Whatever Floats My Boat: May 13, 2018

Although the cruise is just about halfway over, I think Iceland--and specifically Reykjavik--is the highlight. Our excursion today was a guided tour of the world's northernmost capital.

On the way to docking at Reykjavik

The first stop was Hofdi House. This was where Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 to discuss disarmament and that meeting is now considered the beginning of the end of the Cold War between the US and USSR. The house is owned by the city of Reykjavik and is used for official receptions. You can't go inside, but it is a popular stop for tour groups.

Hofdi House

Next up was the National Museum of Iceland, or Þjóðminjasafn Íslands, This was (I thought) a neat place that showed exhibits of the history of Iceland from its settlement in the 9th Century to the present day.

Icelandic Sailing Ship

Arbaer Open Open Air Museum was next. This was an area just outside of town that recreated several types of homes and other buildings that were in danger of being lost due to decay or development. We were escorted by a guide in period dress who explained the history and lives of the farmers and fisherman who lived in these places.

Flag of Iceland

Farmhouse Bedroom

One of the things I noticed as we came in to the port was a silver dome in the middle of town. It turns out that it was part of this city tour, the Perlan Museum. There is a lot here about glaciers and other natural exhibits, but the main attraction is the view at the top.

Museum Entrance. Most buildings here are modernistic.

View from the top

Sea bird exhibit inside. Impressive display of bird crap.

The last stop on our official tour was Hallgrimskirkja. It's a Lutheran church--the largest church in Iceland and also one of the tallest buildings on the country. Named after Hallgrímur Pétursson (an Icelandic poet and clergyman), the construction of the church began in 1945 and ended in 1946. There is also a statue of Leif Erickson outside, a gift from the US in 1930 to honor the 1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament, the Althing.

Outside the church.

After this last stop, the bus left us (and maybe two others) off in downtown Reykjavik. This is what made it (IMHO) the best part of the trip. We walked around town, took pictures, ate in a Scandinavian restaurant, shopped in a local grocery store and the Hard Rock Cafe, and then came back to the ship in our own time. I also crossed an item off my bucket list (it's a strange list).