Haven't even been here half a day but I just love this place. Came in on the afternoon flight from Heathrow. The airport is actually quite a way out of town and everyone gets on a "flybus" which then takes you into the bus station and then off to your hotels. First thing I noticed was the area around the airport is quite flat. reminded me a bit of Paro in Bhutan where the airport is in the only flat bit of country there is. Not quite the case here. Everything is green or black. green from the grass that hasn't died yet with winter coming or black volcanic rock and dirt.
We had not gone on the bus too far before the small hills started showing up, rather rounded as they are all very old volcanos. So one side was rounded hills and the other side is the sea. Small towns are spread out along the shore and following the outline of the inlets and bays. We passed by several odd rock stackings that didn't appear to be camper directional signs, just stacked rocks maybe 6' high or so.
Most of Iceland lives in Reykjavik and I got to town just in time for the evening rush hour. I think everything closes by about 6. Never figured out why the northern countries do this but now I think it might be because they don't want to be out and about after the sun goes down when it gets really cold. Since the sun goes down pretty early in the winter, they have just gotten used to this close up the town by 6 mentality.
My guesthouse was closed when I got there so I sat on the stoop for 15 minutes then got a delightful room but it is on the street so I might need earplugs or will everyone be in bed by 9?
Checked on all the tours I wanted to do first and had Magnus (or possibly Mangus) check on a flight that goes to one of the island that was ruined by a volcano in 73. from there, I should be able to see the island of Surtsey which grew out of the ocean in the early 60's and became an island where only water was before. I remember this happening and had my family life been different, I might have become a volcanologist but no matter now. I just want to see Surtsey.
Walked out to get some cash and walked into town halfway to get some dinner. I must admit that I put on my layered jackets and my hat. ah oh. I may not have enough clothes to layer but the brochures assure you that there are many stores that will help you buy something if you are not warm enough.
I am just delighted with the way the place looks. Ok, there are some flaws like grafitti in places where it shouldn't be, broken glass on the side walk, but then you walk past a concrete wall where someone has lovingly placed glass mosaic flowers or a backyard garden full of birdhouses. I think I am going to like it here a lot.
We had not gone on the bus too far before the small hills started showing up, rather rounded as they are all very old volcanos. So one side was rounded hills and the other side is the sea. Small towns are spread out along the shore and following the outline of the inlets and bays. We passed by several odd rock stackings that didn't appear to be camper directional signs, just stacked rocks maybe 6' high or so.
Most of Iceland lives in Reykjavik and I got to town just in time for the evening rush hour. I think everything closes by about 6. Never figured out why the northern countries do this but now I think it might be because they don't want to be out and about after the sun goes down when it gets really cold. Since the sun goes down pretty early in the winter, they have just gotten used to this close up the town by 6 mentality.
My guesthouse was closed when I got there so I sat on the stoop for 15 minutes then got a delightful room but it is on the street so I might need earplugs or will everyone be in bed by 9?
Checked on all the tours I wanted to do first and had Magnus (or possibly Mangus) check on a flight that goes to one of the island that was ruined by a volcano in 73. from there, I should be able to see the island of Surtsey which grew out of the ocean in the early 60's and became an island where only water was before. I remember this happening and had my family life been different, I might have become a volcanologist but no matter now. I just want to see Surtsey.
Walked out to get some cash and walked into town halfway to get some dinner. I must admit that I put on my layered jackets and my hat. ah oh. I may not have enough clothes to layer but the brochures assure you that there are many stores that will help you buy something if you are not warm enough.
I am just delighted with the way the place looks. Ok, there are some flaws like grafitti in places where it shouldn't be, broken glass on the side walk, but then you walk past a concrete wall where someone has lovingly placed glass mosaic flowers or a backyard garden full of birdhouses. I think I am going to like it here a lot.
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