This post contains writing from Smithsonian students

We had a great first day in Iceland!

We landed at the Keflavik Airport early in the morning, where we were greeted by our wonderful leader Grace. She took us to a local bakery, where we grabbed a delicious breakfast and much-needed energy drinks. Following this stop, we went to the Bridge Between Continents, where the North American and Euarsian plates diverge. Iceland is the only place where this divergence occurs above water.

We took a moment to touch both plates at once before heading to the Blue Lagoon!

The Blue Lagoon is a famous spa made from the wastewater of a geothermal plant. The silica, algae, and minerals in the water are said to be good for your skin and health. We had the opportunity to get silica facemasks and sweet blue slushies while enjoying the shallow lagoon and its saunas.

After the lagoon, we drove to Reykajvik to grab a lunch of Icelandic hotdogs made of lamb and topped with raw onion, crispy onions, Icelandic ketchup, Icelandic mustard, and remoulade. Others grabbed pita with falafel before traveling to the hostel, completing orientation and grabbing dinner at a food hall.

We ended this amazing day by celebrating Sienna’s birthday with an assortment of pastries. Overall, it was a full and exciting day! 

-Written by Annekke H. & Henry H.