“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine

Iceland is Europe’s westernmost nation and home to active volcanoes, hot thermal springs, a torrent of breathtaking waterfalls and basalt columns. Basalt columns are a geological phenomenon. When lava pours out and cools slowly over time, a curious geometric pattern emerges: long columns of hexagonal basalt rock, sometimes forming cliffs that stretch hundreds of feet into the air. These igneous rock formations can be found all around the world, from Iceland to Ireland to Israel to Japan to California, each adding a fascinating structure to the landscapes and waterscapes in which they are settled. Iceland has a number of locations with these basalt columns making them tourist destinations but we did not get to see them on this trip but would have loved to see some.

The columns are used in construction throughout the country with one major building being the Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik. 80% of Icelanders are Protestant, mostly Lutheran.

Not much to see on a rainy day in Iceland, so…..

 

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…so we enjoyed the view out our lovely family room windows while also enjoying reading.