A Day in Reykjavik

Having been to Iceland (and particularly Reykjavik) recently, and since it is a pretty small city, there wasn’t a lot we judged we needed to see or do.  So, we were happy to take it mostly easy today.  We had a nice sleep in, breakfast, and then off to church.

Good Morning Reykjavik!

Mass was in a mix of Icelandic and English, with the prayers being mostly in Icelandic, but some of the Readings and Homily in English (convenient).  They had a guide that gave the prayers in four languages, which was actually very helpful!

After Mass, they had “coffee” and this sweet little nun chatted us up and then invited us to join.  We stood for almost a minute waiting on an apparent line at a table with far more than coffee (various cakes, fruits, etc), and she suddenly tells this group of teenage girls to “Move along!  Move along!” and they immediately scampered off.  We looked back a little surprised and she smiled and said, “Oh, it’s OK, they’re my girls!”.  The young girls got out of the way and then circled back to stand in the way again, which was a little funny.  Judging we needed to be social, we sat down at a table with a man sitting alone.  He was a crane operator from Portugal, with limited (but adequate) English.  We talked about his family, his work, and then politics, during which he shared his opinions on our current and previous Presidents.  It is often interesting to hear foreigners talk about US politics.  It is fascinating how much they know and care about OUR politics when we can’t even name one person in their political landscape.

"McDonald's" (sort of)(not really)

After all of that, we headed to lunch.  In the morning, Theresa was struck with inspiration for lunch…Metro Burger!!  There are no McDonalds in all of Iceland, but the singular one that they used to have was converted into Metro Burger when McDonalds pulled out of Iceland, with a similar menu.  Similar, but not the same, and with prices that explain why they were not busy!  But we got a simple burger with fries and a drink for a mere $14, and shared it pretending it was McD.

Yikes!!  Yes that's a Family Order
for 7300 Kroner, or $60!

Pepsi?  Unacceptable!!

Good bye to our tiny little car!

We then returned the car and walked to the national cathedral.  We had visited it last year, but it was closed due to the impending installation of their new Bishop.  This time Theresa checked on line to assure when their schedule had services or not, and we headed during an open time…but fun fact…no.  They had a 2PM service not published on line.  So, we got tickets to the tower, and checked that out.  Afterwards, we loitered briefly, and then started for home.  It was a robust 37 minute walk with a mix of up and down hills, and periodic pretty glimpses of the scenic waterfront and mountain. 

The cathedral...note the clocks...

View from the Cathedral bell tower.

Colors.

You can ring my Belllll!!!

Behind the Times!

Jurassic Park??

Day Drinking!

Once home and cooled off, we popped open a bottle of red wine, gifted to us from the work trip Bill was on.  It was a nice red, with good balance and palette—well suited to day drinking while watching some 90’s vintage pirate movie on TV (Cutthroat Island).

Dinner!

We wrapped up with dinner in the lounge and some lengthy conversations with one of our future cruise mates.  Ready for the beginning of the new adventure tomorrow!