Australia's answer to the Galapagos
And so from the Red Centre to Kangaroo Island, which lies just off the coast of South Australia and is often referred to as the 'Galapagos of Australia'. Undoubtedly one of the best places in Oz to see wildlife in its natural habitat, Kangaroo Island is a beautifully lush green providing a real contrast to the endless red outback more commonly thought of as typical 'Australia'.
To prove the point, in one half-day exploration of Flinders Chase National Park, on the western side of the island, we were privileged enough to see kangaroos, koalas, seals, sea-lions, ospreys and, to cap it all off, we even saw three Southern Right Whales from our viewing spot on the cliff-top! And whilst I am notoriously slow at spotting wallabies in the undergrowth, even I was eventually able to clock a few as they went about their daily business.
There are numerous accommodation options on the island, ranging from B&Bs to wilderness retreats and larger hotels. But we were lucky enough to stay at luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge, recently included in Conde Nast's 2009 Hot List! We were in good company too, one of our fellow-guests was a well-known American actress - shhh, my lips are sealed as to who it was, suffice to say that a spa treatment here would have been a real treat for a Desperate Housewife... It was a great treat for me too, but if you're not keen on relaxing in the spa then you can also enjoy clifftop walks, fishing trips or simply kick back and enjoy the views over the Southern Ocean... Perfect!!
By Liz Lunnon, on location in Australia
Posted on July 2, 2009 in Australia , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Sagas on the Silver Screen
Iceland’s dramatic scenery has been used many times as a backdrop to stunning movie scenes, from the car chase on the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon in the James Bond movie Die Another Day to the isolated landscapes of the Snaefellsness Peninsula captured in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Now however, the whole island will be put on the silver screen with the filming of an as-yet-untitled epic based on the dramatic, gory and downright bizarre Njal’s Saga.
Njal’s Saga is widely credited as being the best of Iceland’s fantastic medieval tales. Njal’s Saga tells the story of a series of vicious blood feuds during the Christian conversion of Iceland, the involvement of Icelanders in the vicious Battle of Clontarf just outside Dublin, and concludes with an uncharacteristically peaceful ending for the saga after the wanton (and sometimes comedic!) violence of the earlier chapters.
The film, to be directed by Iceland’s number one director Baltasar Kormakur, is set to cost in the region of $60m making it by far the most expensive film ever made in Iceland. It is a fitting tribute to the longevity of the sagas and their important place at the heart of Iceland’s cultural identity. The film is currently in production and due to be released some time in 2010 – definitely something to look forward to!
Posted on July 1, 2009 in Film , Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
G'day from Downunder
It seems a shame to sit here in the middle of the Australian outback, sipping champagne as I watch the sun set over Uluru, and not share the experience with you...! Yep, I'm currently in the heart of the Red Centre and have spent an exhausting but highly rewarding day exploring the highlights of this incredible region.
An early start saw us heading to Kata Tjuta at dawn, ready for a guided walk into Walpa Gorge where we learnt how the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas) were formed whilst admiring the changing colours of the rockface. This was followed by a longer walk through the Valley of the Winds, a surprisingly lush, green oasis that contrasts brilliantly against the vivid red rocks and clear blue skies above.
This afternoon saw us embark on a trip to the region's undisputed key drawcard, Uluru (Ayers Rock). There are countless ways to view The Rock: on foot, by helicopter, by camel or even climbing it (still permitted, but strongly discouraged by the Aborgines, for whom Uluru is a place of huge spiritual importance). But we chose to travel in style on the back of a Harley Davidson! This really is such a fun way to explore - with an empty road in front, the wind in your face and a surprisingly comfortable saddle, we went just fast enough for a thrill but slowly enough to be able to take a few million more photos along the way (and let's face it, you can never have too many pictures of Uluru!). Definitely a top recommendation for putting a big smile on your face and for a whole new perspective on this iconic landmark.
The day finished with a fascinating guided walk around the base of Uluru - learning more about the stories and legends of the local Aborigines and the important part that the landscape plays. As the sun sets, the rock changes colour from a soft red to a glowing orange, so vivid it has to be seen to be believed. And then the show is over, we finish the champagne and head back to our luxurious accommodation at Voyages Longitude 131 for a gourmet dinner and an early night - well, it's up early tomorrow for another glorious sunrise over Uluru before we say farewell to the Red Centre and head south to Kangaroo Island.... More on that next time!
By Liz Lunnon, on location in Australia...
Posted on June 29, 2009 in Australia , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Having a whale of a time...
The small town of Husavik in northern Iceland is well known as Europe’s whale watching capital and it is from there that some of the best whale sightings anywhere can be enjoyed.
Discover the World pioneered whale watching holidays in Iceland and we are very happy to see how successful it has become.
So far 2009 looks like being one of the best seasons in history for Husavik sightings. Just last week, blue and humpback whales where sighted on almost every whale watching voyage. You can read a report of one of those exciting days here, a blue whale frolicking alongside the boat in the extraordinary light of the midnight sun.
The blue whale is believed to be the largest animal ever to have existed, growing up to over 30 metres in length. It’s heart alone can weigh the same as ten men and the whale itself can be as heavy as more than 200 Nissan Micra cars! A newly born calf however is only the size of a fully grown hippopotamus! To say the least – these are big mammals!
The humpback is positively diminutive compared to the blue whale, coming in at a “measly” 12-15 metres in length. However, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with dramatic leaps and acrobatic breaching, as well as a remarkable head covered in bumpy hair follicles. The sight is as arresting as the noise; when in season, a humpback whale may give off a whale song lasting a number of hours - it’s not quite tuneful enough for the X Factor but it’s certainly an incredible racket!
For an even better taste of the whale watching experience, here is a fantastic video from our whale watching partners in Iceland, North Sailing. If all this has whetted your appetite for your own voyage of discovery, take a look at our whale watching holiday options here.
Posted on June 26, 2009 in Iceland , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Iceland Close-Up
As a site of extraordinary natural beauty and equally otherworldly weather, it’s no surprise that Iceland has been a hotspot for amateur and professional photographers alike for as long as anyone can remember. German photographer Thorsten Henn dutifully made his pilgrimage to the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ and was so taken with what he’d taken (excuse the pun!) that he has put together a fantastic, high-quality book entitled ‘Iceland Close-Up.’
Split into four parts, entitled Land, Water, Air and People, the book makes for a wonderful insight into Icelandic life. “Land” features some of Iceland’s greatest rock features, be they striking basalt formations or the lunar landscape of the lava fields, whilst “water” is a paean to Iceland’s stunning waterfalls and the majesty of the sea. “Air” is a selection of aerial photographs, allowing you to see the huge scale of Iceland’s incredible natural landscape, but the “people” featured in the fourth section are what makes the book great, with expressive images of Iceland’s hardy fishermen, urban trendsetters and political heavyweights alike. Some of the photographs can be seen at Thorsten Henn’s website and are published in the book for the first time.
Why not make your own photography voyage to Iceland’s remarkable scenery, or leave the camera at home and simply collect a host of unforgettable memories. From horse-riding through the gorgeous countryside to chilling out in the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik with Thorsten’s trendy urban hipsters, you’ll never be shy of something extraordinary in Iceland.
Posted on June 22, 2009 in Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Healthy Hearts in Iceland
Iceland is something of a walker’s mecca , with literally thousands of stunning walks and hikes suitable for all levels of fitness. As part of GMTV's Healthy Heart Week,’ they have sent it’s resident GP Dr Hillary Jones out to Iceland to look at how and why residents of the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ are so healthy, and why the quality of life is consistently placed in the top ten in the world. As Dr Hillary moves around Iceland, you can see why Icelanders like to get out in the outdoors. From swimming in the Blue Lagoon to wandering down the black sand beaches of Skedararsandur, there’s plenty of opportunities for the active amongst you. And having got some fresh air and had a good walk you’ll probably be hungry – so tuck into some of Iceland’s famously fresh fish and vegetables for that extra healthy burst. After all of that you’ll have definitely earned a guilt-free glass of wine in one of Reykjavik’s fabulous bars or cafes, and if your idea of exercise is dancing the night away then you’ve got plenty of trendy clubs to choose from – and there’s nothing better for dealing with the bleary-eyed morning after than a dip in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon.
Travel to Iceland and reinvigorate body, mind and perhaps even your dancing shoes…
Posted on June 17, 2009 in Iceland , Television , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Happy Icelandic Independence Day!
Today is the ‘big day’ in Iceland as it celebrates its 65th birthday as a Republic. Before 1944, Iceland was a sovereign state under the control of the Danish King, but when Icelanders were given a vote in 1944 to decide their future they voted overwhelmingly to create the “Lythveldith Island” – the Republic of Iceland.
Icelanders are rightly proud of their culture and heritage, and today is the chance to celebrate the heroes of their independence movement, their cultural exports, and their incredible literary history embodied through the world-famous Icelandic sagas. Brass bands and musicians will today lead parades around Iceland’s major towns before children tuck into sweets and the adults enjoy a swig of Brennivin, Iceland’s rather pungent national drink.
Why not celebrate Iceland’s culture yourself with a trip to the ‘Land of Ice and Fire.’ Enjoy the traditional restaurants specialising in delicious fresh fish and lamb, explore the National Gallery, or simply marvel at the stunning scenery that served as a backdrop to the sagas.
Posted on June 17, 2009 in Current Affairs , Events , Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
James Bond Location on the Move
The James Bond film Die Another Day showed the world what we here at Discover the World already knew; Iceland's natural landscape is truly extraordinary, none more so than Jokulsarlon, a stunning glacial lagoon often filled with dramatic turquoise icebergs.
Yet despite Bond's dramatic car chase across the frozen over lagoon, something even more dramatic is happening! The lagoon is fed by the Vatnajokull ice cap, one of the largest ice masses in the world and just a few days ago the tongue of the glacier which supplies Jokulsarlon has surged forward, filling the lagoon almost entirely with crevaces, ice sheets and gargantuan icebergs (see image). The icebergs are a regular occurrence on the lagoon, but very rarely to this extent. Indeed, the icebergs in the future may halt the operation of the sightseeing boats that cruise on the lake but never fear - Icelanders expect the unexpected, and have plans in place for glacial boat trips in an alternative lagoon. And, in July and August, we will begin sightseeing flights from the East coast town of Hofn that will take you over Jokulsarlon and the vast black sands of Skeidararsandur and up to the highest peaks of Vatnajokull; definitely an experience not to be missed!
The surge is just another example of the natural processes that continue to shape a most unique country - and Icelander's reaction to it just another example of their hardiness and preparedness in the face of an ever-changing and always exciting landscape. Click here to find out more.
There's never been a better time to explore Iceland's dramatic natural landscape.
Posted on June 12, 2009 in Iceland | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Summer & Jazzzzz
Summertime brings wonderful delights in various forms, my favourite being music festivals. Each year I pilgrimage to hear phenomenal music outdoors in the sunshine…well, perhaps the sunshine isn’t always present but the tunes that fall upon my ears are always unfailingly fabulous. With the huge volume of us that venture to these festivals I can only assume I am not on my own with my love for this, therefore I present to you the idea of combining travel and music. Why not go on a short break this summer to enjoy Reykjavik Jazz Festival which starts on 13 August (click here to find out more), or if you’re travelling to Iceland for a self-drive, pop in to the city and have a little interlude in between experiencing Iceland’s wonders. Whatever your taste in music there is a festival out there for you, just quietly waiting to be discovered this summer.
Posted on June 8, 2009 in Arts festivals , Events , Iceland , Music festivals , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
ICEHOTEL Experience Captured on Film!
Click here and be taken to the heart of Swedish Lapland through our new online ICEHOTEL films featured both on our website and Youtube! Whether you’ve visited the ICEHOTEL before or you’re thinking about travelling there for the first time or are planning your perfect winter wedding watch the films and delve into this truly magical destination. Or if you’re purely wishing to see beautiful surrounds and the activities to be enjoyed in the snowy realms of Swedish Lapland these videos will show you just that. From husky-sledging and ice-driving to a spectacular display of the northern lights and a peek inside the ICEHOTEL, watch and take pleasure in knowing it’s all just waiting to be discovered next season. Also hear first-hand from Discover the World clients about their experience and this will undoubtedly inspire a visit! Watch and be amazed.
Ps. For any of you out there who relish the opportunity of hearing a beautiful singing voice, you’ll love the track to our ICEHOTEL films...
Posted on June 3, 2009 in Film , Lapland , Music , Scandinavia , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Join James Cracknell and Discover the World for a night of Antarctic adventures!
We are delighted to announce that we will be joining James Cracknell at his forthcoming London lecture 'Race to the Pole'. Taking place at the Royal Geographical Society on Thursday 18th June, James will be sharing the details of his recent Antarctic experiences and promoting his new book, Race to the Pole, co-written with Ben Fogle.
In addition the Discover the World team will be on hand to help you start planning your own adventure to the Great White Continent - we look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets cost £7.50 and are available through Stanfords at sales@stanfords.co.uk Full contact details can be found here.
The event is organised by Stanfords, The World’s Largest Map and Travel Retailer, and will take place at 7pm on the 18th June, at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. The nearest Underground stops are South Kensington and Knightsbridge.
Posted on June 1, 2009 in Antarctica , Books , Events , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Only in Australia...
In fact, so unique it is this destination that there are literally hundreds of experiences here that you will find nowhere else... From driving along the world's largest war memorial to exploring the most ancient rainforest, swimming over the largest living organism or seeing with your own eyes evidence of life on earth from 3.5 billion years ago - it's not just a breathtakingly beautiful country, it's also pretty darned interesting too!!
You can find out more about our favourite 5 unique experiences on our website, or delve further in to Australia's fascinating facts with a full list of the top 100...
Posted on May 29, 2009 in Australia , Science , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Britain's Next Top Model...
The programme, Britain’s Next Top Model may ignite excitement for many who are anticipating who will win the show but equally there may be numerous people who are saying to themselves ‘what on earth is this?’. For all of you out there in the know, feel free to skip the next sentence but be sure to read the end for a little delight. For those wishing to know what I am talking about read on…BNTM is a reality TV programme where select models compete to win and be BNTM and the chance to begin a career in the model industry. You now may be wondering why this is relevant to you, well, this week’s show sees the models travel to the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland for a fashion shoot. Click here to view and momentarily feel like you are there. Film makers can spend millions on trying to achieve settings like this artificially but in Iceland there are sights like these all around.
Posted on May 26, 2009 in Iceland , Television | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Reykjavik Arts Festival - Online Video
With the proliferation of online videos brings a wealth of sights and sounds that can now be viewed worldwide without the need to leave the comfort of your arm chair. However, I am a great believer of first-hand experience and I am yet to come across a video that beats this. Yet saying that, videos are a wonderful way to learn and get a taste of all the wondrous joys out there and believe me, there are some truly sensational experiences just waiting to be discovered. So, I present to you the first in a series of Guardian Video Breaks – click here to view Iceland's captial, Reykjavik and meet the people behind its annual Arts Festival which is running until 31 May 2009. If you’ve missed the chance to visit this year then I’m sure there is a video out there that will capture it for you!
Posted on May 20, 2009 in Arts festivals , Events , Iceland | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
"Life Isn't Just a Game - it is also a Bed of Roses'
As a continuation of my previous blog in creative exploration in Iceland I thought it fitting to note a new exhibition that has recently opened in the Reykjavik Museum of Photography “Life Isn’t Just a Game – it is also a Bed of Roses”. This exhibition of iconic Icelandic photography will prove to be of interest to not only creative folk but people who are keen to learn about Iceland a little further and grasp a snippet of Icelandic culture. The exhibition is running until 30 August 2009 and admission is free...perhaps an unusual way to start your holiday in Iceland this summer.
Posted on May 18, 2009 in Arts festivals , Events , Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
The Best Holiday in the World?!
Today lucky British man, Ben Southall, is announced as the lucky new recruit for the 'Best Job in the World' - no, not working here at Discover the World, but as caretaker of beautiful Hamilton Island in Australia's Whitsundays! Beating around 34,000 other applicants, Ben's 6 month contract will offer him the unique opportunity to explore the best of the Whitsundays, from pristine Whitehaven Beach to the fascinating marine-life that inhabits the Great Barrier Reef.
If you don't have 6 months to spare then we can instead offer a taste of island life with a 5-night stay on Hamilton Island at the Reef View Hotel - book by 30th June and receive 1 night's accommodation free of charge! Please contact our specialist team for full details and for advice on how to incorporate Hamilton Island into your own tailor-made Australia holiday...
Posted on May 6, 2009 in Australia , Current Affairs , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Explore your Creativity in Iceland
Iceland is a haven for artists all through the year. With draws such as incredible landscapes, lighting, culture and natural phenomena it’s not surprising that it has the highest per capita number of artists and writers in the world.
If, like me you are looking forward to outdoor summer art events and would happily travel to experience the joys festivals bring then perhaps the Summer Art Festival in Akureyri in Iceland is just for you.
Akureyri in north-east Iceland is the largest town outside the capital region and is situated in a spectacular fjord. The location provides the perfect setting to enjoy the contrasts of the bustling town with the tranquillity of the spectacular fjordland. The Summer Art Festival runs from mid-June to the end of August and is ‘crawling with bohemians and art lovers during the festival’. However, if your summer is already planned out then fear not as Iceland is sure to satisfy any hungry artists’ desire throughout the year.
So get out there, explore your creativity, indulge your senses and return feeling inspired and full of wonderful memories.
Posted on May 5, 2009 in Arts festivals , Events , Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Discover the World proudly presents: AUSTRALIA!!
Today sees the DVD release of Baz Luhrmann's excellent "Australia" an epic film featuring vast open landscapes, a memorable romance between Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, and a sensitive portrayal of the country's culture and history. Watching this, you can't fail to be inspired to travel to the land downunder for your own epic adventure!
Offering a unique blend of outback adventure, quirky wildlife, incredible journeys, awe-inspiring scenery and Aboriginal experiences, Australia has something for everyone, and here at Discover the World we are delighted to welcome this fascinating destination to our holiday portfolio. Our website features a diverse range of experiences to help you start planning your own trip to Oz, and our team of experts are on hand to help you create the perfect tailor-made holiday.
From cycling around Sydney's iconic highlights, to a 3-night train journey across this vast country from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, to a guided walk along the spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road... Spend a few nights on a working cattle station (Hugh Jackman not included) or relax on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. Sunrise at Uluru? An escorted tour to see Tasmania’s highlights? Or an independent self-drive along Australia’s stunning west coast….? Why wait - I'm off to pack my suitcase now!!
Posted on April 27, 2009 in Australia , Travel , Wildlife | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Iceland & Hawaii are SO similar
Really, they are! For anyone out there who requires visual evidence click here to view a wonderfully interesting way to present Iceland to the world. We all know we keep preconceived ideas about various aspects of life tucked away in our minds and I always find it enlightening to be invited to perceive things in different ways. For me, I am pleased and proud to feel that I know how incredible Iceland is and I think this audio slideshow manages to give you, the audience a glimpse of how diverse and fascinating it really is. For those lucky enough to already have experienced the pure delights Iceland beholds then perhaps this little slideshow will ignite your cherished memories of your travels to this incredible island. If you are yet to experience Iceland’s wonder, watch this video and be mesmerised…
Posted on April 24, 2009 in Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Guardian Travel Award - Last Chance to Nominate Us!
Enjoyed your holiday with us within the last year? Want to shout about your fantastic experience? Would like to recommend Discover the World to a wider audience?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then click here to nominate Discover the World in the Guardian Readers’ Travel Award 2009 and be entered into a prize draw to win £20,000 worth of prizes!
All you need to do is fill in a questionnaire about your holiday and potentially win another holiday – a great opportunity if ever there was one.
But hurry…your last chance to do this is tomorrow - Saturday 18 April!
Posted on April 17, 2009 in Antarctica , Arctic , Awards , Finland , Galapagos , Greenland , Iceland , Lapland , New Zealand , Norway , Scandinavia , Spitsbergen , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Tourists Capture Iceland's Legendary Hidden People on Camera
Now is the time to eat your words if you are a non-believer of the ‘Hidden People’, Iceland’s very own elves. I can now reveal that a British couple, travelling with Discover the World to Iceland recently captured on camera, for the first time ever, Iceland’s ‘Hidden People’.
Read on and hear it from Mr and Mrs Fanuci, the captors themselves!
‘I just couldn’t believe my eyes. As my husband and I walked through the Icelandic countryside absorbed by the incredible views we caught a glimpse of a unique looking gentleman. Having walked for hours in remote countryside with no one in sight we decided to head over to the curious looking man who then scurried behind a rock. My husband, overcome by intrigue ventured over whilst I held back with my camera just in case I needed to capture any evidence of some sort…you never know nowadays who or what you may come across! So as I stood there waiting, hoping my husband wasn’t in danger, the stranger hopped out again and appeared stunned. I quickly took a few snaps with my camera and beckoned my husband to come back. The gentleman fled and we returned to our hotel in disbelief at the afternoon’s occurrence. We showed the hotelier our photos who then confirmed that he was in fact one of Iceland’s ‘Hidden People’. Incredible’
Truly unbelievable, I say! I have been to Iceland countless times and have never encountered the ‘Hidden People’… sometimes it really is just beginners luck!
Well, it is April Fools day after all...but we will still keep looking for Iceland's 'Hidden People'...
Posted on April 1, 2009 in Iceland | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Abisko Sky Station - not to be missed
We approached the lower Sky Station with trepidation having been advised to wear everything we’d packed! Some in our group popped on a couple of extra layers, others you could see had taken the advice more literally and had their jackets bulging.
Looking somewhat ‘Michelin-like’ we waited patiently. With a jolt our chair began to ascend – we’re off! And…we’re not! The chair stopped suddenly for the next couple. Then we were off again, briefly, until the next couple boarded and so on – no wonder the journey to the top of Abisko would take 20 minutes.
The sky, absolutely filled with stars, looked promising with just a hint of a green wash growing steadily stronger. We kept our eyes firmly on the goings on above our heads rather than below our feet since it remained light enough to see the ground dropping away.
For those of a nervous disposition or prone to sea-sickness, you may want to prepare yourself for an interesting ride. As the chairs continued upwards it was only the cold that kept our conversation away from discussing the rocking from side to side and bouncing up and down, each time the journey was interrupted.
At the half way platform the temperature dropped noticeably but thankfully by now, everyone had boarded and the journey continued relatively smoothly - just as well as the wind was beginning to cut into our faces. The second half of the ascent was particularly steep and the tiny flashing lights, secured to each chair before we set off, seemed to carry on forever.
It was bitterly cold at the summit, the kind of cold that when we took off your gloves to fumble for our cameras, turned our hands claw-like. The temperature, with the wind chill factor was given as -26°C. By now the northern lights were performing in all their glory. We had a green arc reaching across our heads and gigantic vertical curtains you could actually believe were blowing in the wind. There were waves of light, appearing, pulsing then bleeding into the night. Whichever way we turned, the lights were appearing in some way or another, the group ‘ooh-ing and arr-ing’ as if watching fireworks.
People were frantically trying to photograph the displays and were getting frustrated when they couldn’t. Some even used flash which just didn’t work – much better to simply enjoy the moment than to worry about taking pictures. Mother Nature’s own light show is incredibly difficult to photograph well, unless you are able to use a really long exposure and that generally requires a tripod. Besides, there are so many wonderful professional images available, buying a postcard or a book back at the hotel seemed like a good idea – and it meant we could keep our gloves on!
At the summit Sky Station, the little café provided a much-welcomed place to warm up and our guide happily chatted to anyone wanting to know more about the lights – apparently the best sighting they’ve had for ages. We felt very privileged.
The last chairs home were at midnight but some of us decided to head back down earlier. The continued glow in the sky meant we could see all the way down the side of the mountain and the lights of our accommodation in the distance. Although the first drop over the side took our breath away, we spent the rest of our time watching further glimpses of the aurora and excitedly discussing what we’d just witnessed.
On the walk back to the hotel the feeling returned to our fingers and we headed off to the bar to thaw out completely. It may have been cold and slightly uncomfortable at times but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Jo Bower
Please note: as the northern lights season has now come to an end – be sure to register your interest with us for next season.
Posted on March 31, 2009 in Lapland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
Icelandic Bananas
Personally, I love hearing facts and I invite all those of similar ilk to read on with great pleasure…
Iceland is Europe’s biggest banana producer.
There you go, I couldn’t believe it myself either but after a little research I can safely say that this is true. This unusual fact may sound completely unlikely for a country so far north but in the small town of Hveragerdi, production of the popular yellow fruit is thriving. The abundance of cheap, geothermal energy allows Icelanders to grow produce not typically found this close to the Arctic Circle.
Hveragerdi, also known as the greenhouse village, in southwestern Iceland is the country’s epicentre of gardening and horticulture. This rural setting is well known for its greenhouses which are heated by geothermal water from volcanic hot springs in the area. It‘s not just bananas that are grown here however, other fruit, vegetables and increasingly exotic flowers are being cultivated too.
So, if after that little slice of information you still don’t believe me, venture over to Hveragerdi and see it for yourself!
Posted on March 27, 2009 in Food and Drink , Iceland , Travel | Permalink | E-mail this | Comments (0)
