Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Halligrimskirkja
You can see this church from anywhere in town. It is made of concrete and Leif Erickson is the statue in front of it. The US gave the statue to Iceland in 1930.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Iceland: Day 2
Last night we ate at the hotel restaurant. We had soup of the day, salad, and home made bread served buffet style for 1,695 kr each (rough equivalent of $15 ea). We went to bed early because we were wiped and had a full day planned for today which included a tour we booked with GoEcco to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We had a private guide and were accompanied by a young Scottish couple who lives near London.
We left Reykjavik at 9am and drove under the Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord) through a 5,762 m tunnel that is 165 m below sea level. From there we made a quick stop at a farm and then continued on to an outdoor bathing pool in the middle of a lava field. Here a little fire was made, we ate Hakarl (fermented shark), marinated whale meat, and drank red wine and shots of Brennivin aka Black Death (anise flavored schnapps made from potatoes) while we soaked. The weather was gorgeous and we were told again and again how lucky we were to have such amazing weather - clear skies and sunny.
We left the pool and drove toward Snaefellsness. We could see Snaefellsjokull, a volcano covered by a glacier, the entire drive from Reykjavik. We stopped at a black sand beach to visit a seal colony, had lunch at Hotel Budir, visited Djuparlonssandur Beach, a harbor to see fisherman bringing in their catch, a crater, and finished the day driving home under clear skies to see the northern lights!!
**Be sure to check out the pictures below**
We left Reykjavik at 9am and drove under the Hvalfjordur (Whale Fjord) through a 5,762 m tunnel that is 165 m below sea level. From there we made a quick stop at a farm and then continued on to an outdoor bathing pool in the middle of a lava field. Here a little fire was made, we ate Hakarl (fermented shark), marinated whale meat, and drank red wine and shots of Brennivin aka Black Death (anise flavored schnapps made from potatoes) while we soaked. The weather was gorgeous and we were told again and again how lucky we were to have such amazing weather - clear skies and sunny.
We left the pool and drove toward Snaefellsness. We could see Snaefellsjokull, a volcano covered by a glacier, the entire drive from Reykjavik. We stopped at a black sand beach to visit a seal colony, had lunch at Hotel Budir, visited Djuparlonssandur Beach, a harbor to see fisherman bringing in their catch, a crater, and finished the day driving home under clear skies to see the northern lights!!
**Be sure to check out the pictures below**
Icelandic Farm
Icelandic horses are very cute. They are shorter than other horses we have seen. They also tolt. It is amazing to see in person. The farmer at this farm was on horse, and when we left, he broke into a tolt. The rider doesn't move at all. Watch this video.Trek to the Outdoor Hot Pot
We hiked in, the snow was too deep in spots for the 4WD SUV we were in.
We changed in this little shed. It was about 100 feet from the pool.
A cold stream that ran next to the hot pot.
Steam rising up from the pool. The geothermal water was about 102 degrees
Seal Beach
A seal sunning itself on a rock in the middle of the water
Chris blends in with the washed up seaweed and dark sandHotel Budir
We really liked it here and would stay here if we ever return. It has 28 guest rooms and is located on the sea with views of the Snaefellsnes Glacier.
Snaefellsnes Glacier in the left pane.
Room with a view. We ate a late lunch of broccoli soup and fresh bread here.
Our server pouring shots of Reyka Vodka. He had on the neatest glasses.
Snaefellsnes Glacier in the left pane.
Room with a view. We ate a late lunch of broccoli soup and fresh bread here.
Our server pouring shots of Reyka Vodka. He had on the neatest glasses.Snaefellsnes Glacier
We could see the glacier all the way from Reykjavik. Our guide told us it is usually clouded over, and reminded us how lucky we were for the great weather. He said it is predicted the glacier will be gone in 5-10 years. It is receding 160m per year.
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