As mentioned yesterday (2-JUL) we are now back in Reykjavik. We still had the car for a day so we decided to head south toward the airport and the Blue Lagoon – about 30-40 km south of Reykjavik. So, we got on out of town and down to the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is a warm (100 deg) springs that have been turned into quite an operation, dining, lounge, hotel and of course swimming in the lagoon. Supposed to have therapeutic value, so you go swimming in this milky looking water. A VERY large area with the pool cut from the surrounding lava beds – see photo. We were thinking about going in but when the cost was $45 for the standard package – not going to happen in our lifetime! We could have paid $70 and been given a bathrobe and slippers to use and the pricing went up from there.
So went on to a little town (3,000 or so) which is supposed to be the largest fishery in Iceland – Grindvik. Drove about town and then back to Reykjavik to see the Perlan (The Pearl).
Is a restaurant (rotating) on a hill on top of the water supply tanks for Reykjavik and is supposed to be one of the top 10 rotating restaurants in the world. Bill Clinton, Hillary as well, have eaten here. We did not go up to the rotating portion but had lunch below. You can go outside and walk around the structure and get a great view of the surrounding area.
So we are now done with the car. I went and turned it in then later we went downtown to just look around.
You must realize that today was a playoff for Euro2016 and Iceland made it to the Elite 8 by beating England a week ago. So today they played France – in Paris. Reykjavik was seriously turned out for this event. People all wearing their team jersey or national colors, Icelandic flags printed/painted on their cheeks, really hyped up. The city mounted a big screen projection system at THE main city park shut the main streets down around the park and they were jammed in. Brought blankets, food, ‘adult’ beverages – the whole nine yards to watch the game. Of course, once the game started all were standing. Heck. Patricia, yes Patricia Cooper, was even on their national television!!!!! Her day-glow (almost) orange jacket stood out in the background when the TV cameras pointed her way.
So we went to get a bite then back in time for the start of the game and watched it for about 15 minutes. We’re going to be standing for 1.5 hours so we went to the hotel. Unfortunately, Iceland lost to France 5-2. Oh well. But these people really love their soccer. This was cool to be here for this event. Iceland had never gone beyond the second round before and here they were in the fifth round (the Elite 8) so it was/is a big deal for Iceland. Certainly, Mary Ellen and Susan can understand the hype about this game and I can assure you it is vastly more than our meager outpourings for the Super Bowl. This is national pride and bragging rights for the next few years until the next Euro games or the World Cup.
That is it for today and now that we are in Reykjavik and doing the traditional tourist things, museums, cultural centers, etc. these comments will shrink and probably just every other day.
Additional Information
Take a leisurely drive to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in an otherworldly setting in the middle of a recently formed lava field. Filled with mineral rich warm water, the Blue Lagoon provides a sensational bathing experience out in the open air all year round. Apply some silica mud to rejuvenate and soften your skin or get a relaxing message. Dine at the Lava Restaurant or the Blue Lagoon Café before dropping off the car in Reykjavik.
Highlights:
The Blue Lagoon
Photos