Currently I'm sitting in your campsite common room on a large, black, L-shaped couch. I'm charging my phone while waiting for my instant noodles to finish cooking. Someone that looks to be aroud my age is cleaning up after the meal he and his friend just ate. The large windows looking out into the campground are slightly cracked and a cool breeze along with the sounds of children playing is finding its way in. There's a pond and a group of young school kids seem to be having a lesson involving it. They're all wearing neon yellow vests and rain gear.
Here in the common room people come and go. Every now and then a kind British man pops in. He's touring Iceland by bike, this is his second year. While others I've seen since my arrival yesterday disappeared into the country for good. Tents are taken down and new ones are put up. Soon I'll be one of those taking their tent down and heading out. Iceland is home to Sólheimar which is called the oldest eco-village in the world. It began as a children's home and now offers creative and fun employment for those with special needs. They also offer classes in sustainable living. In fact Sustainable Development is a large part of what they do. Along with classes they offer various volunteer and internship positions. As I'm not sure what it is I'll be doing in the future, maybe it's worth a look. It's 32km away and I think it wouldn't be such a bad walk. Maybe I'll even try a bit of hitchhiking. I've got 8 days to kill before my friend Anna and her friend Megan arrive.
For now though I'm enjoying my relaxation at the Gesthus resort. There's a very hot shower available whenever I want, WiFi from the tent, a kitchen, this cozy communal room and a toilet that flushes. I'm loving the toilet. But stand up before flushing, it's a bit powerful. There's even a place to do laundry for the steep price of 1,000 ISK, the price I paid for one night! But when it has been 5.5 weeks since the last time you properly washed anything you feel inclined to pay and not haggle. There's also some great entertainment in the form of a few old Gestabók, or guestbooks. Filled with good, poor, foul and interesting art. Accompanied of course by lovely entries with praise and thoughts on this interesting country. The guestbook is much like conversation here in the room. Most of it is in a language I don't understand but it's nice to hear or read a bit of English. There's even an entry in a made up language from the Artemis Fowl books. A series I loved to read at a younger age and may now have to revisit.
Today I'll probably be a bit lazy. There's a grocery store not far off that I need to visit, this is my third instant noodle meal. And I read about an independent book store. The British man told me he saw a bike shop, that'd be fun too. I think Selfoss has a bit to offer and I'm in no rush. Another night surely wouldn't hurt. The only other two Americans that were here could spare no time as they tried to plan out their last two action packed days. It seemed to be such a hassle to be in such a rush.
I'm now alone and the British man has said farewell. My noodle lunch is almost gone. The wind in the trees sounds peaceful. Maybe a nap here on the couch should be added to my agenda.
Sincerely,
Zeb
P.S. I left the dogs behind a bit suddenly. I feel that I'll have to wrap that up properly with another post at another time. The opportunity came up to be on my way so I went.
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