Day 3 and 4 : City life to breath taking scenery

 We spent our anniversary exploring Reykjavik. After a very late wake up, jet lag is tough, we set our sites on the infamous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand for a couple of their famous hot dogs for lunch. Bill Clinton ate here in 2004 and legend has it he came back 3 times and got mustard only on his dogs. We opted for everything minus onions. It’s also graduation weekend for the local high school. Friend groups dress up in different costumes and run all over the city. Some were quite elaborate. They all seemed to be having a lot of fun! 

We got two dogs and a Coke Zero. 

          

The stand is very small 

  Groups of kids 

After chowing on the dogs we hit the Harpa Concert Hall. We couldn’t see the actual performance hall but we did get to admire the beautiful colored glass facade which is said to be inspired by the landscape of Iceland. We also went to the “Volcanic Experience”, located in the halls basement, somewhat of a thill ride with moving seats and hot air blowing in your face to assimilate you being dropped in a Volcano. $40 well spent.. 🤣. 

Next on our tour was the National Museum of Iceland. It is the history of Iceland from 800AD to modern times, but focuses mostly on the history and culture of Iceland from settlement  times. Lots of artifacts and history! 

Along our walk to the museum we came across this monument that represents The Unknown Bureaucrat, a satirical tribute to the countries numerous bureaucrats who serve their county and keep it running. Looked like a guy with a briefcase and a big rock on his head to me. You decide…

Typical home and tulips are in bloom! 

Museum Entrance 

Couple of interesting artifacts from the museum.

Christ the King, carved in birchwood, 1200AD

Romanesque beehive shaped Church Bell, 1200AD

Skautbuningur Costume, first worn as a wedding dress in 1859

Andrea had a portable computer similar to this in the mid 80’s during her time with Warwick MFG in Norfolk, VA. 

Next stop happy hour and anniversary dinner! We met a few nice ole chaps when we stopped for 2 for 1 beers at the local Irish pub. Everyone is so friendly and they recommended Hereford House for dinner where we could have dined on Horse or Puffin but opted for the tuna steak and ribeye. We were treated to a shot of Brennivin, which tasted like black licorice and a special dessert.  Great way to celebrate our 33rd anniversary! 

You’re never too old for a good pint! 

Our buddy, Gunnar, who recommended Hereford House 

Horse or Puffin?? 

Nope..fish and steak. 

The happy married couple 

Andrea drank her shot and Bill’s 

Fabulous dessert for the win! 

Day 4

After an early wake up call only to find out our flight had been delayed by two hours, we finally made it the east coast of Iceland to begin our driving tour back to Reykjavik. This is the land of glaciers, beautiful waterfalls and stunning scenery. After leaving the airport and stopping for provisions we did a drive round the lake before heading to  our destination for the evening, the quaint town of Seyoisfjorour on the east coast of Iceland. This is a port city for passenger ferries coming from Europe. We use the term city loosely, there are no stoplights, 3 restaurants and one grocery but it is just perfect nestled amongst the waterfalls. 

Happy to be boarding, finally! 

A view of the Vatnajokull glacier from the air

Legend has it that a large grey monster with a big head and limbs has been seen lurking in this lake since 1819. It has been spotted 4 times with the last glimpse in 1999. Scientists say that large bubbles of methane gas are  the real culprit. They bubble  to the surface creating the illusion of a giant monster. You be the judge.

Love this picture! 

Our picnic spot

One of many waterfalls 

Road over the mountain to our destination for the evening 

Here’s looking at Ewe! 

Breathtaking 

Small church by our hotel 

Rainbow road 

Of the two buildings to the right of the church, the white one with the dark blue roof is our hotel. It was formerly a bank. The building to the right of it with the red roof is city hall.