The Best Kind of Industrial Accident

Trying to avoid some of the cold and the rain, we traveled south yesterday to Keflavik, spending the afternoon at the Blue Lagoon. While relaxing in the glowing blue thermal pools, we both realized how exhausted we have become over the previous months. We slathered white silica mud across our faces, sipped Skyr smoothies, steamed in the bath house, and drifted across the pools in search of the hot spots which would soothe our souls.

The funny thing about the Blue Lagoon is that it is actually the result of an industrial accident. Next door to the resort is a geothermal plant which pumps hot water from deep underground, extracts its energy, and injects the used water back into the crust. The only problem is that the water doesn’t want to go back down. The same silica mud that we make our ridiculous masks out of stops the water near the surface, causing it to flood and spill out into the crater-like landscape. Looking at the lagoon on Google Earth you can see how this industrial accident played out.

We might be hopeless romantics embarking on our wedding journey, but there is something beautiful about the Icelandic psyche and how they were able to turn an industrial accident into a soothing spa and resort unique to the country. With a little creativity, disaster was turned into beauty. Though we aren’t hoping for any industrial accidents, we will strive to do the same when faced with challenges.

Now… we’ve met with our officiant and have wrapped up some last minute details. It’s time to travel to Stykkishólmur to pick up our wedding papers and then to Budir to get the party started. We can’t wait.20140526-113800-41880958.jpg20140526-113759-41879849.jpg

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10 thoughts on “The Best Kind of Industrial Accident

  1. We are thinking about you!! Best of wishes for a extraordinarily beautiful day and we can’t wait to see Mr and Mrs <3 <3

    • Aw thank you so much! It was really an extraordinarily beautiful day. I just said husband for the first time the other day and it felt so good :):) Sending much love for you and the kiddos!

      Pia & Jamie

  2. I can see the love you have for each other in the picture you just posted!! Have a wonderful time as you get closer to becoming Mr. And Mrs.! Always keep your love alive!
    Aunt Joey

    • Joey,

      Thank you very much for your well wishes. It was truly an incredible adventure and we are so much looking forward to our live together. We can’t wait to share more photos soon. Have a wonderful summer!

      With love,
      Pia & Jamie

  3. Hi dears!
    Tomorrow is the day! I wish you to have a beautiful day rich with warmth, love, and happiness. Let your love flow everywhere! :)
    Much love! Aike

    • Thank you Aike! Our day was filled with warmth, love and lots of happiness :) It flowed into lava fields and off of epic cliffs!

  4. I’m so happy and excited for you, Pia and Jamie! And it’s so nice that you share these beautiful pictures and stories with us this way. Have a wonderful day tomorrow, and I wish you the very best, which is each of you for the other. :)

    Here is a little Iranian wedding tradition you might enjoy: after you say your “I do’s ” and you’re officially married, you will be offered a glass of honey, in which each of you, taking turns, dip your pinky finger and give the honey to your spouse, thus sharing the sweetness of life together from the beginning and for ever.

    Big hugs and many congratulations!

    Sahar

    • Dear Sahar!

      Thank you for your lovely message. We really felt the presence of all of you in Iceland. Time flew by but stood still also. We hope to see you soon!

      Love,
      Pia & Jamie

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