For Tara’s Gallery this week we have to choose our favourite photo. For me, it had to be this one, Thingvellir in Iceland, for a variety of reasons.
The Geography
The great fault line at Thingvellir (or Pingvellir), running right through Iceland and the Atlantic ocean, indicates where where the geological plates of North America and Europe are pulling slowly apart. When we visited we weren’t entirely sure where the actual centre line was in this vast plain but we pretended to have our feet in different continents as we explored the national park. I remember getting all geological on the family, describing the awesome power of nature and blabbing on about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, earthquakes and the like. Hubby frequently raised his eyebrows as the accuracy of my narrative was questionable, to say the least.
The History
This is also the place where Iceland formed the world’s first parliamentary democracy, the Althing, in AD930. Dougie took over the narrative at this point, spouting forth like the geysir we had just seen, but with a great deal more knowledge than my own efforts.
The Blog
Our holiday to Iceland was the catalyst for my blog. ‘Mum’s Gone to Iceland’ was the first post when I typed up my holiday diaries and, of course, the ‘Mum’s Gone to’ name carried on wherever we went after that. The photo was the original header before it became all warm and pink.
The Photo
There is so much I love to look at in the photo itself: the brooding sky, the meandering river (just like in my school Geography books), the row of perfect white houses (summer residence of Iceland’s Prime Minister) and my two fellas in the foreground.
The Humour
Look again at Rory in the picture…..a headless boy. Poor lad was weary and, resting on the hillside, his head drooped to his chest. Makes me laugh every time I look at him: the headless hoodie!
Ha – only just noticed the headless hoodie! lovely pic and interesting to read how it inspired you.
What a great post, love hearing why people started blogging!
Had not noticed the headless hoodie until you mentioned it PMSL.
And all this despite admiring the photo for ages when it was your original header.
Oh dear. Need my glasses.
LCM x
Stunning scenery, very well captured. Nice story behind it too. 🙂
My wife and I so want to go to Iceland! It looks incredible and breath-taking and every cliche under the sun!
Loving the headless hoodie! How did he get his head so far down on his chest? Are you absolutely certain he actually still has a head?
Just had to go back and check out the headless hoodie! Beautiful scenery, my brother and his lady went there earlier this year and got caught up in the ash saga!
Did you know Reagan and Gorbachev met informally at that little white house before the start of the treaty negotiations that – ultimately – brought to an end the Cold War?
Headless hoodie. LMAO!
Oh NOW I see it….hadn't noticed the lack of head before!!
What a great photo and the 'headless hoodie' made me giggle – love it!
Glad you all love my little headless hoodie!
Dulwich Divorcee – yes, he's definitely still got a head: it preens itself in the mirror every day!
Marisworld – I can think of worse places to be stuck: such a fascinating country.
Dotterel – I think it was a different little white house, Tim. Didn't they meet in Reykjavik?
Was everything for £1?
M Smoking Gun – no, but their party food and cheesecakes were very reasonable.
Lovely image, thanks for all the information.
Fantastic!! Love the photo, the moment and the commentary.
Judge Spud xx