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.