My eyes opened to a dark room. It's still dark outside, must be early. 8am was the time and the sun hasn't even risen. This country understands how important sleeping in is. After a few presses of snooze, I was ready to start the day. Breakfast had been prepared by chef Lars- rye bread with cheese and cream cheese, a breakfast eaten by a local girl we saw in a cafe yesterday. We walked up hill on our way to the famous Church called Hallgrimskirkja. We stopped for a coffe on the way, a cappucino and a Mokka. The barista teased Lars for calling it a Moccaccino. I was told "good choice" for putting cream in my coffee. I am allowed, it is so cold here and we walk so much that calories are not a thing. I love it! We got to the Church, such beautiful architecture. We went inside and the organ was blasting traditional music. Then we had to go all the way to the top, 1600 Krona, minor heart attack and then I remembered that this money is way different to NZD. It was about 19 dollars for both of us. At the top was the best view in town. 360 degrees of magnificent beauty. Snow dusted on the mountains, calm waters, and rainbow painted houses. The sun is at a 30˚ angle all day, with the clouds hovering. Perfect condition for endless fairy lights.
Laugavegur is the name of the Main Street. Picture cobble stoned roads that have been worn down where the tyres go, bare trees clinging on to their last little leaf, alleyways full of street art, and endless design stores all with the same sale 'buy 3 shirts, get one for free'. With the price of woolen jumpers and Iceland fur hats being exorbitantly high, we visited the Rauði Krossinn. The Red Cross. I found myself a green and purple knitted jumper, hand made by an Icelandik stranger, that I will always cherish. I am still on the hunt for a fair priced fluffy hat.
Has anyone watched The Big Lebowski? If not, it's hilarious, so do it. Well, someone in Iceland has watched it and loved it so much that he/she made a themed bar around it. We naturally had to get ourselves some White Russians. It was one o'clock so no big deal. There was a rug out the front that really tied the room together. After this we trucked on to look at the rest of the town centre. The town became more picturesque with each step that we took closer to the water. With our tummies rumbling for lunch, we stopped by Reykjavik's answer for FergBurger- Bæjarins Betzu Hot Dogs. We ate these whilst walking along the water front, hot dog in one hand, camera snapping in the other. This town is so beautiful. On our way to the Whale Museum, there were so many symmetrical buildings and cutesy old boats. Wez Anderson could go to town on this...town?
The Whale Museum was stupidly expensive. But it was very cool. I got my book learning today. My new favourite whale is a Minkie Whale.
After we booked our Northern Lights Tour at the biggest Info Centre that I have ever seen, we made our way back towards the Main Street. The sun had set just like my eyelids were starting to do, when we became distracted my a sign that read- Súpa í brauði skál.
The best kind of meal is when it's warm and full of carbs. The best kind of meal is when there are no dishes. Well, our dinner tonight was all of these things. Soup in a Bowl. A delicious Rye Bread bowl. Something that warms the body and the soul at the same time.
On our way home we detoured up to see the Church again. Now it was lit up with golden lights, making it look warm and snuggly. With our hands feeling the exact opposite, we headed to Cafe Loki. Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, caramel sauce and sprinkles. Yes please! Warm sweetness in our belly as we walk home. My feet are going to thank me when they get out of my shoes and in to some cuddly socks.
Now like the sun in Iceland, I am going to set early. Góða nótt!
Labels: Iceland 2015
