Favorite pics from Ice Hotel

Strangely, they didn't want to smoke at the Ice Hotel :)


Ice chandelier in the main entrance


Greg at the ice desk in one of the rooms


Tami lounging on one of the large beds


One of the more interesting rooms in the hotel


Outside of the Ice hotel


Drinks from the ice bar with glasses made of ice


The Mush-room which we ended up staying at


Tami getting ready for bed


Ready for bed


The Ice Chapel


The view from the dog sled


Herd of reindeer we ran across while on the sled


Greg and Tami getting ready to go back into the cold


The dogs pulling the sled


Greg, Tami, Luigi, Gavin and the driver


Tami with a husky puppy


Both of us on the snowmobile


It was so cold that ice crystals were forming on our eyelashes


Tami's snow angel

What pretty lights......

Saturday, February 14, 2009

We awoke to a guy serving us a hot cup of Lingonberry juice at quarter to eight in the morning.  The juice was yummy,  but the guy was pretty stingy with it and we would have loved for it to be hotter. However,  we did have a full day ahead of us,  so we went ahead and got up,  braved the cold to get inside,  took a shower and got ready for the day.  We went across the street to have a breakfast buffet that was pretty good.  Then we checked out of our cold room and got ready for some dog sledding.  

A guy drove us to the kennel with six other people to do some sledding.  On our trip  we had Gavin and Luigi,   two guys from Chicago that had flown in just for the weekend and managed to get the exact same schedule as we did (we flew in on the same flight from Stockholm, ate supper at about the same time, scheduled all of the same activities, etc.),  so we had seen them around and had started talking with them already.  The other four were two mother/daughter groups from Edinburgh.  The girls from Scotland had booked to drive two sleds themselves,  while the rest of us were just going for a ride.  We ended up on a sled with Gavin and Luigi pulled by 12 huskies.  The dogs were very eager to go... barking like crazy and one kept jumping trying to get the sled started. 

When we did finally start,  the mother right in front of us was riding the brakes and going pretty slow,  but our dogs were having none of that,  so we took a turn badly and the sled tipped over.  Of course,  only Tami and me fell off since we were in the front.  However,  we got back on fairly quickly and went on.  I tried to record some with the video camera,  but it was very cold and wasn't long before my hand started to feel numb.  We rode on the sleds (which could be very stinky at times) for over an hour and a half through frozen lakes and rivers,  and picturesque forests filled with snow covered trees until we got to a cabin.  The cabin is where we stopped for lunch, but not before we saw a herd of wild reindeer roaming the countryside.  We all piled inside and got close to the fire to start to dethaw while the sled drivers made lunch.  We started out with flatbread and mushroom soup,  then had some moose stew with mashed potatoes (which sounds horrible,  but was very tasty... it basically tastes like beef),  then we had some coffee and tea.  After sitting around talking for a bit,  we bundled back up and went back out to the sleds for an equally long journey back to the kennels.  

This part of the trip had several hills that we had to go up,  and we felt bad for the dogs because they struggled to pull all five of us at times.  We really wanted to get out and help them, but weren't allowed to.  We did have a little excitement since one of the dogs had to be pulled off and put on one of the sleds because of problems with a prior injury.  We also had to stop at one point for them to rearrange some dogs because some males just realized that one of the females was in heat.  We did make it back eventually and were able to go see the racing dogs and pups.  Our guides did both tour guides and actual dog sled races.  They were in fact training that night by taking some of their racing dogs out for a 100K run (we only did 28K total that day, so they have a long day ahead of them).  We even got to play with two of the pups who were going to be trained to pull sleds.  They were so cute, only 8 months old, but very scared.  After a bit we put them back with their moms and we headed back to the Ice Hotel.

When we got back we checked into the Ice Hotel warm rooms and did a bit of souvenir shopping, got a snack and hot chocolate, and then headed back to our warm room to take a quick nap.  We knew we were going to be out late on the snowmobiles so thought we should rest up.  When we got up and ready we went and met the rest of the group going, there were a total of about 40-45 people.  We had to split up into 3 groups and we luckily were able to get up with Gavin, Luigi, and the moms and daughters again.  We had had such a fun time that we all thought we should continue our day together.  

They started out by getting us all helmets, showing us the snowmobiles, and then getting them started and ready to go.  It didn't take too long and we were off.  Both of us wanted to drive so we had to take turns, Tami started off as the driver and immediately we were having fun.  We drove for quite a while, maybe 30 minutes before our driver stopped us.  We didn't really understand why at the time but he stopped us in the middle of a frozen lake and told us to cut our engines.  When all of the snowmobile lights went out it was pitch black dark outside except for the thousands of stars and a green light in the shape of arc to our left.  He told us that that was the northern lights.  It was very pretty but not really what we had expected.  We all ran around and did jumping jacks for about 15 minutes to warm up a bit, while admiring the lights and the stars.  We have never seen so many stars before ever.  Tami even said it looked like being in a planetarium.  We got back on our snowmobiles and Greg took over as the driver and we drove for about another hour or so.  We took turns and every so often we would stop so our guide could check us for frostbite and give us a few minutes to warm up.  After over 2 hours out on the snowmobile we made to our wilderness camp.

In case you are curious, during the day the temperature was about -22, so at night on the snowmobile going 35-45 mph you can imagine that it is nearly -40 or so.  We wore 3-4 layers of clothing, that included thermals, jeans, pants, ski pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, snow jackets, several layers of socks, mitten and feet warmers, a couple hats, and a balaclava, and yet we still were freezing.  It was so cold that there would be ice forming on your eyelashes and eyebrows, your balaclava and other outer gear would be covered in ice and snow.  We were so happy to be taking a break inside a small round cabin that had a fire in the middle.  Here we were given salmon sandwiches, cheese rolls, moose soup, lingonberry juice, and lingonberry cake, with coffee or tea.  We sat around in the wilderness camp for well over an hour before our guide started to clean up.  During which he told us numerous stories about things he had seen and done and what he really loves about his job.  While he was taking a load out to the trailer he saw more northern lights and told us all to come out, after all that was what this trip was about.

We all ran out side and watched the green lights appear again.  We managed to walk down the hill to the frozen lake we were at to get a better view and then the real show began.  The lights started moving across the sky, becoming more and more vibrant, changing shapes, and then the dancing began.  It was amazing, the most beautiful and wondrous thing we have ever seen.  We all tried to take pictures and videos, but nothing would capture the moment.  It is just something that will ever be ingrained in our memories, but no actual photographs.  Our guide told us that they had not had any lights like that in a long time, and definitely not this past season.  We were so lucky to have seen it.  We spent nearly 30 minutes in awe, watching the sky and the ever changing shapes and colors.  I really wish we could share it with everyone.

Eventually the lights began to fade and everyone was very cold again, so we got back on the snowmobiles for the journey back to the ice hotel.  It only took about 20-25 minutes and we were there, but those were the coldest moments we had to endure.  When we got back, the 8 of us weren't really ready to say goodbye and goodnight so we hit the Ice Bar one last time.  All of them got a warm drink while Greg & Tami got ice drinks, this was after all the last time in the Ice Bar.  We then headed across the street to the N'ice Bar at the restaurant where we all had another round.  We sat around chatting for a while and the bar was getting ready to close up, so they asked if we wanted last round.  One of the moms suggested we do a shot.

So, Tami went up and ordered a round of shots and we took them back to the table.  It was a Swedish drink that was strong but nice.  We all said cheers and Greg, Tami, Luigi & Gavin downed it, (the two daughters had to share one since they were underage) and the moms were sipping.  They were shocked that we were all done, and we convinced them to do what you were supposed to do with a shot, and they obliged.  It was great fun and we chatted some more until we all decided it was time to head to bed.   On the way out Tami decided that she wanted to make a snow angel, so she did, right in front of the restaurant.  The snow here is perfect for it.

On Sunday we woke up and got ready and went to breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport.  We were on the same bus and same plane as Luigi & Gavin so we were able to chat with them a bit more, exchange info, and say our final goodbye's to them.

By far this was the most memorable experience we have had and would recommend it to anyone.

Sweden Ice Hotel pictures

We do plan to come back and finish posting about our trip to the Ice Hotel in Sweden. Until then, we have uploaded all of our pictures here if you're curious to see:

Ice Hotel pics

"I can't put my arms down"

On Thursday, February 12, 2009 we decided we would go ahead and stay at or close to the airport, since we needed to be there at 5 am for a 7 am flight.  We stayed at the Yotel, which is a Japanese inspired hotel in the aiport.  It is not capsules, like some, but it is small rooms, that have everything in them, they are small but very nice and accomodating. With that out of the way we were up early on Friday, February 13, 2009 to make our way to Sweden to stay in the Ice Hotel.

We took a flight to Stockholm and then transferred to Kiruna, there we caught a bus that took us to the hotel.  When we arrived we were given time first to actually wander around inside the hotel to take a look at all of the rooms.  They have basic ice rooms and snow rooms (snow rooms are basic rooms but ice rooms are more like a suite that has a table and chair in there, too made of ice).  The beds are a block of ice with a piece of wood fit into the top, then lined with foam mattresses topped with reindeer fur.   The nice rooms and really interesting ones were considered Art Suites, these have their own theme designed into them, each one is different, each designed by a different artist.  Some are very odd, some are nice, but each has it's own personality.

We looked at all of the rooms, some very very neat.  One that we liked had massive pillars that were carved into the shapes of womens legs wearing high heels and then carvings of high heels around the room.  Another looked like you would be staying in an spaceship or the top of an apple tree, things like that.  One of our favorite rooms began at the entrance way and continued all the way through, it was carved entirely like a mushroom forest.  There were mushrooms all over the walls and ceilings, and the pillars in the room were the stems of the mushrooms, so you were looking up at the underbelly, not the tops.  After we walked around we were told that we could upgrade to an art suite, since there were some available, and so we did.  The mush-room was available so we took it.  

We took a walk around to the gift shop and the reception area before making our way back to the main dressing area to get our snow suits that they lend you.  They are not flattering but they are supposed to help you stay warm.  We kept saying we felt like Ralphie from A Christmas Story.  We took a walk around the chapel in between wedding ceremonies before heading off to the Ice Bar for a drink.  The Ice Bar is sponsored by Absolut and was cool, except that the one in Queenstown was much cooler to us.  We enjoyed our drinks in our ice glasses and hung for a bit and then went to the main lounge in the reception area, since it was warmer.  We had a drink here before heading to dinner at The Restaurant across the street.  

Supper was very good.  Greg had a mushroom broth with mushroom salad and walnuts as an appetizer in honor of the room we were staying in that night,  followed by a very good risotto which had a bunch of stuff that we couldn't identify in it.... but it was still good.  Tami had a King Crab salad that was covered in cucumber broth as a starter and then had Pike-Perch with linguini which was also really good.  We were too full for desert,  so headed back to the changing room to hang out a bit.  

It was too early to go to sleep,  so we hung around the fire and played cards until we were sleepy.  Then we collected our double sleeping bag and headed for our room.  It was quite an  interesting experience.   The coldest part was walking to the room since you have a short section where you are outside.  Once you get all snug in the sleeping bag,  you're pretty much set.  Tami had to go to the bathroom a couple of times which was cold since you had to walk through the hotel,  back outside,  and into the changing rooms to get there.  But all in all,  it wasn't bad at all.  We will say that it was much more comfortable than you would have thought it would be.

We don't have access to post pictures yet,  but don't worry... we will add plenty later.

Dirty Dancing with the Chinese at St. Paul's

The last two weekends we spent time around London, taking in some of the things on our list to do before we have to leave.

On Friday, January 23, 2009 we went to the Noel Coward Theatre and saw the show Avenue Q that involved puppets. It was absolutely hilarious. There are not many places where you can see puppets on stage singing about porn, being gay, and sex. But, if that's what you want to do this is the place to go.

Saturday, January 24, 2009, took us to St. Paul's Cathedral. This is the most beautiful cathedral in London. It also has the second largest dome in the world, behind St. Peter's Basilica at Vatican City. We took in all of the sculptures and altars and then walked up the 300+ steps to the Whispering Gallery. Here you can stand on one side of the dome and whisper into the wall, and someone else around the dome can hear it. It is very neat but kind of spooky too. We then continued our way up the winding steps to the second gallery that takes you outside where you can see spectacular views of London. We then walked back down the steps to look around the crypt that even houses the tomb of Horatio Nelson, before grabbing sandwiches at the cathedral gallery.

Me and Greg on the second gallery of St. Pauls:


The front of St. Pauls Cathedral:


Queen Victoria statue in front of St. Pauls:


View of St. Pauls Gardens, Cathedral, and dome:



The following Friday, January 30, 2009, Greg and I had a date day. He took a half day at work and we headed out towards Covent Garden. We ate lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant, Mela, and then decided to go to a couple of places on our "things to do" list. We went to the London Bead Shop and I bought pink, yellow, and white beads to make a bracelet. We went to Monmouth Coffee so Greg could get his favorite coffee and then stopped into Candy Cakes to pick up some cupcakes for later. Our next stop was a place called The Dress Circle, this is a shop where they sell nothing but cd's, programs, and other memorabilia from London and Broadway shows. I purchased an Equus poster from here. They even had a Gypsy Broadway program starring Patty Lupone.

Now it was off to our main event, Dirty Dancing, on stage. It was a great show. Followed the movie pretty much to a T, but very nice to see it done on stage. I thoroughly enjoyed it. After the play we went to a Belgium pub called Lowlander for a couple beer samplers. We then took a bus to meet up with some friends for dinner at an Austrian restaurant, called Imbiss. We hung out with Diana, George, and their two friends for some food and a board game.

Dirty Dancing Stage:


Lowlander Beer samplers:


Saturday we moved our motorcycles to our new garage, nothing too exciting. However, on Sunday, February 1, 2009, we spent all day in the Trafalgar Square/Leicester Square/Chinatown area to celebrate Chinese New Year. We were there practically all day and had a wonderful time. We watched the tiger dances, the people in the tiger and dragon costumes, the shows put on by local chinese groups, enjoyed the food, and the decorations. We did duck into De Hems, a Dutch pub, to get a drink and a rest from the cold. It snowed of and on all day, but it was also windy so it was very chilly. The day ended with a Chinese fireworks show in Leicester Square. All in all we had a blast.

Greg and me in Chinatown:


One of the tigers doing the Tiger Dance:


Chinatown decorated for chinese New Year:


Fireworks at Chinese New Year Celebration:


And as you probably know, Monday, February 2, 2009 was a great start to the week, with the snow all around.

What a way to wake up......several inches of snow!!!!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Happy Groundhog Day, but better yet...tons of snow.

We have never lived in a place with so much snow, only seen this much in Switzerland. Daisy Adair loves it too. While living in London it has snowed here but never this much. Overnight we got at least 3 inches, if not more, and that is on the road. It is such a lovely site.

Here are a few pics that I could get with the girls outside. And the best part is it is supposed to continue and not get much above freezing so may be here all day. Hooray!!!

A very dark pic of Daisy Adair running around:


Our front garden:


Around the backyard:






Our snowman...ready for some football:


We walked to the grocery store this morning and this was just the snow around our area of town, we went by the cemetary and the canal and the scenes were very picturesque:



















The girls in the snow: