Gabi On The Go: ICELAND

"I've always wanted to go there!"

"Why Iceland?"

"What's in Iceland????"

These were the three most common answers every time we told friends and family about our vacation destination. Through this process I've realized that this small island country is still a mystery for many and fascination for others. I guess I was gravitating towards both. As much as I wished to visit Iceland (I have been thinking about it for may years), I wasn't sure what to expect, beside the moon-like-scenery. But here we are and maybe we can bring some wonderful experiences to you in the next week.

The idea came up after postponing for next year plans to visit friends in Fogo Island, in Newfoundland (Canada). We had to come up with a destination to travel as a family and after many discussions, New York City seemed to be it... until I accidentally saw an online advertisement for a package trip to Iceland. That was it! No questions. We had our family vacation all decided.

The options of travelling without the girls crossed our minds for few seconds, but immediately we agreed that they should be part of it. We are aware that this trip will be totally different and somewhat limited because of them - Iceland is a great place for hikes and other outdoors activities - but the idea to leave them behind was not really an option. We might do it differently next time, but having the family together has been great... so far!

The plane ride is actually pretty smooth. It's only five hours on a direct flight from Toronto to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. We left at 9pm and got here at 6am local time, which was still 2am at OUR time. So, sleeping didn't really happen. The girls managed to get 4 hours each, but neither Mike nor I got any rest. Crazy! By the time we got off the plane, got a rental car and figured out how to get to our hotel, we were two grumpy parents trying really hard to be there for the kids. It was a recipe for a family disaster. And it was! But lets focus on the good things. ;)

Flying Icelandair was a fantastic experience. The only downside was the fact that they charge for food - which it seems to be a norm at any airline service for flights less than 5 hours. But they were so cool with the children, giving us an extra seat, and bring kids meal and a super cool toy package... both for free.

We were also very impressed with the airport approach to family with children. As soon as we stepped outside of the plane, a ground crew member escorted us to the security and passport control, cutting to the front of the line. And right after she got us an airport stroller, until we could get ours at the baggage claim room. Before coming here, I read that Icelandic people are children friendly, but they treat the kids as part of life - don't expect special menu for them at restaurants.

Outside Keflavík International Airport - it was a foggy early morning, 10 degrees celsius, followed by a perfect rainbow.

The taxi ride from the airport to downtown - our rental car was too small for all the bags and baby car seats - was insanely expensive: about $150, but the view was beautiful.

The view from our apartment balcony. We are right on the main street, Laugarvegur, beside the tourist information office. As it it is a common thing in Europe, we rented a one bedroom apartment fully furnished and with a kitchen. We are staying for less than $200 a night in the best location possible with internet, cable, phone and garage. I highly recommend for family or groups: http://roomwithaview.is

After getting settled in our amazing apartment, we went out to explore the world's northern most capital's little downtown. Children style!

Sofia of course loved the stuffed bears in front of a store and Julia said: "I told you: Iceland polar bears are friendly!"

Around the corner there was a park and a playground, found by the girls. I guess we'll spend a lot of our vacation time here.

After all the travelling madness to get here, mommy and daddy deserve some romantic time. Photo by Julia.

View from the top of the hill park.

Across from that there is the magnificent Harpa Concert Hall (it has a unpronounceable Iceland name, of course), a beautiful glass building along the water.