I was able to get a very nice sleep- as my Blue Lagoon tour wasn't booked until 11.30am.
I wasn't sure what ti expect for the Blue Lagoon.
On one hand I was told it was wonderful and on the other I was told it was an overpriced and overrated tourist trap.
I decided to find out for myself.
Once again it involved a bus pick up and then another change of bus at the BSI interchange.
The lagoon is out near the airport so it took well over half an hour to get there.
You deboard the bus and walk the short way to the building.
Today was minus 4 degrees and when you get to the main building the fun begins.
I'd just booked the basic package which included entry, towel and 'free' drink.
You are issued with wrist band which controls your entry, your locker in the change rooms and any bar tab you rack up;
I was ushered to a change room which was very busy. You take your clothes off and put them in the locker. The wrist band locks and opens your locker.
You then shower (mandatory) before you enter the lagoon.
I haven't showered with others since my footy days (when mother nature was much more kind to me) but it was no big deal. I leanred ages ago that there is someone who looks better or worse than you do, not that I was there to judge in the slightest.
The lagoon is human-made. It's not a naturally occurring thing.
The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (99–102 °F).
I'll say it again - I was VERY sceptical.
As I showered and put on my running shorts (which I would use was 'bathers'), I entered the heaving mass of humanity in the room that separated the warmth from the cold.
It was only a 30 metre dash from inside to the lagoon but at -4 wearing little more than your birthday suit, it felt like 5km.
Once submerged into the geothermal waters, things calmed down a bit and I actually began t enjoy it.
I had initially booked for 2 hours and thought it would probably be 1 hour too long.
I didn't even feel like a beer but I made sure I had my free one. You can also get smoothies and soft drinks etc, but i thought 'what the hell'.
I git talking to an older Irish couple who were really nice. They have a son who is an oncologist in Warrnambool.
So the all-important verdict.
Do it.
I hate baths.. I don't enjoy massages (unless it's a leg massage - sports iinjury type). I hate crowds.
This is almost all of the above but yet it was wonderful.
I could have easily spent hours longer in the water. There was something awesome about going -4 to +38 in seconds.
Never mind the physical benefits of the waters, I really enjoyed the entire experience.
Warning for those with long hair - the water plays havoc with it.
My shorts came out looking like they could be broken in half like a piece of bread.
Use PLENTY of conditioner.
When I finally got out of the water (difficult to do), it was a quick shower and change and then onto the bus that you have prebooked.
In my case it was 2.15pm, so I was back in town by 3.30pm with an Aurora tour booked for 8.30pm.
I took the opportunity to wander around town for a final time and soak up the atmosphere.