaice, pollack and cod) and homemade sauces to dip! It was all so good that Mr Hopkins ate 6 portions of fish! Some of the pupils had 2-3 pieces as they just kept bringing more and more! Even little Jack Helsby ate 5 pieces.
Pupils then had some shopping time in the centre of town which consists of a lovely long high street...it was very quaint, beautifully presented with some excellent shops. Prices here inIceland are very expensive but I think pupils have been very good at hunting down bargains!
We have just come back from the local pool which was excellent. The pool was heated, had waterslides and was outside! I think it is about -4oC today but our pupils were brave and literally threw themselves into it! Speaking of bravery, before they got in, they had to brave the Icelandic swimming laws...I won't got into details here on the blog but ask them about these when they get back...not like England in the slightest!
In about half an hour we are going out for dinner and then at 9pm we are off on our Northern lights tour. Fingers crossed it happens as it has been cancelled the past 3 nights.
Really enjoying reading the blog and keeping track of your Icelandic adventures. It certainly does sound like your all having a wonderful time with some amazing experiences. Wish I was there, although not sure about being in an outdoor pool when it's -4oC! Not heard much from my daughter today she's obviously far too busy to be thinking of home. I have everything crossed that you get to see the Northern Lights and hope you win the battle with the internet and manage to post some photos soon.
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