Moving day.
Today we move from the Loft Hostel, in the heart of Reykjavik, to the City Hostel, just outside of downtown. I'm excited, this place has a very relaxed atmosphere, and feels like home. We stayed here in December, to kick off our Arctic Expedition.
Probably the best part of the move is, we are right next door to the pool!
And, what's that right next to the pool?
There is no doubt in my, or any Icelanders mind, Iceland has the best hot dogs on the planet. Have I said that before? But, there is much debate over which vendor makes the best hot dog in Iceland. According to the citizens I interviewed, there is an even split between the stand at the harbor, and this one. We had our first "pylsa" at the harbor, this trip. While excellent, I have to stand with the folks who claim Pylsuvagninn Laugardal is the best on the island, at least, of the 4 places I've tried.
Our first order of business, have a soak. Jules got permission to take some discreet pictures.
Somehow she even convinced a lifeguard to take a picture of us in the 42 degree pool.
New soaking pic for our collection.
Next order of business was getting the group together for lunch, and planning our day.
We opted to meet at a restaurant situated near our hostel. Right behind our place is a great campground. Behind that, is the Botanical Gardens, and the restaurant is attached to this garden.
Looking out the back of the hostel, a group of schoolkids on their way to swim lessons. Everyone in Iceland is required to start swim lessons around 6 or 7 years of age, and continue through grade school, as part of the curriculum.
Ashley helps us find our way.
Look what I found.
Actually, I wish we had a serious picture of this sculpture. I find her breathtaking. But, we were hungry, and in a silly mood. Plus, in my head, I'm 12.
Found it!
Too cool!
A restaurant, in a greenhouse, with a koi pond.
Beetroot paté
Pulled pork sandwich
Smoked salmon quiche
Garden soup
Spinach and goat cheese salad
Chicken salad
Happy folks
This is where we say goodbye to Josefine and Johanna. They catch an afternoon flight to Canada, to start their Great American Road Trip.
We love you girls! See you in California, for Thanksgiving!
It always makes Julie so sad to say goodbye. We set out on a mission to cheer her up.
How could this not work? I even offered her a turn...
Then it hit me, I consulted the group, and we all agreed.
We needed healing waters, STAT! and perhaps, some alcohol.
Even looking at it is soothing.
Lots of activity at the swim-up bar. Everyone drinking everything from champagne, to beer, to custom smoothies. How come nobody ever has to pee?
View from the lounge area.
There, that's better sweetie.
Yup, nailed it.
We convinced, without any trouble, the rest of our party to have an in-water massage. They were quite pleased. We warned them what they were in for. A beautiful Viking calls your name, then escorts you to a quiet area. He speaks in soothing tones as he places you on a floating mat. Then he covers you with a warm towel, and reaches in between the raft and you, massaging you, as you float weightless and serene.
Dang! now I want one.
Sally claims it was the best thing that ever happened to her. She wanted to know if she could bring the big blonde guy home, and was willing to get a pool and keep it warm enough for him to live in.
I told her, "It's hard enough for us to get up and go to work each day, we don't need that distraction just down the street."
All pruned up, and noodled out, there was only one thing to do...
Dinner at the Lava Room.
Looks uncomfortably like an ad from the 70's for a "personal massager".
Decisions decisions...
Sally just asked about bringing home the Viking.
EVERY
SINGLE
BITE
WAS
PERFECTION
We just managed to catch the last bus home. Everyone went straight to bed, and fell fast asleep.
