We've sent intrepid producer Vanessa White Wolf to Iceland this week for a slew of reports on the land that helped set the scene for the upcoming "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D." Yes, we're jealous too.
It’s 12:30 a.m. and outside it’s barely sunset. Summers in Iceland mean almost nonstop sunshine -- which I had read about but am still totally surprised by. I'm back at the Hilton Nordica after a completely exhausting but incredible day. I can’t believe I landed in Iceland just 17 hours ago!
Those of us on the “Journey” tour quickly made friends and sped through customs and baggage together. We then met our tour guide -- and now my personal hero -- Thor. (I mean, of course he’s named Thor.) Born in Iceland, spent a decade in Denmark and then several years in Red Bank, NJ. He played keyboards in a rock band, people. He’s amazing.
Today happens to be Iceland’s Independence Day, so the streets were virtually empty -- luckily for us that meant it took no time at all to arrive at the hotel, where we checked in and gorged on the breakfast buffet. I’m now currently obsessed with this weird Icelandic yogurty thing called Skyr. After crashing for a few hours, we regrouped and headed to Iceland’s National Centre for Cultural Heritage for a quick study of ancient Icelandic manuscripts and medieval sagas -- interesting stuff, but really important to know since Icelandic history plays a huge part in “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D.”
From there we walked through the city center’s Independence Day celebrations -- a teenage dance troupe was onstage in front of thousands of Reykjavik’s citizens, performing their interpretations of anything from Duffy’s hit “Mercy” to Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It.” That last number seemed a little bizarre for a family event, but that’s just me.
We made our way to the harbor, where we boarded a boat that took us on a puffin tour. You know puffins, right? They’re adorable. At that point it was time for our screening of “Journey” at a local theater. And after that, it was finally time for dinner. Thor arranged for a fantastic five-course meal at Einar Ben. I’m completely exhausted and have to be up in five hours. Tomorrow’s agenda includes horseback riding and glacier exploring. Wish me luck!
That's Vanessa on the right, with her group of new Iceland friends.
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