Conclusion

I concluded my time in Iceland with yet another touristy pastime: a visit to the Blue Lagoon. The upscale hotspring and spa came about by accident. In drilling for hot water under the island's geothermally rich crust, the workers literally discovered more hot water than they knew what to do with. So it was decided to create a manmade hot spring out of the excess.

The near-freezing temperatures did not allow for delay. I danced out the door as quickly as possible to submerge my body into the inebriatingly warm milky-blue, crouching down to keep out of the cold breeze. When I had adjusted, I looked around and noticed other scattered heads bobbing around the lagoon. Squishy mud oozed between my toes. I tipped my head back to look up at the bright blue sky, thinking that I wasn't quite ready to stuff myself in an airplane seat. It may be touristy, but it certainly was relaxing.

Several hours later, I was soaring above the clouds, my complimentary bottle of Icelandic drinking water in hand. I peeled the label off of the bottle, bemoaning the fact that it was the last bit of Iceland I could experience before stepping back onto American soil. But I knew that it probably wouldn't be the last time I'd visit.

...I think I'll have to come back and drive Route 1.