Once we arrived in Reykjavik and saw the busy city, all the boys wished they were back in Borgarnes. The hotel rooms were very tight and busy as compared to the freedom we had in Borgarnes. We did manage to celebrate Lucky’s birthday on the 4th Floor lounge area with a yellow cake and 2 brownie cakes.
We ate at Subway instead of Quiznos because there was one across the street from the hotel. The game against the Iceland National team was very exciting. We lost in OT by 2 points. Kyrie scored a total of 52 points, but everyone contributed.
The Fungs and the Youngs stayed until Thursday. We went on a shorter version of the Golden Circle Tour. We rented a mini-van and Peter Young drove us around. KJ Fung was reading the map and Robin Young was our official tour guide. She read to us the history of each spot that we stopped and the significance of the place. We first stopped by a friend’s house (Gulla & Siggi) and had an authentic Icelandic brunch. We had sampling of smoked lamb, smoked salmon, lox, pizza sandwiches, egg sandwiches, boiled eggs, dips, chips, etc… They even packed us food for our time on the road.
Trying to get out of town was not as easy. The police blocked off the main road. Apparently, the truckers are on strike due to the high gas price. On the 2nd try, the police finally told us that we could take a detour to the main road. We said our goodbyes to Gulla & Siggi and we’re on our way to the Circle Tour. We saw a lot of farmland along with many Icelandic horses and some sheep.
After about 1:15 hours, we arrived at the Geyser. It was very windy. We saw puddles of water bubbling at 100 degC. We made our way to one of the Geysers that goes off every 8-10 minutes. We saw the geyser go off, took a few pictures and off we were to see the waterfalls. We arrived at the Gulfoss waterfalls in about 20 minutes. Again, it was very very windy but we managed to climb down to the edge of the waterfalls. What’s nice about going in April is that there is still some snow/ice left, I think it made the scenery look much more interesting. We of course took many photos and raced back to the van. We then stopped by the souvenir shop and purchased some gifts. Robin finally bought herself an Icelandic sweater.
We were then off to find the Phing-vallavatn National Park. After 45 minutes in the car, we found out Rt 365 was close (this was the most direct route). So, we had to go around the main roads to get to the Park. We finally arrived after another 30 minutes. There was no visitor’s center like the other stops. We saw a church and a hotel. We stopped and walked over to the church. The scenery was beautiful, so of course, we took a few more pictures.
Gulla & Siggi helped us make a dinner reservation at the Perlan Restaurant. This is on top of the dome that the team visited a day earlier. The restaurant turns ever so slightly so you can enjoy the view of the city and the mountains. We arrived back at the hotel at 6:45 pm and hooked up with Coach Joe and Coach Ken. They were joining us for dinner at the Perlan. We had a nice dinner. The view would have been better if it did not rain, but we were still able to enjoy the view of the city skyline. We talked about how much fun we all had over the trip. Even Stephen Fung, Matt’s younger brother said that he would return next year if he were given a renewal contract as a Mini-Assistant Coach. We discovered that it was Robin’s birthday, so we all wished her a happy birthday. On Wednesday evening, Robin and Peter went out to check out the nightlife. Joe & Ken also went out on separate tour of the night scene.
On Thursday morning, the Fungs and Youngs checked out of the hotel and headed onto the Blue Lagoon. We managed to fit ALL our luggage into the tiny mini-van. We stopped at a gas station and Peter and KJ filled the gas tank. The Blue Lagoon was only 20 minutes from the airport, so our plan was to stop there for 1-2 hours, then head straight to the airport. On our way to there, KJ noticed that the bridge, which is the border between the 2 continents of North America and Europe is not far from the Blue Lagoon. So, we all decided that it was a good idea to stop there first before going to the Blue Lagoon.
We stood on the bridge with one leg in North America and one in Europe and took some photos. The lava ash was warm to the touch. We got back in the van and when Peter tried starting the car, it would not start. At first, we thought he was kidding because Matt had previously made a comment that we’re going to get stuck out here in the middle of nowhere in Iceland. But it was no joke. A car drove by on the main road. We blew the horn, waved and screamed. The car stopped but seeing the kids, probably thought that we were fooling around, left!!!
What do we do now? Our flight is only 5 hours away and we are stuck here in a parking lot on the edge of the Continent of Europe!!! We said, let’s try pushing the van. So, KJ and the boys got out and started pushing. The engine made some strange noise. We got to the tee of the road and everyone got back in the car. Peter tried once again to start and it finally did!!!
What could have caused the van to behave like that? It was fine the last 1.5 days. KJ looked in the car manual and noticed that this mini-van requires DIESEL fuel, not unleaded gas. What do we do? We still want to the Blue Lagoon but we did not want to miss our flight. We decided to stop at a gas station and fill the remainder of the tank with diesel fuel. We’re all curious as to why there was no labeling on the car stating that it required DIESEL fuel. Well, as it turns out, the gas cap did say “DIESEL”. We Americans just did not catch it……. Robin and Anne picked up T-shirts that says “LOST IN ICELAND” for the men and boys.
For KJ Fung, this was strike two. On Tuesday when we all went souvenir shopping, he almost got left behind because he did not stay with the group. Another “teenager” we needed to chaperone….
We had a great time in Blue Lagoon. The car was fine after filling it with diesel the 2nd time. We arrived at the airport at 3:30 pm. Ate a quick bite and before you know it, it was time to board.
The flight back was very nice; we even had ice cream served to us because it was the 1st day of summer in Iceland. By the way, many people got the day off because it was the 1st day of summer. The flight landed at 6:20 pm safely at JFK and it was 80 deg F outside.
What a fun trip had by all!!!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Stephen Fung's Post
Came 12, leaving 16 – anyone misbehaved ??
Great hanging out with players Sunday night.
Manager for Sports U – great!!!
Hanging out with Darryl – mini-me.
Got to meet older girls. One smaller girl found someone their own size.
Do not want to hang around with Matt.
Great hanging out with players Sunday night.
Manager for Sports U – great!!!
Hanging out with Darryl – mini-me.
Got to meet older girls. One smaller girl found someone their own size.
Do not want to hang around with Matt.
Miles' Post
The top of the glacier was too cold. The lower part of the glacier was nicer.
The best part of Iceland is that when you look one way, there are mountains and the other way is ocean. What I disliked is that there is nothing in the middle of Iceland, only rocks. There were no trees. Didn't like the fact that the parents took so many photos.
In the Icelandic school, the kids do not wear shoes. Also in between periods, they can do whatever they want, which I thought was neat.
Most of the players in Iceland were very friendly. Our teammates who did not come missed out because the trip was fun. We all need to learn the different cultures and other ways of life.
Next time we come, we should go to the hot springs.
The best part of Iceland is that when you look one way, there are mountains and the other way is ocean. What I disliked is that there is nothing in the middle of Iceland, only rocks. There were no trees. Didn't like the fact that the parents took so many photos.
In the Icelandic school, the kids do not wear shoes. Also in between periods, they can do whatever they want, which I thought was neat.
Most of the players in Iceland were very friendly. Our teammates who did not come missed out because the trip was fun. We all need to learn the different cultures and other ways of life.
Next time we come, we should go to the hot springs.
Chris Compas' Post
The worst part of the trip was the top of the glaciers and the bus ride. I liked sliding down the mountain. With the sulfur-smell water, it is OK once you’re in the shower. But when you come out, you smell it.
The best part of the trip was the DUNK I made. Winning the championship game was great and scoring over 100 points. I also liked the mountains. The way I would describe Iceland is “Hills of Ice or Snow”.
My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with the girls. The girls do not know a lot of English, so it was hard communicating, but it was still great.
I would come back next year. I would advise other team members to go to the glaciers, but would not return myself. Next time, I’d bring some boots so I am more prepared for the top of the glaciers.
The best part of the trip was the DUNK I made. Winning the championship game was great and scoring over 100 points. I also liked the mountains. The way I would describe Iceland is “Hills of Ice or Snow”.
My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with the girls. The girls do not know a lot of English, so it was hard communicating, but it was still great.
I would come back next year. I would advise other team members to go to the glaciers, but would not return myself. Next time, I’d bring some boots so I am more prepared for the top of the glaciers.
Seth's Post
The best thing about Iceland is that the scenery changes from mountains to ocean to green. Another nice thing is that everything is closed together. Iceland is a great place to relax and it was beautiful!!!
We saw HAIR, the play, performed by local middle school kids. I did not understand what was going on since they spoke in Icelandic except for some of the American words.
Funniest moment of the tournament was watching Angelo play point guard. The little kid guarding Angelo was a tenth of Angelo’s size. In the hotel room, Angelo couldn't turn the lamp on, so he seemed annoyed and said that he did not like Iceland. He was kidding, of course.
The outdoor pool is neat including the hot tub. The recreation center was great. The pool volleyball was great, my team won.
Mom, you should have come, you would have loved it!
We saw HAIR, the play, performed by local middle school kids. I did not understand what was going on since they spoke in Icelandic except for some of the American words.
Funniest moment of the tournament was watching Angelo play point guard. The little kid guarding Angelo was a tenth of Angelo’s size. In the hotel room, Angelo couldn't turn the lamp on, so he seemed annoyed and said that he did not like Iceland. He was kidding, of course.
The outdoor pool is neat including the hot tub. The recreation center was great. The pool volleyball was great, my team won.
Mom, you should have come, you would have loved it!
Shaun's Post
I liked the beauty of Iceland. Iceland has mountains and looks like a wasteland. Iceland is green, not ice. I liked the trip a lot and everything about it. People are real nice and everyone is nice to us. The glacier was really cool! I liked it a lot but it was really cold.
Schools here in Iceland are laid back and not strict. The kids do not wear shoes, which seemed weird, but floors are really clean.
I liked the rule of the free throw rules here in Iceland because you can try to get the rebound upon release.
I would come to Iceland for a summer job if I have the opportunity. I would definitely come back to do this again and next time bring my parents, but not my baby sister.
Schools here in Iceland are laid back and not strict. The kids do not wear shoes, which seemed weird, but floors are really clean.
I liked the rule of the free throw rules here in Iceland because you can try to get the rebound upon release.
I would come to Iceland for a summer job if I have the opportunity. I would definitely come back to do this again and next time bring my parents, but not my baby sister.
Monday, April 21, 2008
John's Post
The best
The worst
I would like to play teams like the blue team and Coach Webb's team. I did not expect them to be fast, but they were very fast and they got by us. They had good players.
I would like to eventually come back here since I know that it is a great place. I would bring my Mom the next time, she does not know how to take pictures.
- That we are learning about a different culture, similar to ours but still many differences.
- How safe it is here.
- Parents not afraid of kids walking by themselves.
- Girls initially shy, but became really friendly.
- Nice going on a trip with my father without my other siblings, but he took too many pictures.
The worst
- My dad taking so many pictures
I would like to play teams like the blue team and Coach Webb's team. I did not expect them to be fast, but they were very fast and they got by us. They had good players.
I would like to eventually come back here since I know that it is a great place. I would bring my Mom the next time, she does not know how to take pictures.
Matt's Post
Iceland is something to see. Total opposite from NJ; it is very spacious. The one item I’d remember most memorable is the egg-smelling water. Being able to play basketball in Iceland has been great. Having my family with me has been OK.
Tournament – players were good. Rules are really weird, not used to some of the calls.
I did not hook up with a girl like some of my other teammates.
Riding up to the top of the glacier was not fun, but coming down was great especially sledding down the mountain.
Hotel is OK except for the shower. Having a roommate is better we got to hang out. We all hung out in different rooms everyday.
On this trip, I got to know Kyrie more since we had never played together before. Coach Webb is a great coach and so was Coach Joe.
At this time, I do not miss baseball. I want to catch up on my TV shows when I get home. Next time, I would not like to walk everywhere especially after playing a hard game.
Tournament – players were good. Rules are really weird, not used to some of the calls.
I did not hook up with a girl like some of my other teammates.
Riding up to the top of the glacier was not fun, but coming down was great especially sledding down the mountain.
Hotel is OK except for the shower. Having a roommate is better we got to hang out. We all hung out in different rooms everyday.
On this trip, I got to know Kyrie more since we had never played together before. Coach Webb is a great coach and so was Coach Joe.
At this time, I do not miss baseball. I want to catch up on my TV shows when I get home. Next time, I would not like to walk everywhere especially after playing a hard game.
KJ Gist's Post
Made 3 point shot and got in trouble from coach – got confused.
Iceland was supposed to be bigger and better. Now I like it better, adapting to slower pace.
Still some strange people back in USA, so no difference.
Would like to try another place other than Iceland.
The Best
The Worst
I get treated like a celebrity in USA because I am the oldest among people I hang around with.
Iceland was supposed to be bigger and better. Now I like it better, adapting to slower pace.
Still some strange people back in USA, so no difference.
Would like to try another place other than Iceland.
The Best
- Was it cool having dad here on trip – little bit.
- Meeting all those girls, came out of no where.
- Scoring all those points – scored 18 in one game, Felt like celebrity.
The Worst
- Shower, sulfur water, size of shower.
I get treated like a celebrity in USA because I am the oldest among people I hang around with.
Bob Goode's Post
The best - The kids having the opportunity to experince things they otherwise would not have.
The worst - Waking myself up and shutting the kids down.
The worst - Waking myself up and shutting the kids down.
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