We arrived at the airport early in the morning, it was just before 7am. Little to no sleep on the plane but at least the seats were fairly comfy (good amount of leg room). I tried an Icelandic liquor called Bjork, which had been distilled and infused with birch bark, there was even a small stick of birch within the glass bottle. It was excellent. As for the rest of the traveling part, everything was very straightforward, the airport is pretty small but really well designed. We got our luggage and then took a bus into the city’s main bus terminal. From there we paid way too much for a taxi to take us to the room we had rented, but, all good, it was the first day and we just wanted to get situated. Our room in the city is small but really comfortable (have to climb seven flights of stairs to get there, of course). All in all it was a great find!
After getting settled we took a very long nap and awoke just in time to get refreshed and hit the streets. Our room is literally located one street over from the main drag downtown, so we walked around and found a restaurant. For our first Icelandic meal we had a hearty lamb/meat and vegetable stew, served with french bread and Icelandic butter. (Oh yea, amazing). The evening turned into a small adventure as we decided to taste Icelandic liqueurs and beers. Tasty but after trying several different bars, we recommend bringing your own flask and/or pre-gaming as the prices here are outrageously high. We encountered several really nice people including one person we had met in the airport, a British detective, and a man who was very earnestly shuffling in shoes that had the laces tied together.
The next day we slept in, which wasn’t that hard as it stays dark here until about 8:45am. We found a delicious vegetarian restaurant (that served chicken) and ate lunch. It really reminded me of California and was exactly what I needed! The rest of the day we shopped and explored, the city here is quite stunning. Here one can find a beautiful older building whose neighbor is a clean lined modern work of art. It all makes an interestingly elegant fusion of architectural tastes.
Today we will have our rental car delivered to our room, and then we are headed off on our trip around the island. From here on out we will be hiking, hot-springing, and snuggling down for warmth. My senses couldn’t have asked for a more perfect place to be, I am fully enjoying the chilly days and colder nights. We shall see if that holds true for sleeping in the back of our jeep! Either way, life, adventure, culture and of course lots of spirit await.
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