Myvatn

Today we left Reykjavik.




We got a plane to Akureyri. A small town, which reminded us of Ronneby. We had a quick explore and some lunch before we headed off in our hired car.



Along the way we stopped at Godafoss. A much smaller waterfall then yesterday's Gullfoss, but far more beautiful and photogenic. Probably because it was more accessible and less tourists. We had a fun time playing around there though.



Our target for the day was Reykjahlid by the lake Myvatn. Where we are going to stay for three days.

The drive was absolutely fantastic. Up and down, through the valleys, along some lakes. And all around us are flat topped volcanos. All more or less at the same height. Looks like someone has cut off the peaks with a big manchete.

As we got closer to Myvatn the grassy/heather (ljung) landscape changed into broken up black rocks.



We managed to arrive just in time for dinner. As it is a tiny village it was an easy choice to eat at the hotel. We couldn't have made a better call.

The food was absolutely fantastic. I started with smoked trout on black lava bread, followed by arctic charr with a lemon butter sauce. Absolutely yummy! Hubby went for the mushroom soup followed by lamb fillets.

After dinner we joined the locals in their thermal-heated swimming pool for some relaxation before bedtime. All in all a perfect birthday!

Golden circle

Today we have continued in our touristic tracks and completed the golden circle. We thought we save hubby from driving today and had booked us a tour with Go travel Iceland.



Jens took us in his minibus first to Pengvellir national park. This is the site of the world's first parliament that met outdoors, beginning 930 AD and continued until 1798.

It is also where the tetonic plates north America and Eurasia meet. Or rather float apart causing a big rift valley and Iceland largest natural lake.

Next stop was Geysir. Unfortunately Geysir is dormant so we had to make do with its smaller sister. She was rather impressive too, erupting water as high as 20 meter every 7-10 minute. No iPhone photo of this though. It was hard enough to try to capture it with the proper camera.






Third stop was Gullfoss waterfall. Massive waterfall split into two levels. Also managed to get some lunch here. Traditional lamb soup, which reminded me very much of grandma's meat soup. Only they didn't have any klimp...


Time to return back to Reykjavik. On the way back we stopped at Kerid, a waterfilled volcanic crater. Great acoustics which apparently has catered for a live concert with Björk.

Lastly we popped in at a geothermal plant that produces electricity and heating by deep drillholes. All very facinating and completely suistainable.

Back at the hotel and it's time to make plans for the evening. Tomorrow we are off to Myvatn.

Exploration of Reykjavik

Yesterday we explored Reykjavik on foot. It is a smallish city, easy to walk everywhere.


We started by getting to the top of Hallgrimskirkja to admire the view.


After that we walked down to the sea. It was a bit windy and cold there so we walked back up to town where it was nice and sheltered.

It was a nice and sunny day and all the icelanders were out enjoying it. It was also end of terms (skolavslutning) so all the kids were celebrating their last day in school before summer with games and a parade.


By the way, these photos were all taken about 11 o'clock at night when we were on our way back to the hotel from our dinner. Midnight sun is a great thing!

Summer dessert

Summer is here! Had at least 23 degrees today! Obviously that meant a BBQ and eating outside.

We BBQd beautiful chicken satay (grillspett) from the local butcher. I couldn't decide which flavour I wanted so I got one each: BBQ, Chinese and Tikka. They were all very nice, even though they didn't entirely match. They were also beautifully cooked. Just perfectly cooked, still moist and no burnt bits! I might add slightly self-congratulatory that it was I who cooked them :-)

Anyway, as it is summer it is time for Eton mess as dessert. If you haven't had it yet, you should definately try it! Just whip some cream. Mix it with crumbled merengue and fold down some lovely berries. Couldn't be easier. That is probably why they call it Eton mess; couldn't expect those kids to be able to do more advance cooking without their personal chef...

Buddleia in the sunshine

Got downstairs the other morning and found this fantastic light in the music room. Had to take a quick snap before rushing to work.

Buddleia

The wallsticker for the music room arrived today, hurray. After a little bit of battle we managed to stick it onto the chimney breast. It looks all very pretty now!

My first elephant

I've just spotted my first elephant in London.



This one I found in Hays gallery close to London bridge. The elephant is one of 250 elephants forming the London elephant parade. http://elephantparadelondon.org/index.html

I'll have until July to spot some more. Have you seen any?