A magical experience
What it's like spending 2 nights in a glass igloo...
I had never stayed in a glass igloo, nor did I think I ever would. But, the desire to stay in one grew stronger with each photo I saw of glass igloos. Throughout Lapland, there are multiple options for such experiences which made it hard to choose. But I did decide on Magical Pond for a number of reasons. First, I flew into Kuusamo; that meant it wouldn't be too far to the airport. Second, all you have to do is look at images of the area and you will immediately fall in love and be drawn to it. But to experience it in real life is just next level incredible.
Getting there
Getting to Magical Pond was fairly simple, for me anyway. I got a taxi from the bus station as I had arrived back to Kuusamo from Ivalo by bus. The amazing thing is that even before you reach it, there's stunning scenery the entire way.
I went to reception and checked in. I walked to my igloo, and someone else brought my bags. That was a relief because dragging them in the snow would have been a real headache.
Once I reached my igloo, #22, I did a quick walk-through. I couldn't believe that I was going to be spending the night in this lovely place.
And with the temperatures being what they were, it was nice to have heated floors. I closed the curtains and went back to reception so that I could order dinner since I was having trouble ordering online. WiFi was offered, but it was not very strong there which I guess should be expected when you are essentially in the wilderness, the beautiful wilderness.
I had pizza for dinner. Sometimes I wish I were more adventurous with my food choices, but I 100% am not. Because of that, I stick to things I know or things that look like something I know if that makes sense. Either way, I was happy with my pizza.
Northern Lights...
One of the greatest things about staying in a glass igloo is the chance see the northern lights from the comfort of your room through the floor to ceiling glass windows. And I was lucky enough to see them on night one. I wasn't ready to get out with my camera, but I did get a few shots with my phone, not the same quality but good enough to show that I did in fact see them.
I went to sleep very happy that night especially when I had spent several days farther north in hopes of seeing them which I did not.
The next morning, I went to the main reception area for breakfast, where there were plenty of options even for a picky eater like me. After breakfast, I returned to my room and prepared to go out for a short walk. I took my camera and phone.
At reception, I was told about snowshoes that were available for guests to use, but I didn't think I'd need them for my short walk. And even when I went out later for a walk/hike, I opted for just walking in my snow boots. I wish I had used the snowshoes.
After a day out walking around the area, it was time to pack. I had hopes of seeing the aurora again, so I decided to get my camera set up with the tripod just in case. I kept turning the lights off so that I could see outside better. The sky was clear, so I knew there was a good chance.
As time went on, my hopes were fading. Not because I didn't believe I could see them but because I knew I needed to sleep since my flight from Kuusamo was in the morning. I told myself that I should be happy I saw them the night before, but I couldn't help but continue checking. Suddenly, I noticed that mist-like cloud in the sky and knew that what I was seeing was the aurora. I quickly wore my coat and boots, and I went outside. I didn't need to go far, but I wanted a better view without the lights from other igloos in the way.
Just as I was walking, the couple in the igloo near mine were heading out and said they were walking toward the pond, so I walked with them and got a better glimpse.
At that point, my trip was complete. I had seen all the snow I could ever want along with amazing scenery, and I ended the trip with a showstopper, the aurora. It was an amazing experience all around.
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