At 6:15am yesterday morning the Icelandair grounds crew secured our plane at the gate at Keflavik airport, Iceland.
I had returned to Iceland! At last.
Flying overnight, the northern lights made an appearance – across the aisle. From my seat this is what I saw.
Dawn brought views of Greenland.
After deplaning, a quick wheelchair ride to Customs, luggage grab off the baggage carousel, car rental, and we were off!
The 2-hour drive from the Keflavik airport to Búðir took us 8 hours. A combination of constant photo-op views and a roadside nap, was in keeping with our style of travel.
Every direction held views. Almost more than I could hold in my soul.
We arrived at our destination for the night, Hotel Búðir. Our plan for three nights was thwarted by the flight cancellation. Still, one night in this space and place, was enough. For now.
During the boarding process last night, the pilot promised us northern lights viewing. I assumed it was because this was the Inaugural United Airlines flight from Chicago to Reykjavik. Yay!
Then, as I got settled into my fancy seat, and pictured turning it into a bed, complete with bed linens from Sak’s 5th Avenue, there was an intense conversation nearby. Flight attendants, a maintenance guy, and the pilot.
It seemed there was a problem with the battery. Back and forth. Back and forth. Eventually it was agreed we should all deplane in order for the battery to be exchanged.
It was 10:30pm for a 9:30pm flight. Next came an issue of vouchers to use to find something to eat. People spread out to find something still open as free snacks were running low.
11pm. Jazz was closed.
Wait, Starbucks was open!
Just as we joined the long line, an announcement called us all back as boarding would begin shortly. Whoopee!
Then came the announcement that a pilot was needed as our Captain had timed out. Oh. No.
At midnight, the dreaded announcement. The flight is canceled. The inaugural flight that wasn’t.
No Battery. No Pilot. No flight to Iceland tonight.
Today I leave for Iceland! It will be my sixth trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.
Iceland’s tourism board has a new tagline to attract future tourists. Iceland. Better than space. “NASA agrees: the agency has repeatedly used Iceland as a stand-in for the Moon, and it’s doing so again as it prepares astronauts for new missions off-world.”
My experience traveling around Iceland is often “other-worldly”.
At other times, it’s magnificent beauty.
My friend and I are traveling first to Snaefellsnes peninsula. Several years ago on an Iceland trip, our plans were changed at the last minute. Severe storms in Houston and then Atlanta, caused us miss this place on our trip.
Now we shall look and see what I expect will be – beauty-colored vistas.
Here’s a clue until I get there.
Hotel Búðir
From the Snaefellsnes peninsula we will journey north and west to the Westfjords.
My friend and I arrived in Chicago for a 8 to 9 hour connection flight to Iceland. We are hanging out in the fancy lounge in the Chicago airport, awaiting our 9:30pm flight. I’ll be glued to the window hoping for northern lights.
Part of being a good friend is the assured promise to be present in not only the good times, but the hard times too. The hard times especially.
I’m seated in my chair in the sky, going to north Texas to be present when my friend’s mother is laid to rest.
In your mercy look upon this grave, so that your servant may sleep here in peace; and on the day of judgement raise her up to dwell with your saints in paradise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer.
I’ve returned from my 48 hour trip to Chicago. While the reason for the trip was Mendelssohn’s Elijah in performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, it was so much more.
We stayed at the Silversmith Hotel in downtown Chicago. Within walking distance to Symphony Hall and the Chicago Art Institute, it was the perfect place to stay. Plus…we arrived early and asked if we could check in. Not only could we do so, we were upgraded to a suite on the top floor!
Just across the street was The Goddess and the Baker. Starting the day outdoors in Chicago’s Spring weather was a delight. So was lingering there in the late afternoon.
The “L” clamored above us with great regularity. Often two “Ls” passed by each other. It was raucous!
From The Goddess it was a short walk to the Chicago Art Institute. We spent several hours in the museum and saw only a fraction of the art.
Below is a favorite of mine.
Sky Above the Clouds. Georgia O’Keffee
I took note of similarities of color and design.
Modern Cafe
The size and scope of the Chicago Art Institute was overwhelming. Even using the museum app, and asking directions of docents, it was at times a daunting task to navigate. Nonetheless, it was a real pleasure to be there.
The Solemn Pledge:Taos Indians – Walter Ufer
The days-end treat was an evening walk to Amorino for a much deserved – as judged by us – gelato.
On Sunday morning we took another walk – this time to church.
But first, The Goddess and the Baker.
Walking to church felt so good!
Alexander Calder
Bus stop benches along the way helped me go the distance!
Grace Episcopal Church. Grace Space. A beautiful space for beautiful worship.
Following the church service, it was time for Chicago deep-dish pizza!
Returning to the hotel, we packed up and departed for Chicago O’Hare. Our 48 hours in Chicago were filled with music, art, worship, laughter, taste treats, and lovely spring walks.
Upon descending to Atlanta’s Harsfield-Jackson airport, a masterpiece was revealed just outside my window.
“Chicago Chicago, That toddlin’ town“. No, wait, “Elijah, get hence, Elijah!“
I’m headed to Chicago for a couple of days. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is performing my most favorite piece of music, ever! Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah.
Elijah is an oratorio, which depicts events in the life of the Prophet Elijah as told in the books 1 Kings and 2 Kings of the Old Testament.
Symphony Hall
I don’t recall the first time I heard Elijah, nor can I count how many times I’ve seen Elijah in concert.
Lower Balcony. Row 1. Middle.
It’s been too long since I last heard the opening words “As God the Lord of Israel liveth…”, so I’m super-psyched about this performance. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, no less.
Elijah will be in my ears as I am seated in my chair in the sky.
I returned home last week after my travel to Arizona. Ideas I had for blog posts were put to the side as there was little time to sit with my thoughts.
Instead of having time for posts, I had time with family.
What follows is my walk from Palm Sunday through Easter Day. The psalm lines are from the psalms appointed for each day.
The day prior to my departure, I attended Palm Sunday church services with my parish family in north Georgia. The service began outside the church front doors, with parishioners carrying palm branches into the sanctuary.
“The Lord is our God, and God has given us light! Start the celebration! March with palm branches all the way to the altar.” Psalm 118:27
On Monday in Holy Week I flew to Phoenix to visit my sister.
“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you.” Psalm 36:5
At dusk my sister and I chased the sunset.
On Tuesday of Holy Week she and I walked the desert at San Tan Regional Park.
“We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us.” Psalm 33:20
We later joined three of our cousins for lunch and happy conversation.
“You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God.” Psalm 18:21
An annual gathering of awesome women!
On Wednesday in Holy Week my sister and I drove south to Tucson. We took the back roads where we were greeted with an abundance of wildflowers.
“This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad today” Psalm 118:25
My brother met us along the way. We three spent time walking at Catalina State Park.
“Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart.” 105:3
From there we headed to my brother and my sister-in-law’s home for a delicious dinner and delightful conversation, plus a sunset to wrap up the day.
“The Lord has done this, and it is amazing to us.” Psalm 118 23
On Maundy Thursday we went to the desert. We spent hours driving and walking through Saguaro National Stare Park.
“I love you, Lord! You answered my prayers.” Psalm 116:1
That evening we dined with my two nephews and their families for a wonderful Mexican dinner. The most delicious things on the menu were the conversations.
On Good Friday my sister, brother and I attended church at Saint Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson.
“From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.” Psalm 22:10
After the service, we said our goodbyes and my sister and I drove north to her home.
“Don’t stay far away, Lord! My strength comes from you.” Psalm 22:19
On Saturday in Easter Week I flew home.
“You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress.” Psalm 31:3
On Easter Day, I joined others in my home parish in saying… “The Lord is Risen, The Lord is Risen Indeed!”
“Tell the Lord how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful“. Psalm 118:1
Eight days walking with family. Eight days walking with God.
Cometsgirl 