Iceland review - 2014, Page 73

ICELAND REVIEW 71
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the indoor pool is surrounded by murals of the constel-
lations with their names in Icelandic and the major stars
illuminated. It’s really lovely. Get off at the Gagnvegur
stop, which will lead you to the swimming complex.
Laugardalslaug, the oldest and the largest of them all,
is featured in many an Icelandic advertisement. The
complex includes an outdoor competition pool, out-
door children’s pool and paddling pool with a ‘bull’s eye’
design and faux rocks, two waterslides with rainbow-
glass entrances, hot pots and a steam bath. It’s worth
going just to be able to say that you were there.
Swimming wasn’t always like this for me, even though
from childhood I could swim. Pools were only to cool
off in during hot weather. Then I came to Iceland,
where you can be neck-deep in incredibly warm water
while snow layers on your head and icicles form in your
hair. The contrast is fascinating and I wanted more.