Tuesday, December 25, 2018

ICELAND - DAY 2 - JUNE 4

Today was for exploring the capital city, Reykjavik. One day wasn't nearly long enough. My main interest was the amazing architecture and some natural beauty, but the place is dripping with history and art. Not generally a foodie, but had a great lunch down by the harbor of grilled salmon on a skewer, lobster soup, and bread. The Icelandic language is a major challenge in both speaking and spelling. Any words that I spell correctly is by accident and careful scrutiny of a tour book. There seems to be more consonants in words than necessary, but no problem for the natives, who speak English perfectly as well.

The Harpa Concert Hall with it's honeycombed facade is a delight both inside and outside. It was opened in 2011. The giant 250 foot tall church, Hallgrimskirkja, is the most recognizable landmark in Reykjavik. It was designed in the 30's, construction began in 1945, and was finally finished in the 80's! Interestingly, it's building was in response to another church built not as tall and on not as high a hill. A little competition has it's rewards. By the way, the statue in front is of Leif Erikson.

The picture of a loaded bike is NOT mine. The owner of it was nowhere to be seen. A little outside of town, in Seltjarnarnes, is the light house and a nature preserve, hence the little ducky videos. The statue of a man with a block of stone on his head is the "faceless bureaucrat". The stainless steel sculpture of an old Viking boat is called "Sun Voyager".

I must come back to Reykjavik. I missed so many interesting things. Life is short.

Route;



Pictures;


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