We landed at 7 am after a smooth and uneventful flight with only five hours in the air. Not even a bag of pretzels, but we did get a complimentary hot or cold drink, but no alcohol unless you pay. Minna had a bottle of red wine - a small bottle. Good thing we ate before the flight left at 9pm Toronto time.
We hopped the 50 minute shuttle to town and were dropped off at our hotel, the Reykjavik Residence Suites, and got upgraded to a two room apartment. Had a coffee and were told to return later to be checked in. We went up the street three blocks for a quick breakfast of croissant and coffee at a 'French bistro' but the croissants were cold and over baked -won't go there again.
We walked and explored downtown, got a pile of info from the tourist information office, and wound up at The Sea Baron for lunch. The restaurant was very cheerful and low budget, but the best lobster soup in the country by all reports. They were right and the grilled cod on a brochette was sensational. Too bad we were too full for dessert.
After lunch, we strolled across town to the National Museum of Iceland where we learned about the history of Iceland from the first known inhabitants that arrived in 800 AD to the present. What a great place to go to prepare for our adventure of discovery.
We visited the famous modern cathedral of Reykjavik, heard an organ concert and went to the top of the steeple to get the best 360 degree views of the city. Lucky us, the clock struck 4:45 while we were up there. Beautiful but loud.
We walked lots more and had dinner at a typical Iceland restaurant called Frir Frakkar. They serve anything that swims or flies in Iceland and lamb. Can you imagine, eating grilled Puffin breast? Puffins are so cute that I can't bring myself to eat one. There was also shark, deer and horse being offered. We started with hashed cod fish and brown bread - was a marvellous concoction of cod and vegetables prepared like an omelette with bechamel sauce. We followed that with grilled lamb fillet and Arctic char - also exceptional. A nice bottle of Chilean wine rounded it out as a great dining experience.
People who have been to Iceland seem to complain about the very high cost of food. What they don't seem to realize is that in Iceland there is no tipping and the tax and service are included in the stated price. Given that, the prices seem very similar to Toronto. So far we're not outraged by the costs.
Oh, did I forget to say how cold it is here? It hit a high of 6 degrees Celsius with winds that really almost blew us over. Four layers including down coats were just barely enough to keep us warm.......burrrrrrr, and believe me that we were on the move and not standing still. Despite the icy wind, we had a great day.
Chilly in Reykjavik
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland
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