A FINE SUNDAY IN REYKJAVIK:

 A FINE SUNDAY IN REYKJAVIK: 

 

 
No surprise, we were up early still getting used to the time difference. 

Breakfast at 0700 then back to the room to prepare for the day. Granted we had no plans so we decided to just chill for a bit as things on Sunday here really do not start till 1000. 

Many of the bus stops have these boards to let you know when the next bus might arrive.



We packed up for the day and struck out to catch a bus to the Laugardalslaug Pool. The weather this morning was cloudy, a bit of rain and a bit of clear skies. 

A bit of the founding of Reykjavik:

 

The city shield with the pillars.

According to the Book of Icelanders, the settlement of Iceland began in the year 871 (give or take a year or two) with the arrival of Ingólfur Arnarson to what is now the capital, Reykjavík. To find a place to land he tossed his chair overboard. He chair/throne had two pillars and where the pillars washed ashore was to be where they settled. When he arrived, steam was rising from hot springs prompted the name Reykjavík or “Smokey Bay.”

Here is the statue of Ingólfur Arnarson and if you look at the Reykjavik City shield you see the two pillars. 

When we arrived at Laugardalslaug, the weather was nice and we decided to head to the Reykjavik Botanic Gardens. 

                                                         Yes another Reykjavik Cat

As we walked towards the Botanic Garden, I heard the sounds of cheering. Yes, today at Laugardalslaug  was the Rey Cup youth football (soccer) games. Several fields were in play and these kids looked very talented to me. We paused and watched for a bit. 



                                  Very KEWL me thinks

 

We continued on to the Reykjavik Botanic Gardens and we always enjoy a stroll through the flowers. Today there we not as many blooming probably due to the season. Yet this was a very nice walking area. 

On the north end of the Gardens is an area where, in days gone by, this was a community wash house. Here the ladies would travel miles/or km’s to meet and wash their clothes and most likely catch up on the local gossip. So now you know about this area should you visit the Reykjavik Botanic Gardens.

 

 

Next we had a swim and a steam bath. One feature of the Laugardalslaug Pool is a salt water hot tub. Here Ocean water is mixed with the natural hot spring water and extra minerals are added. This make for a wonderful soak. 

The Laugardalslaug area is also where the Icelandic Games are held. Years ago it was here the 1972 World Chess Championship match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky held the legendary chess match, often referred to as the "Match of the Century," and was played in at Laugardalshöll  Reykjavík.

 

 

Here is a cross section of the Icelandic Hot Dog. First they are made of lamb, the bun is loaded with raw onion then crispy onions ( think Frenches Onions, but better), a sweet ketchup, I know having grown up in Chicago this is not right, but trust me it works, then the dog is laid in, next is a sweet mustard and a Remoulade sauce.  This is what is called with everything and is the only way to get them. 

So, If you want every available topping and sauce on your hot dog, you can just say "eina med ollu," which means "one with everything." Or just say one with everything will also work.

                          Another marching band at the pool.

 

After our swim it was lunch time and a hot dog was in order. 

Then it was off to the Bonus store near the Maritime Museum. 

 

   Sorry forgot the photo but my mango ice cream was great!

Here you also find a Valdis Ice Cream shop. SO we had to stop for some as ice cream is very very good in Iceland. 

Parked outside of Valdis was a husky patiently waiting for his owner to bring him some ice cream. Koda would not have been so patient. 

Then to the Bonus store for items to bring home and another shopping bag. 


We then walked back to our hotel to start repacking for our move to the next hotel.  

By booking direct with Center Hotels you stand a better chance of getting an early check in and a free drink voucher. 

Tonight we used our drink voucher.

Back at the room we repacked and had a very simple dinner of cheese, bread and skyr for dessert.

If you have been following along you know our ship has not arrived and Hurtigruten Expeditions is putting us up with full board and a couple of tours prior to our boarding the ship on 29/5.