Monday, March 9, 2015

Denver to Iceland and Day One

Icelandair from DEN to KEF and day one. 




Saga Class is nice service. Friendly greeting from flight crew and water was awaiting at our seats. A pillow and duvet were on our seats. We were soon offered a noise canceling headset to use during the flight,  and a glass of Mont Marcal Cava Reserva.  Comfortable seats in a four across configuration. There is a power outlet for each seat and a USB outlet located directly in the seat back in front of us, under the entertainment system.   Only 14 seats up front on this flight in Saga Class.  

Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingolfur Amarson  is said to have established around AD 870. Arnarson is said to have decided the location of his settlement using a traditional Viking method; he cast his  high seat pillar chair into the ocean when he saw the coastline, then settled where the pillars came to shore. Steam from hot springs in the region is said to have inspired Reykjavík's name, which loosely translates to Smoke Cove/Bay,  the city is often referred to as the Bay of Smokes or Bay of Smoke. 

Dinner was served , I had beef steak and Lynn had a Pasta. Served with a very nice crab/fish salad. The Bordeaux wine was excellent. Desert was a fruit cookie bar with berries on the side.  

We are about 5 hours out so I should try for some sleep. Actually slept fairly well. No northern lights were sighted as we asked to be awakened should they be visible.  I did wake up as we crossed the East Coast of Greenland and no Aurora. The coast looked very interesting and should be great viewing when we visit this summer. 

Upon arrival it was a easy passport control and customs clearing. We made our way to the Fly-Bus desk and we were directed to a bus. We waited till the bus was totally full about 20 Min or so, and were on our way to Reykjavik. This is about a 30-45 minute ride from the airport in Keflavic to the BSI Bus terminal. Depending on your destination you may have to transfer to a smaller bus. We were part of the group that had to transfer. 

On the way in I noted the landscape was barren and reminded me of Craters of the Moon area of Idaho, or any other volcanic landscape. Geologically speaking Iceland is rather young. As we got closer to Reykjavik there seems to be no lack of 3-4 story apartment buildings and then some single family residences. All seem rather plain and box like in their architecture. My guess this is dictated by the climate. There is about 6-8 inches of new snow on the ground and a big storm is scheduled for tomorrow. We are wondering if our Glacier Walk will be canceled.  

The smaller bus took us to our hotel, the Reykjavik Marina. Total time was about two hours from landing to arriving at our hotel. Our room was not ready, hey, it was 0830 in the morn, as we expected. We got our coats, stored our luggage and went for a walkabout. I did not take my camera as weather was nasty at the time we left the hotel. We used this time to get our bearings and find a few landmarks. 

The downtown area is comprised of narrow streets and many many shops, restaurants and bars. Reykjavik does not come alive till about 1000 to 1100 hrs. There were a few coffee shops open. Also of note were the parks and their water features, which were pleasant and nicely done. 

We arrived back at out hotel about 2 minutes after 1000 to find our room ready. We had requested an attic room which has a small balcony and a view of the harbor. Large TV and work station, open shelf for storage and an area to hang clothes. The bathroom is next to the bed and the shower looks great.  The decor above our bed and in the room is wallpapered with a street map of Reykjavik and the area east of the city.  I like this place, it is a modern funky kinda place. 










After getting settled in and unpacked we went out again.  First stop was Baejarins Beztu Pylsur for a hot dog. These were great, we got one the Icelandic way with everything. Made mostly of lamb with pork and beef added and a cost of 380 ISK. The accompaniments are also quite different from those used in the U.S. Icelandic hot dogs, which have a natural casing that gives them a delightful snap when bitten into, are topped with raw white onions and crispy fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard called pylsusinnep, and remoulade, a sauce made with mayo, capers, mustard, and herbs. I found them excellent as I am very partial to a Chicago Vienna Dog and believe ketchup should never be added to a hot dog. On this snowy day we were about third in line, and as we ate our dog the line had grown to about 30. Locals and visitors alike. 




We next made our way to  Tjomin City Pond, which is a natural lake and on the North end warm spring water keeps the ice open for several local waterfowl. Here we found Whooping Swans, Tuft Headed Ducks, Mallard Ducks, and Greylag Geese. 




We had made a reservation for the afternoon City Walk Reykjavik tour. These are free tours, and guided by a local graduate student, and are licensed by the Iceland Tourist Board. Although these tour are totally free a gratuity is requested. Well worth a generous tip.  I would highly recommend this be ones first tour taken in Reykjavik as you gain a great deal of information about the history and culture and issues of Iceland and Reykjavik. Here is a link to their web sire. They have only been operating for about 9 months.  










Prior to our tour we stopped and had a coffee and a kleinur (this is a Iceland doughnut). To give on an idea of the food cost we spent close to $15 US for the afore mentioned coffee stop. 

After the fantastic city walk, we stopped at a 1011 (7-11) store to see what was available. We each had a Skyr (yogurt of Iceland) for a snack. If you want to save money on your visit self catering could be the way to go. 

We then went to visit the Reykjavik Photo Museum on the 6th floor of the Library. Free admission  and the featured exhibit  showcased photos taken in 2006 of the US Military base  after it closed. 

We went back to our room and set stuff out to dry as the second part of our walking tour was in a heavy snow.  

The locals are expecting a big storm tomorrow and as such our Glacier Walk and Northern Lights Tour has been canceled. SO we will regroup and plan tomorrow accordingly. Might be a good day to hit a local pool for a soak. 

As we reorganized at 0530 the sun came out so we quickly bundled up with a mission to find the Solfar and get some pictures when the sun was shinning. Mission accomplished. 











Back to our hotel to catch on on journals and photos as we enjoy a local IPA and Lynn had a non alcoholic soda concoction of pear, lemon, grapefruit, almond, and cinnamon. 

I feel the jet lag sleepy monster will strike soon.  




  

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