Reykjavik Day 1

Currently watching local Icelandic television in their native language. Whatever local show this is, it's strange. A version of "bill nye" but I don't see a purpose. 

Arrived in Iceland this morning , Sunday, at 7 AM. Found our way to baggage claim and then to the arrival gate. My husband chose to change our USD currency at the Iceland airport. No fee. Exchange rate wasn't insane. 

I wandered to the tourist guide/pamphlet desk. I like reading material. 

Purchased our round trip flybus tickets to hotel and back to airport. Stepped outside to seek bus and saw snow. It had snowed and we got the end of it. Exciting. 

The flybus tendants loaded our luggage and we boarded. I sat next to a stranger on the bus and we sparked a conversation. He was from Chicago but actually from The Woodlands, TX. He graduated high school in '03. He was visiting a friend I Iceland  

Stopped at a bus station to unload people but we ...

Whooo, past out and took a nap. 

So the bus took us directly to our hotel. We were able to check in early. The receptionist was such a sweetheart and very nice. She told us we needed to make reservations for Tuesday night (New Years Eve) and helped us with where to go in the city to gain our grounds. 

We got to the room and then ate breakfast which was provided by the hotel. After returning to the room for a power nap we showered and headed out to the town. 

Walked the city. I plan on getting a sweater & lava jewelry. The shirts here are funny. Plan on getting one. 

Ate at a hole in the wall place with a yummy burger , lots of fries and a drink. Expensive though to eat out. So on way back, we went to grocery store to buy hot chocolate, noodles and cookies. We saw lazy town things at this hole in a wall place. Had to take a picture. It was filmed here. 

The church closed at 5 for viewing from tower. The city was decorated still for Christmas. Beautiful. While walking I saw a glacier from afar. Tomorrow I will have to visit it. And take the ferry across. 

It is only daylight here for less than 5 hours. One must use that to their advantage. Shops close after. 

Iceland - getting there

Layover in North Carolina currently. Charlotte to be exact. More connecting flights and more layovers , cheaper the flight. 

Part 1:

This was not suppose to be a layover. We were suppose to have connecting flight but we were told to get off for like 30 min. Whatever. That means food and shot glass for us. Fries, yum!! 

Kicked off flight , so...

To the gift shop we go. 

And then food. 

Boarding time! Again. 

Monterrey pt 4 - Obispado

Monday, the 23rd, my aunt and cousin took me to ...

Backtrack

We were woken up with gifts. What a morning. Every lady should be woken up with gifts at least monthly. 

So, big item of Lunes was going to Obispado. Wasn't sure where to park so we parked down hill and walked up. Mind you, Obispado is on a mountain, kind of. I was not feeling the climb. My calfs hurt from the climb before at the Grutas. 

So we climbed and climbed and climbed some more. At the top you see the museum, then keep going and you see the poles where the flags should be. They were not on display as they were being cleaned. 

A carousel and large (like half my size) chess set sat atop the hill. We then looked around. Beautiful. 

On each corner there is a sign saying what you are looking at. El Norte, el sur and two more. I want to post my pano pictures. 

Oh, and for kickers, the climb...

Monterrey pt 3 - Grutas

Ugh. Just climbed the Grutas de Garcia. Pain. I am not an athletic type and we choose to walk it up and down. Exhausting!! Get there before the crowd comes. By the time we are half way we see the air trolley go up. My aunt was exhausted and I just wanted water. 

At the top , no water. No congrats. There's a coca machine charging $15 pesos for a can. I fall victim. Hoya de mañzana it is. 

Again, that commute up was a beast. Steep slopes, hard rocks and the loops. You never know how close you are because it keeps going zig zag. 

The Grutas de Garcia on the other hand was relaxing. Though the inside of this cave has had its touch ups it's cool to see. The gorilla, the mano de muerte and Arbol de Navidad. 

It was cool too, weather wise. The sun was on our side and hid. Mind you, in Mexico in December and it's a high of 85. I know. Yesterday was sooo hot. 

No water is provided up top so make sure to bring your own for the walk. Water is sold down below for 15 pesos. Which is about 1.50 USD. 

Eating candy and drinking water now as we leave to go to next location. 

Monterrey trip pt 2 - the border

Okay, so been a little over a mile back now from the border entering Mexico. Why the wait? Because the highway leading to the border is narrowed and we have dumb drivers. The far right lane is closed though people will continue to use it to try to skip ahead. Left lane, I don't know what's going on there. Then there is us. Our driver attempted to talk to ppl about forming lines via cars and just didn't move. Left goes, right goes we don't. Go around mr.driver. Or at least move forward. Arrg. 

Once we get to the border my friend and I will have to get off the bus (with luggage) and get entry visit. Not sure if we pay because of the amount of day. 

Usually at the border, all get off the bus with luggage and go to the conveyer belt to run luggage through. (Or is that coming back?) at the belt, we press button to get searched or not. 

Over one hour and a half. Drive you driver. Not moving. Letting people go ahead of him. 

The bus is hot. Weather in tx w the aim is crazy. Hot! 70s. Sweater , your killing me. 

Sleeping on bus is hard. But maybe a good nap is in order. 

How we transport things.

Monterrey pt 1 - The Bus

Sitting up front on the bus  with my best friend. Time: quarter after midnight. The sound from the road is loud and you can tell its windy. It's been raining off and on since San Antonio pit stop. Our driver has a Bluetooth in and has been talking the whole way. Probably a good way to drive long distances besides EDM music. I was unable to figure out how to push my seat back like a recliner. Therefore, I sit here with my eyes open/shut with a hand towel as a pillow. 

Still in the US and headed to the border. Prior to our trip I was told ,repeatedly, not to go anywhere by myself and buddy system the whole Time. Due to previous news articles, I take any open bag with me off the bus when we stop. Crime in Mexico is said to be something of a concern. I am standing my ground. No strangers and don't go off. 

During this journey, I feel we are looked at as type a tourists. I am wearing my alumni shirt and the best friend looks amazing. Driver speaks English to us. 

Later, will need the currency of pesos in order to do what we had planned. 

At this hour in the evening, most are asleep. The driver, the wind entering the autobuses, the tires on the road are what I hear. My eyes feel heavy as they have since this afternoon. 

Driver just told whoever he is speaking to he sees a "puente" in the distance. 

To nap to just wake up at the border. Not ideal. 

United States Passports

I got my new passport on Saturday. Had to get a new one because of the name change. Anywho, I was sad because all my stamps from where i've been were gone but then.....

I got mail today and my old passport came back. Yay. So pictures.

<---------- 10.03.07 = March 10th 2007 Italy stamp for Italy & Greece trip






<-----------------30.12.09 = Dec 30, 2009 : Starting 16 day European Road Trip (Amsterdam stamp)

 <---- 11 Jan 2010, Leaving my 16 Day European Road Trip, last stop London

<-----11.01.10 = January 11, 2010

<---- 20 Mar 2013, Honeymoon in New Zealand

New Zealand in March

My husband and I traveled to the country of New Zealand this past March. Amazing experience and wish we could go again but it was mitey expensive.

We left mid March from Texas and in New Zealand they were in their fall.

Packing:

• one large luggage
• two carry on's
• purse (cheat system)

As it was fall and I am always cold, I packed pants, sweaters and my leather jacket. Swim suit just in case. 

Flight internationally:

Checked just the one bag. Flew TX to LA. LA to New Zealand. Very long flight. Almost 15 hours, not including layover in LA. 

New Zealand air was an awesome flight though.Stewards, movie options, everything. They had movies on board that werent playing yet and all the LOTR movies. The Hobbit too. I loved the cheesy new zealand safety video.

1st city- Auckland

We arrived in Auckland and rode this minivan to our hotel. Cheapest way +tripadvisor suggested. Our hotel was in downtown Auckland. Walking distance to everything. I have this idea, to get to know a place, you have to get to know the locals and walk around.

Street artist

 

And of course we found a game store. 

The locals speak English so speaking to people wasn't an issue. I must say I was surprised by the race/ethnicity I saw in Auckland. Mind you, Auckland is the busiest city, maybe the capitol. Besides said locals theirwere a lot of Asian people. Students in that city mainly. 

There was a grocer store nearby so we chose to buy food to make in our apartment/hotel. Saving money.

Day 2: 

Activity of the day- Waitomo caves & glow worms

Woke up early to catch our bus to Waitomo (different city on N. Island). Went from one bus to another in Auckland, got fruit breakfast, than bus ride. 

Husbands technique

Snackies in Apartment

To end our day we chose to walk to a pier in Auckland and it was breezy but perfect. We found a bench at the end and enjoyed the scenery.

 To which my husband really enjoyed.

  

 Sunset was amazing. Once it set, it was freezing which is why i was glad I had my jacket/sweater.

Day 3

Activities: Trip to Davenport & Eating at the skyrise

Woke up early and walked the town. Walked back to ferry dock and decided to go over to Davenport. Our tour guide was great in Davenport. Drove us around town and talked about everything. Didn't mention +Lorde was from there but found out later. 

 

Walking around town and we see this. All towns should have this.

This is Davenport from Auckland

This is the Ferry we will take over

Davenport homes. all classic looking.

North Head. Went to all the sites

Something i wish we/I had done. parasailing. When we say New Zealand is an extreme sport place, we mean it.

View atop mountain head of Auckland. Basically, from Davenport.

Our nifty tour guide and van. I got front seat

Cheeze

Beautiful sky shot.

Scooter vehicle i wanted to take....

View from atop the tower.

Another shot...beauty

 


floor around the viewtop -->



and below

Elevator floor-->

Karaoke is everywhere

To be continued.....