I arrived in Iceland around 9am. When I grabbed my new suitcase I could not extend the handle. It was jammed in the closed position. Fortunately it had for wheels and could easily be rolled around. I thought this might be a bad start to my trip, the $120 suitcase was brand new.
From the terminal we all boarded a shuttle bus to take us to the airport/check in. Our passports were checked and stamped.
For 1200ISK I got a bus to the Hostel in downtown Reykjavik. The large bus took us as far as the bus station where we were sorted in to smaller Mercedes vans.
The bus drivers were friendly and helpful with luggage.
The driver of the Mercedes told us it was Culture Night after we spotted 100s of people running. It was the Reykjavik Marathon. It is the first event of the Culture day/night. He told us there were over 5,000 participates in the race. Impressive considering the entire population of Iceland is around 300,000.
He let a couple and I know that some streets would be closed off, but that he could get us close, and show us from there.
He said that it was a good day to come to Iceland.
He told me I would only be a short walk to the Harbour, where there would be a firework show at night. He also mentioned the ‘new building’ with a certain amount of pride. The building is a new and impressive conference and performing arts center right on the water. That day was to be the first day they lit up the entire for everyone outside to see.
I knew I was a bit early to check in but was still surprised when I was told I had to wait until 230pm. With the time change it was barely 10am but felt like 5am, and I barely slept on the plane. They were helpful and friendly, storing my large suitcase and giving me the wifi password. Before I left the receptionist offered me advice on where to go. She, too, mentioned there was a lot going on and that it was a great time to be in Reykjavik. I told her I’d rather just discover for myself.
I went on my laptop to update those at home I had made it safe and sound.
The weather was great. It was still early so a bit cool but great for walking around.
I enjoyed walking around the town, which seemed pretty quiet. Along the harbour was the race-route it was lined with cheering onlookers and many runners.
I, too, cheered for the odd group of runners. Particularly when I spotted a women running in Canadian colours with a large maple leaf on her back.
I enjoyed eavesdropping on the Icelandic groups as I walked along the harbour. It was a nice and slightly abrupt sounding language - like a microphone cutting in and out.
I took photos of the boats docked. There were smaller boats and larger ones for whale watching and tourists. The largest boat looked like a warship and read EU Fisheries. I found this a bit confusing since Iceland was not a full fledged member of the EU, particularly because they did not want to share there 200km of coastal waters, and all the fish caught there. Especially since that territory had sparked the ‘cod wars’ with England a few decades ago. A tour guide the next day outlined the particular pride and independence regarding the issue of fishing and the importance of it on the economy. 40% of all exports were fish or fish related.
Along a main street many people were gathered as it was the final stretch/finish line. This street had many old buildings and was very nice. Everything, for that matter, appeared clean and well kept. As I grew tired I went back to Hostel twice to check the time and take a break. I was enjoying myself but on 1 or 2 hours sleep I wanted to relax. I decided to find an ATM and buy breakfast and , more importantly, some coffee. A lady at an information store gave me directions to the closest atm. When I eventually found one I used my debt card to take out 10,000ISK. As I looked at my withdraw options I realized I had little to no idea the value of Icelandic kronor or its conversion into CDN. This was a mistake. I did feel some satisfaction at receiving 10,000. Although, I knew it was not worth much, but it was my first time trading currency into one of lesser value.
I walked around looking for somewhere to eat. I found a small house near the main strip with two tables outside. I went inside and asked for a coffee, then asked for ‘a sandwich or something’. I had clearly confused her with my indecision. After a moment she said ‘we have a breakfast’ and I agreed. I gave her bills and got some coins in return. I found my self a seat in a small room with no one in it but a few table and a view of the now busy street.
I started to get the impression that this was a nice place, and had no idea what I was about to get. She brought out my coffee and a wine glass of ‘juice’. I overheard earlier that they had a lot of juices, which were freshly made/blended. Mine, which I did not order, was bright green. It was the best juice I had ever had. It made booster juice taste sweetened like crushed ice. The coffee was what I expected in ‘europe’ or at least what I had read about. It was black and looked thick. I assumed it was espresso with some hot water, what would be called Café Americano back home. It, too, was good.
My food arrived on a rectangular plate. Two large pieces of bread filled with berries and raisons, a cube of cheese, some rolled pieces of cheese, rolled pieces of meat, two sauces (a jam and a pesto), a few large crackers, and a big bowl of what looked like oatmeal. It was a cold runny yogurt with oats, raises and berries. I checked to see if anyone could see me before I took my camera out and took a picture of it. It was pretty impressive to look at but did not appear filling. I was wrong. As I worked over my plate I was surprised at how full I was, without even finishing.
As I finished up I started worrying about a tip. Unlike any other sit down meal, I did not order off a menu and I already paid. Still, the food was excellent and they were friendly. I looked at the coins I had been given and decided I’d leave two coins – 100 Kronor each.
On my way out I saw a large framed poster. It read that the governor of Iceland lived in this house during his temporary time as leader. I realized I was eating at a historic site and almost failed to notice. I was clued off while eating and seeing a tour guide point to the house, but I had not heard what he said.
After breakfast I walked back to the hostel. I google-searched a currency convertor and typed in 5,000 ISK. It converted to about $40 Canadian. I counted what I had in my wallet and did the math.
Breakfast cost me a little over 5,000Kronor.
I could do nothing, but laugh. I just treated myself to the most expensive breakfast of my life. At least I took a picture of it.
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