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Published: June 17th 2010
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Icelandair Seats
On the back of every seat was a tidbit about Iceland - I enjoyed this one. I have been reunited with my beloved skyr haha - that can only mean one thing - I have landed in good old Iceland. I am so exhausted... already haha, but I had a fantastic day =)
I landed in Keflavik to find out that today is Iceland’s Independence Day - partyyyyy. Oy. Too bad I’m running on fumes as is… otherwise I could’ve enjoyed more of the “festivities”.
I arrived at the hostel at the same time as 3 other girls from Canada, so we walked around a bit and went for breakfast. (Flights arriving at 6:30am are so not cool.) After that I headed off the BSI to make sure my tickets were confirmed for Ishestar (horseback riding) for the afternoon.
I was sad/impressed that I remember the layout of the city so well considering it’s been two years. I haven’t used a map once and have been parading about the place. I suppose it’s not THAT big, so I may be giving myself too much credit haha. I stopped by Hallgrímskirkja - the big church that’s made to look like a volcano. This year they weren’t doing any contruction on it, so I got a
Iceland's flag
It's everywhere today. few nice shots.
I spent the rest of my morning wandering around my favourite haunts from last time - namely the downtown core, around Tjornin (the big pond) with a kajillion ducks. There were a bunch of ducklings this time - so cute!
On my walk down the main street, the Prime Minister’s motorcade passed me by. He has a cool vintage car… much better than the black SUV’s politicians back home tend to ride in. As I wandered around the old town, I saw a bunch of people congregating along with, what I assume could honestly be, more than half the country’s SWAT team haha. Securityyyyy.
Since it’s “Independence Day” the PM was giving a speech, so there was all the show to go along with it. I watched for a bit and got stuck in the middle of the crowd. So. Much. Blonde. Hair. I wriggled my way out after two Icelandic speeches (only so much I could take) and wandered around the “fair grounds” - full of hot dog stands (they lovvvvve their "pylsur" here), candy floss, rides for the kiddies, etc.
After much running around, I finally found the pick-up spot for
HallgrÃmskirkja
HallgrÃmskirkja Church with the statue of Leif Eriksson Ishestar and off we went. Horseback riding was once again a BLAST. I love it… and I’m glad my back didn’t disagree with it. I had Henla the horse this time - much better Icelandic name than Monica haha. We had a nice small group, only 3 of us. We rode for 2.5 hrs through some mossy lava fields, up and down some big rolling hills and through muddy fields. I love the sense of freedom you feel while riding… I might go again in Estonia, we’ll see.
Back in Reykjavik, I listened to the big downtown concert for a bit. (It was like… bubble-gum-pop-Icelandic-style haha) before I tried to get back to the hostel. I’m staying on the main street which probably wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had haha. It’s like Canada Day on Rideau Street over here - so, not only is it packed, it’s loud. It sure is fun though!
I’ve met everyone else in my room now - one from New Hampshire, one from Lisbon, Portugal and one from a small German town. I should keep a tally of where everyone is from that I meet - it would be funny to see
Duckies
Mama Duck with her babies at the end.
I'm on my way downstairs - there's an "Iceland Quiz" about to start.
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Irene
non-member comment
Glad you're there
I'm impressed that Iceland threw a huge party in honour of your arrival! I must say, you look very much at home on a horse (no, we can't get a pony in the apartment). Have fun!