Iceland

Iceland was an incredible country to visit. It is striking from the start, landing in a field of volcanic rocks in Keflavik. The airport itself is James Bond-like (in terms of the architecture and dress and mannerisms of the flight attendants). Then on to the bus ride to Reykjavik you pass through this incredible barren landscape of lava fields. (But my photos of this landscape are all horrible, because I was in a moving bus and it was raining.)

Reykjavik is right on the water, and is surprisingly small as a European capital (the entire country only has 300,000 people).

Along the waterfront: An homage to the Vikings.


Coming off a redeye, I needed to start my day with something highly active. Even in the cold and rain (temperature 10-12 degrees C with a constant drizzle). I took a boat out to Videy Island for a very pleasant hike.




I particularly enjoyed the tidal pools in volcanic rock at lock tide.




I found myself singing, "The hills are alive...with the sound of minimalist art."

After a red-eye, a pick-me-up was needed, and the kaffi latte at Kaffitat, on Laugavegur, provided.

The Blue Lagoon - one of the most bizarre and incredible places I have ever been. Set in volcanic rock, geothermally heated, silt-filled water that is incredibly smooth on the skin. A very pleasant 2 hours here, even in the rain.


After a fine Icelandic dinner of seafood stew (***) and bacalao at Ristorante Caruso, I was entertained by the Icelandic locals at a local pub. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the post-dinner evening was an acoustic (!) cover band that apparently really enjoyed Bon Jovi - as did the crowd! Icelanders belting out Bon Jovi (played acoustically, I remind you) and other American standards provided the perfect ending to a wonderful day of sampling Iceland.

Note: Iceland is the same distance from New York as Los Angeles is - I definitely plan future trips to more fully explore all aspects of the country! Like the American west (combining aspects of Wyoming, California, and Alaska), but with fewer people - and just as close (well, much closer than Alaska)!