Last Day Ends With New INK!

 Last Day in Reykjavik-

We started with our hotel breakfast which I must say has been very good. Eggs, bacon, sausage, cold cut meat and cheese, oatmeal, breads, juice and coffee, and fruit. Just could use some variety.

We decided to start off with a walk around Tjörnin. Tjörnin is a small, prominent lake in central Reykjavík, which is the capital of Iceland. Most visitors to the city pass along its shore, as it is situated in the city centre next to the Reykjavik City Hall and several museums. Tjörnin means "the lake" or "the pond”.  It was interesting to find a nesting area for Arctic Terns on the east end. There are also several statues and small park areas well placed around Tjörnin.



 

We then decided to do a city bus tour. We picked the longest route (#18) and went for a ride. It was fun to see where many of the residents live and the various shops in the outskirts of the city. This was an out and back bus trip. With the same driver who thought we wanted to get off at the Perlan. 

We returned the Hlemmer bus stop and transferred to the #14 bus. 

During the course of our journey we assisted other travelers with their bus travels. :) 

The #14 bus took us to Laugardalslaug where our favorite hotdog stand and pool are located. As it was lunchtime, we had a hotdog and then our swim. Sadly, the Salt Water pool was being repaired and had just started filling, so no salt water soak. We will be back in September, so that is OK. 

 

 



We then take #14 back to city center and pick up a bit more cash for our next trip and dropped some gear off in the hotel room, before starting to walk to my appointment at Reykjavik Ink. 

 



Interestingly on this trip we have noticed several Vietnamese restaurants and food booths. I just don’t remember seeing so many on previous trips. They all look and smell great, yet we did not sample any other food, maybe in September. 



 

We arrived early at Reykjavik Ink and shortly thereafter I was getting my new ink. My guest artist was Robert who has 16 years of experience. He was meticulous in every aspect of the process, from set up, to placement, to fine lines, and after cleaning and care. 

 

I was surprised they use second skin as after care. The good thing about it is no immediate after care for 2-3 days is needed. This is great for travel. After the 2-3 days the gentle washing and lotion care starts.

BEFORE 

 

After :) I am happy with the work!

 

I have chosen the vegvísir (Icelandic for sign post or wayfinder) which is an Icelandic magical stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather. The symbol is attested in the Huld Manuscript, collected in Iceland by Geir Vigfusson in 1880 call the Galdrabok. There it is written that this symbol would help its wearer to not get lost and find their way back. So as a symbol of protection and guidance it was believed to be used as a compass by Vikings. 

 

As a traveler of this world and having my DNA tests show my ties to the Arctic North (including Svalbard, Jan Mayen, and Iceland) it seems rather appropriate. 



Somehow, as I am returning to the hotel, my new compass leads me to a hot dog stand :)



 I think I have averaged at least 2 hot dogs a day, so I think I can make it to September :)

      Another mural in Reykjavik, these are commissioned by the city. 

               WELL DONE - VERY CREATIVE, Brilliant.

 

So time to pack up and reflect on the adventure. The volcano experience made it well worth the journey. We will be back here in September of 2021. Maybe the Volcano will still be active. We shall see. 

A big Thanks To All for following along and I hope you are inspired to find your own adventures.



Free Stuff Walkabout of Reykjavik!!

Phone

After breakfast we headed out on our Walkabout Reykjavik Day. 

I know of a nearby Elf Stone so we go there first to visit. 

 

                        Typical Old City are of Reykjavik 

                                                                        An Elf Stone

 

 

                                  The oldest house in Reykjavik

According to a 2007 study by the University of Iceland, an estimated 62% of the nation believe that the existence of these beings is more than a fairy tale. However, this statistic covers both sincere believers and agnostics who lean toward the ‘why not’ end of the spectrum.

The Icelandic elves, however, are their own species. Commonly referred to as Huldufólk (hidden people), the elves of Iceland live in enchanted rocks and cliffs where they lead lives that are very similar to those led by humans; they keep livestock, cut hay, row fishing boats, pick berries and go to church on Sundays.

One must consult with the elf’s before moving an elf stone. There have been many report of calamity surrounding the attempted removal of an elf stone. Machines break down, water pipes and utilities are broken, and one construction worked reported having bad luck after moving an elf stone.

Next we make our way to the Einar Jonsson Sculpture Garden. The garden is open all year round, entrance is free and it is a popular site to visit in whatever the season.

The garden is located just across the street from Hallgrímskirkja. Hallgrímskirkja is the iconic symbol of Reykjavik. 

As Hallgrímskirkja did not open till 1000hrs we decided to make our way to the nearby city pool Sundhöllin. 

                     One of  the many Murals of Reykjavik

Sundollin in Baronsstigur, Reykjavik is the oldest public baths in Iceland. They were designed by the noted architect Guðjón Samúelsson and opened in 1937. The building's exterior is a minimalist white that is almost Art Deco in style with tall narrow rectangular windows. 



After our swim, we take the 14 Bus to Laugardalslaug. Here we get get a hot dog and make our way to the Reykjavik Botanic Gardens. 

Reykjavík Botanic Garden is a botanical garden located in the district of Laugardalur in Reykjavík that was established on August 18, 1961 on the 175th anniversary of the city.  Really a beautiful garden and is fun for a walkabout.

We return to Laugardalslaug for a swim and soak. We really like the salt water pool hot pot here. Yes I had another Hot Dog. 

After our swim we take the #14 bus to the Marina Area. Oh look, an Ice-Cream shop, Blueberry Skyr for me please.

 

 

 

Then we walk past the Marina Hotel where we will be staying in September. WHAT!!! It says closed temporarily , well we have a couple months, but I will make a call. 

We did note our favorite Nat Geo Ship the Explorer is in port. 

Back at our hotel we get out the Telemed COVID tests. Mine goes well, I am negative. Lynn’s test kit is defective so we use one of the back up kits. Lynn is negative, yet she only gets the result email and no phone notice with a QR code. This process went well and we have the results printed out here at the hotel. 

We have some cheese and bread for dinner and a happy hour beer from the lobby bar.

Not sure yet what we will be doing tomorrow, but should be fun regardless.  


 

Videy Island

 After our Hotel Breakfast, which is very nice, we headed out to take a bus to a stop as close as we could get to the Videy Island ferry terminal. Prob a good mile from the bus stop. Closer bus routes not run on the weekend.

We arrived at the ferry terminal and bought our tickets, and in a bit boarded for the ride to Videy.

The Ferry was a nice 5 minute ride over to Videy Island as the skies were clear and the sea was calm.

The island covers 0.7 square miles; its highest point is 105 feet above Sea Level. The island is divided by a narrow piece of land creating the West Island, East Island and the largest Home Island. The island has a rich bird life with about 30 species breeding here. The well-vegetated island has areas of bog, grey basalt on the West Island and eastern shore and at least 156 species of plants.

 

 

During the Winter the ferry only operates on Saturday and Sunday.

The island has archaeological remains dating back to the early 10th century and was the site where the "father of Reykjavík" Skuli Magnusson constructed his home and a church in the 12th century.  Now there is a coffee shop inside the house. From 1225 to 1539, an Augustine Monastery was established on the island. There is a deserted village on the island, as the island's last inhabitants left in 1943.

The Imagine Peace Tower is located on the island. It is a "Tower of Light" envisioned and built by Yoko Ono. "The tower is a beam of light, radiating from a wishing well bearing the words "imagine peace" in 24 languages. The plan is for it to be lit each year between John Lennon’s birthday, October 9, and the anniversary of his death December 8.”  In addition the Imagine Peace Tower is lit on the winter solstice, New Year’s Eve, and during the first week of spring.

Charles Lindbergh visited the island when he was planning his flight across the Atlantic.

Videy is a great place for a summer picnic, and some excellent birding.  

We took the ferry back to the terminal and decided we would just walk to the pool, 1.2 miles away. Seemed closer than walking back to the bus and doing a transfer.

From all our hiking this morn, we were ready for our daily hot dog before a swim. When checking in at the pool the young lady at the front desk said I remember you. Here are your bands. Getting known LOL, hope that is a good thing. 

 

 

After a nice warm soaking swim we took the bus back to the the old town center to visit the Flea Market. The local Flea Market “Kolaportid” is only open on the weekends. It is a good place to buy sweaters, antiques, toys and jewelry.  Lynn got a lava bracelet.

From there we needed more bus tickets and went to the 10-11 store. The clerk politely asked “are you after 65?” Well yes we are, so we got Senior Rate Bus tickets, well there are some advantages to this getting old.

Back at our hotel we visited the bar, and learned happy hour has great beer prices of 450 ISK a pint, only from 1600-1800.

Time to chill and rest our feet and think about what we want to do tomorrow. 

Thank you for following along.