Nice to be home after our 5-week trip.  Here was our sunset view in Honolulu last night from where I am composing this posting. This morning. And towards Punchbowl Crater. Meanwhile, the price of oil jumped today . Adding to investors’ worries, a meeting set for today between Iran and Gulf countries regarding Hormuz was postponed “in the interests of consensus,” Oman’s foreign minister wrote on X. The international oil benchmark, Brent crude, rose as high as $108, while U.S. crude oil touched $103 per barrel. The bad news about Tropical Storm Norbert still at 40 MPH is that he is not turning more southward, once on a path taking him south of the Big Island.  Now, Norbert is heading straight for the middle of the Hawaiian Islands.  However, environmental conditions are such that the system is expected to degenerate into a post-tropical remnant low tomorrow, then dissipate by Wednesday.  It should be rainy and not so windy on Thursday. We in Hawaii are now paranoid ...

Never gets fully dark at night in Reykjavik in early August. 16-hours of daylight. Sun sets at 10:30PM or so Sung rises at 4:30AM or so. Daily highs around 55 F, with lows in the mid-40s. According to Google AI: Reykjavík is widely recognized as one of the safest capitals in the world . It frequently tops global safety rankings, such as the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report, which has named Reykjavík the world's safest city. Violent crime is exceedingly rare, and the city boasts a high level of social trust, low property crime, and a relaxed community atmosphere compared to most major global capitals. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ] However: Traditional outright taxi scams are not common in Reykjavík , but recent changes to Iceland's taxi laws have led to a rise in complaints regarding inflated fares, unmetered overcharging, and opportunistic drivers targeting tourists—especially for airport or late-night trips. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Our tour guide warned us to be car...

We took the Golden Circle South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik .  Cost:  $135/person. Seeing Iceland’s south coast in a single day can feel rushed or impersonal on large coach tours, but this small-group experience offers a more comfortable and flexible way to explore. Travel from Reykjavik in a luxury minibus through volcanic landscapes, stopping at highlights such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the Solheimajökull glacier. Check off multiple attractions of Iceland's coast in just one trip Pickup and drop-off included from central Reykjavik for ease With a capped group size, enjoy better access to viewpoints. Onboard Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout the day. South Coast Itinerary Map & Route The South Coast route runs east-southeast along Route 1 (Ring Road) toward Vík: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall : Walk entirely behind the cascading sheet of water. Skógafoss Waterfall : Climb the high staircase for pan...