Reykjavik …….again

Reykjavik, on the southwestern coast of Iceland. It is the country’s capital and largest city. The first Vikings that arrived must have marvelled at the sloping land and possibilities after rowing from Norway.Of the approximately 400,000 people living in Iceland, at least two fifths( 160,000) settle in the capital. Now I know we dragged you here in 2016 but it like us has aged and matured. (I’m working on it).  Apartment buildings and parks have sprung up and the industrial areas have expanded.

In fact it was only the streetscape of the old  city and layout of the shopping precinct that seemed familiar.

 

   

   

 

 

 

Your favourite cafe is still there!    
Cats still rule. You need a permit to have a dog.   

   This spoilt cat has the run of the souvenir shop.

 

 

 

Do you remember struggling up the hill overlooking the old city to see that domed building? When we puffed our way there, we found it was a hot water storage tank that was being converted. Now it has a proper name, Perlan , and has a volcanic movie and two small museums inside.

There is also an observation deck so you can have a 360 degree view of the city. 

  The electric light works by hot water moving through the dark metal and the difference in air temperature.

Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the skyline from anywhere in the city. Certainly a striking concrete building that is used as a church and as a concert hall. The seat backs can be turned to face the altar or back to the organ.     

     

   

An impressive statue of the Viking who made the first permanent Norse settlement stands in front of the church.    

Inuits  we’re in the area but there is no indication of what happened or where they went. Assimilated?

 

 

 

There is the original cathedral near the Parliament building  and the East plains( a rather large park where the first farm was situated.)

Naturally  I drove you crazy photographing random statues, murals or anything interesting…..to me of course,
 

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s walk down to my favourite sculpture, Sun Voyager then a hop skip and jump to the Harpan ( convention centre) to get the shuttle back to the ship. It looks like the rain is coming.