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Published: August 3rd 2015
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Flying Overnight
View of the "Blue Moon" from the plane So my first blog post in almost 2 years! Haven't really been on a big trip since the 2013 bike trip to Sri Lanka, due to work and life in general getting in the way 😊 This year we weren't able to get the time needed off for a bike adventure, so instead, my friend Maxine and I decided to knock a few countries off our bucket list. With the new direct IcelandAir flight to Reykjavik, it was a great opportunity and excuse to explore Iceland!
We left a scorching hot Edmonton on Saturday evening, we had paid for the "comfort" class - which was not a lot extra - I have to say totally worth it. The only difference between their first class and comfort class, was the fact they give you champagne in first class and a better meal. The seats and leg room were the same! Needless to say our flight was quite wonderful.
We landed on time around 6:40 am - just when a lot of other flights were coming in. We were herded into the terminal building where every single passenger, whether they were staying in Iceland or not had to go through anther
security screening. The line was massive and it probably took us over an hour to actually get through. From what I can figure, the places from N. America can't exit into the terminal directly because that would give direct access to all gates without clearing EU approved security screening, So they decide to screen everyone, even those that are staying in Reykjavik. I could make a lot of $ consulting on efficiency improvements that is for sure. Hopefully we won't experience this again on our way back as we will be coming from the EU. VERY Frustrating! As many ppl have been advising, we picked up some essentials at the duty free as wine, beer and everything else is almost 50% lower than in Reykjavik. Good thing we did... One thing I have to say is that Iceland is expensive!
We finally made it out of the terminal and took the shuttle bus to downtown Reykjavik where we found our Air BnB. Unfortunately there was miscommunication and we were not able to check in when we had agreed to . We were starving so went to grab a coffee and breakfast down by the harbor, Finally was able to
get ahold of the host and checked in a few hours later. By that time we were ready for lunch so we dropped our bags and walked downtown to look around and find a place to eat.
Downtown Reykjavik is very quaint, lots of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars down by the harbour. Our Air Bnb is literally 200m walk to the centre. So some history - Reykjavik and Iceland were established in 871 AD by a Norwegian Fugitive after he saw steam rising from the earth - indicative of Iceland's geothermal vents. Reykjavik was a simple farm community until the early 1200's when an Augustinian Monastery was founded. Early in the 17th century, a Danish King imposed crippling economic sanctions on Iceland which forced them to build their own sustainable industry - Tanning, weaving and wool-dying became foundations of the city. In WWII Reykjavik serviced British and American troops stationed at Keflavik.
We strolled around most of the afternoon checking out the shops, had lunch at another highly recommended cafe (Koffe is really good here), got a few groceries and headed back to the flat for a nap.
Tomorrow is our first tour - so Reykjanes
and the Blue Lagoon. Hoping to have lots of great pics! Until then
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