From Sunny Florida to Snowy Selfoss

        Remember my first blog post? The Land of Ice, Ice Baby? Well, it's still true, there's less ice than most would guess. However, ice's opaque, softer cousin made a memorable appearance. On Saturday, April 14, I experienced my first Icelandic snow day! As soon as I saw the white covered terrain out of my bedroom window, I popped out of bed with a huge smile on my face! Then it hit me - practice is in an hour. Out there. In the snow. 

Selfossvöllur - UMF Selfoss' Home Field

       I've been repeatedly reassured summer's on her way, with warm temperatures arriving soon. However, having experienced Florida's heat, I recognize that "warm temperatures" to Icelanders likely vary from the 90 degree Fahrenheit temperatures of the Sunshine State. Nonetheless, I've been looking forward to warmer days, when I can wear fewer layers of clothing. Despite the many forecasts of warm weather, this snowy morning (the only one since I've been here) happened to fall on the only morning practice. Hmm, how timely. 

My First Practice in the Snow! Do I look cold?

                       

     

                   

        

              After about five minutes of enjoying the snow covered field and picturesque landscape, I learned firsthand that Floridians practicing in the snow isn't the best combination. My toes are not conditioned for being in ice-cold water, AND required to function?! I know my frozen feet wouldn't have cooperated properly if I tried to do any technical work with the ball, so I was glad the practice didn't involve using soccer balls. I don't think that's ever been a positive before now (practice without the balls usually signifies a strictly fitness practice). 
       I'm happy to say that I survived, never having appreciated a warm hot shower as much as I did that day! Despite my cold toes and stiff joints, I'm thankful for the snowy experience, my first practice in the snow, ever! Now, bring on the summer!

He is Risen! Easter in Iceland

           As my previous posts have made obvious, this particular Easter weekend hasn't matched my usual traditions. Needless to say, this Easter Sunday didn't start by waking early to attend the sunrise service at my church in Winter Park, followed by digging into my chocolate and peep-filled Easter basket. Instead I got to experience my newest family's Easter traditions and lucky for me, chocolate, great home cooking, and time spent in the company of family held a part in their Easter routine, too! 

          Unlike the common American custom, the children of Iceland don't expect sweets from the magical creature we call the Easter Bunny. Instead, they expect their very own chocolate Easter egg cleverly hidden by their parents. However, they must follow clues leading them to their prized chocolate; it's an Easter scavenger hunt! Luckily, I woke up just in time for Emilia and Ásdis to start their search. The first clue read (in Icelandic of course) something along the lines of, "This object holds Dad's bum and is his favorite color." The girls quickly ran to Torfi's dining room table chair, finding the next clue. Not only did they find details about the next hint's location in the note, but it described an activity they must complete before moving on.  This pattern continued around the house where I got to watch Emilia and Ásdis sing a popular Icelandic song, pump out some push ups, jump on one foot, and crunch out some sit ups to name a few of the morning's activities. Little did I know how easy I had it with my Easter basket sitting on the fireplace just waiting for me to enjoy! Before too long, the final clue led them into the garage where Emilia handed out an Easter egg to each of us - even one for me! My very first Icelandic Easter Egg! Woo! Still being unfamiliar with how the whole process works, I stepped back, observed how to properly open my egg, and took a few pictures before enjoying my beautifully decorated, mouth watering Easter chocolate! 

      

 

My first Icelandic Easter egg. The contents being emptied, and finally, ready to enjoy!

         I'm not sure if it was the Easter spirit or the overdose of chocolate, but Emilia felt surprisingly courageous this morning and offered to play her guitar for us (despite her previous, shyness-filled refusal a few days earlier). Her timidness washed away as she graced us with a few numbers and a beautiful performance! Shortly after, Ásdis joined in the fun as she strummed on her pretty pink guitar and everyone (who knew the Icelandic songs) sang along! It wasn't my typical Sunday worship service, but I definitely enjoyed it! 

The Rift Valley
The top of the path is closed due to the most recent separation.

       Although not an Easter tradition, Torfi and Svava decided to take me to experience another Golden Circle site. Another famous Icelandic tourist spot,  Þingvellir (pronounced something like "thing-vetl-ear") National Park is known as the birthplace of Parliament and marks the largest natural lake in Iceland, called Þingvallavatn. Additionally, the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is marked by the rift valley at Þingvellir. In fact, part of the park was closed off due to further separation in the valley that recently occurred. 

Emilia and I in front of the waterfall before the drop.

        A river runs through the park and forms a waterfall, which quickly caught my eye. Its small size gave it more peaceful and personal qualities compared to the massive measures of Gullfoss. Þingvellir marks a social and parliamentary landmark of Icelandic culture. Annually, people used to come from across the country and camp on the land for the two week long legislative assembly. In addition to the judicial activities, games were played, goods and services were sold, and news was shared among the people. Þingvellir became known for laying the foundation for the language and literature of the country.

      Furthermore, the tectonic plates of the large lake created a particular rift, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving terrain in the world. The crystal clear water allows visibility for between 150-300 meters, and the geography enables divers to literally swim between continents. The view from land doesn't do it justice, but until I get my snorkeling license, these pictures will have to do!

        Especially on such an important holiday, thoughts of my family were frequent. I found myself guessing what they would be doing, where they would be, based on the hour and our usual Easter traditions. Then it occurred to me that, for two years in a row I haven't made the famous family Easter picture. (Last year I spent Easter with one of my closest friends, Gaby, and her family in Dallas, Texas.)  So, with Torfi, Svava, and the girls' cooperation, we posed for our very own family Easter picture! Unfortunately, no one had to run to beat the camera's timer, which Unc-Unc has so gracefully mastered. However, I think you'll agree that the background is hard to beat!

Easter Sunday 2012: Torfi, Svava, Emilia, Ásdis, and I

 

      Our final plans of the day led us out to Torfi's parent's summer house for a family holiday dinner. For those of you who know me well, the words "summer house" take me to the fresh sights and smells of the Smoky Mountains of Lake Junaluska. Their summer house didn't have quite the same scenery, but I definitely felt major similarities. The house resembled that of a log cabin with big windows to see the outdoors - now brown from the winter, but soon to be filled with green vegetation. We climbed up the mountain in the backyard to view the vast landscape and get some fresh air. Inside the house the rooms were cozy, filled with comfortable sitting space for family members to talk and laugh, enjoying each other's company. The smell and taste of delicious home cooking, the sounds of the youngins playing around the house, and the entertaining conversation cracking smiles certainly was anything but foreign to me. The language, the location, the landscape may be far from what I'm used to, but the gathering of family in this fashion brings me close to home. I hope family and friends both close and far enjoyed their celebration of the resurrection of our Savior; I certainly did. Gleþilega Páska! (Happy Easter!)

The Golden Circle Part II

        As if Good Friday wasn't already good enough, our last Golden Circle site of the day really iced the cake. After taking many pictures and witnessing Strokkur shoot boiling water about 20 feet in the air, we drove to Niagra Falls' biggest competitor - Gullfoss, Iceland. Gullfoss is translated as "Golden Waterfall" and is located about 40 miles away from Selfoss in the canyon of Hvítá. The name "Gullfoss" is said to likely come from the golden hue and rainbow that forms over it in the summer time. It's popularity comes from its unique form, massive size, and unmatched beauty. The river turns sharply to the left where it takes its first drop of about 35 feet. Then, the landscape forces its wide turn into the 105-foot deep crevice where it looks as though it disappears into the earth. 

Gullfoss, Iceland

         Although Gullfoss' final descent is hidden at first view, the waterfall's power is felt immediately. The constantly roaring water forces visitors to feel it's strength. In 1907 an Englishman wanted to

The Final 105-Foot Fall

make use of it's potency and use it to generate electricity. However, the owner of the land refused to sell it. Later on, it was the landowner's daughter who dedicated herself to defending the falls' preservation. After extreme measures, she earned herself the title of Iceland's first environmentalist. As an awestruck visitor, I'm certainly thankful for her efforts in guarding the unique waterfall. Its overwhelming beauty and majesty moved me in a way that I'll never forget. The sights, sounds, and power I felt in its company stirred deeply rooted humbleness and brought the words "glorious God" to my mouth. I couldn't help but repeatedly thank Him for such a magnificent sight, and be moved by His holy presence. 

Emilia and I admiring the waterfall close up

 I have to admit the pictures don't depict the full experience of Gullfoss. However, I hope they begin to show you why it was my favorite site of the Golden Circle, and prove why it belongs on your Icelandic itinerary! 

The Golden Circle Part I

           As I mentioned in my previous post, I spent Good Friday as a typical tourist, seeing the sights Iceland has to offer. However, I guarantee my experience greatly exceeded your average tour, thanks to my wonderful company. So before I continue, let me introduce my tour guides, better known as my newly adoptive family. Torfi and Svava are the parents of eight year old Emilia, and three year old Ásdis. They live and work here and are involved with my new team, UMF Selfoss; Svava has played for the team for a number of years. They have generously opened their home to me and have very kindly welcomed me into their family. They are lovely people and a family you'll learn much more about as my time here continues.

Kerið

          We headed out on our first "family (of five) road trip" to see the sites along what's known as the Golden Circle. There are about six stops along the route that people from all over the world come to enjoy. Our first pit stop was Kerið, which is Icelandic for basin. Originally, the 180-foot deep, 560-foot wide, and 890-foot across crater was thought to be the result of a volcanic eruption. However, volcanologists found no evidence of ash remains, eliminating that possibility. It is now believed to have been a large scoria crater, where the emptying of a magma chamber beneath the crater likely caused a collapse, leaving what we see today. The bottom of the crater is filled with water and its levels change dependent on the water table. Kerið's natural amphitheater-like shape spurred the idea of using it as a concert venue, which turned out to be a success! I say I steal the idea and turn the Grand Canyon into a concert hall!

My closest attempt to getting the full crater in a single picture

          Geysir (pronounced something along the lines of "gay-sir") was our second destination of the day. You guessed it, a geyser it is! There are two specific geysers at this particular location: "Geysir" and "Strokkur." They both are part of the Haukadalur geothermal area, but only Strokkur continues to erupt about every 10 minutes or so.

Torfi and Emilia (and I) patiently awaiting Strokkur´s eruption

Blue colored hot springs

            In addition to geysers, pools of hot water from the Earth's core sat displaying an array of blue hues below the surface. Geothermal areas like this one cover the island and constantly release steam. Not only do they provide an interesting sight, but the steam is stored and used to supply the entire country's energy demands. The contrast of boiling water and steam combined with the snow covered mountains in the background made for a one-of-a-kind, kind of view. This sight was the first of many that validated why the Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. 

While admiring other springs, I was able to quickly snap a picture of Strokkur shooting high! 

          Our next stop was Gullfoss. In my opinion, it is the most majestic site of the Golden Circle and deserves a blog of its own. So, stay tuned for more details about this incredible waterfall and the rest of my unique Good Friday adventure!

The Land of Ice, Ice Baby!

   As most of you know, I've recently embarked on a one-of-a-kind excursion. God answered my prayers and provided me an opportunity to play soccer professionally; it's truly a dream come true. He's placed me on the small island in the Atlantic Ocean known as Iceland for my rookie season. After being here a few days, I can personally confirm that there is not as much ice as the name suggests! 

         Other than customs barely allowing my entrance into the country, I have had a wonderful time since the moment I arrived Wednesday morning, April 4. The first day was spent catching up on some sleep, touring downtown Reykjavik with my head coach and his family, and watching the soccer team I've come to play with take on their first preseason opponent. Good Friday was spent remembering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus in a very unique and powerful way. That day I visited some of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland and the magnificent work of God's hands took my breath away. It was then that I knew sharing my sights, travels, and Icelandic experiences were no longer just a possibility, but a must! So, here's the start to a blog about my adventures chasing my dreams around the globe. I hope you enjoy joining me in "Seeing the World, One Field at a Time!" The first stop - "The Land of Ice, Ice Baby."

The first picture of me in Iceland!