May the Dwarves be with You!

May the Dwarves be with You!

Sorry, but I couldn't resist that one. 

Display Trolls

These are actually supposed to be trolls, but trolls aren't droll, heh, heh.

It's the jet-lag typing here. We landed in Reykjavik, the capital, or "The 101" (the postal code) for those wishing to blend in as a Reykjavikur. Despite rain and wind, we were ready to ...drag around town until time for bed.

Reykjavik (Smoky Bay)

It's a small city as most capitals go, but this most northerly world capital appears clean, bustling and cosmopolitan. Home to Iceland's first known resident, a Norwegian fugitive by the name of Ingolfur Arnason, beginning in 871 AD, it retains some of its small town charm. 

The skyline is dominated by the Hallgrimskirkja, constructed of concrete and visible for miles around. Taking 34 years to build, the lateral columns are supposed to represent volcanic basalt; symbolic to Icelandic nationalists.

As impressive as the exterior is the interior with its 5275 pipe organ straddling the entryway. It is also symbolic of Iceland's conversion from Catholicism to Lutheranism in 1550 (with the beheading of the Bishop and his 2 sons).

Pipe Organ

After a much needed pick-me-up lunch of locally sourced ingredients at Bergsson's, we trod off to see more sights.

 

Spinach lasagna, beet salad, rice and homemade bread

A much needed pick-me-up for the Icelandic population after the big financial crash in 2008, was the construction of the Harpa Concert Hall. The spiffy, sparkly, lattice of convex and concave glass panels give the building a futuristic look and gave the local folks hope for a brighter future. It's been compared to the iconic Sydney Opera House in size and importance.

Facade of the Harpa Concert Hall

Though 65% of the Icelandic population lives in the great Reykjavik area (120,000), it seems uncrowded and pedestrian friendly. In fact, we're staying on a pedestrianized street with a very friendly and boisterous (!) bar-hopping group of young folk. 

Of course, most folk enjoy a local "bjor" with their jet-lag and fish & chips.

Skal, 

Barbara and Paul