8-18 and 19

 

Megan dropped us at the Chattanooga Airport Friday AM – on time to Chicago, had to swap planes in Chicago (the cargo door had an issue) left an hour late to Toronto.  We had plenty of time – but were not prepared for the 10 mile hike from the plane, thru customs, over to a different terminal (via train) and then another 2 mile hike to the gate and the First Class Lounge.  (A little exaggeration there, but really Shirley said ~ 4000 steps!). [PRO-TIP: do not travel internationally through Toronto.) We left for Iceland on time and arrived on time.

 

 

                                            Shirley in seat 1A on our way to Reykjavik

 

To get from the airport to Downtown Reykjavik during “Culture Weekend” was interesting.  We took a big bus to the main bus terminal (45 minutes) then a little bus to within an 8-minute walk to our hotel.  The Marathon was in full swing.  The staff at the Hotel Konsulat were extremely helpful and our room was ready at 11:30. They recommended lunch Apotek a few blocks away.  (Everything is close in Reykjavik, so walking is preferred especially after a day on the plane.). Paul had smoked Arctic Char served on a brick of Himalayan salt and Shirley had a Plaice – pan fried fish reminiscent of sunfish. And the desserts were amazing.

 

Then off to the Lava show – a 22-minute walk – we went.  This 55-minute presentation was extremely informative. We got the premium package and so got a backstage pass exposing how they made the lava and Paul got to wear the lava suit   

 

 

                                                        

                                                        Paul in the lava suit (really)

 

We bought a n Acrylic picture of some lava flows by artist Iurie Belegurschi – They had a few galleries downtown, but we didn’t know that then.  Check them out here www.iuriefineart.com.    

 

After the Lava Show we strolled back to the hotel and freshened up.  Then off on a walking tour to the giant Church on the hill via the rainbow street.  The festival was going strong.  Someone remarked about the weather (it was 60 and sunny) – he said we have this nice weather 5 days a year .  Near the statue of Lief Erikson is a local restaurant recommended by our niece Natalie – the Loki Café where we ate local.  Mashed fish on rye, smoked something with cottage cheese on rye and cold cuts.  (They also served a taste of the pickled/fermented (?) shark that was so famous, but we took Natalie’s husband Levi’s sage advice and eschewed the experience.)

Finally we moseyed back to the hotel, had a glass of wine at the bar, then got on the Internet to blog.  Got to get ready for tomorrow and the Golden Circle.